Page 54 of Shift Change

“He’s told me great things about you too, Mrs. Madison.”

I offered my hand, but she rolled her eyes and batted it away. “None of that, sweetie. I’m Nana—or Mary, if you prefer—and Chuck’s friends get hugs.” Before I could blink, she pulled me into a hug so tight my ribs creaked. When she finally let go, she looked me up and down with a wide grin. “My word, you’re as solid as my grandson.”

I laughed. “Guess that’s why they keep us around.”

“I was thrilled to hear Chuck had made a friend so quickly. That’s not always easy to do.”

“How could I resist him? I need a goofy friend to make me laugh.”

She threw her head back and cackled. “I like you already. He makes me laugh too.”

He leaned over and kissed her cheek, then looked at me. “Didn’t I tell you she’s the best?”

“Come on in before you freeze your tails off,” she said. “I’ve got dinner going.”

Chuck grinned as he brushed his hand against mine. “You’ll be cooking all day tomorrow, Nana. We were planning to take you out.”

She scoffed. “Not when I have a perfectly good kitchen. Besides, I’m making your favorite.”

His face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. “No way. Pot roast?”

“What else?” She winked at me. “Hope you like pot roast, Nate.”

“My stomach’s already growling. I haven’t had a roast in a long time.”

Chuck’s eyes sparkled even in the meager light. “You’re in for a real treat, then. Nana’s the best cook in New York.”

“Silly boy. I hope you’re both hungry.”

“Born hungry.” Dog shot me a grin. “And Nate eats more than I do.”

“All right, then.” She went into the house, and Dog and I picked up our bags and followed.

I groaned as soon as we crossed the threshold. The place smelled like heaven, as long as heaven was made of nostalgia and smelled like beef and mashed potatoes. As I breathed it in, memories of Mom’s pot roast hit me. My throat closed as I tried not to think about the missing piece in my life.

“You all right?” Dog’s voice was low, soft enough that only I could hear.

I’d gotten teary, but when he brushed a hand against my arm, I couldn’t resist looking at him. His smile was a beacon, his brown eyes pure comfort.

I nodded. “The roast smells amazing. Reminded me of something.”

His smile wavered as his eyes grew cautious. “Good memories?”

“A little sad but nice.”

He squeezed my arm and called out, “Nana? Is it cool if Nate stays in my room?”

She came in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “Of course, but there’s not much space in there. I made the bed in the basement.”

“I’ll be fine,” I said, already dreading sleeping alone.

Dog shot me a look, and I could tell he was thinking the same thing. He turned back to Nana. “It’s one night. Remember how we used to do it when a buddy stayed over? Nate can have the bed, and I’ll use a sleeping bag.”

“As long as it works for you two, it’s fine with me. I’m putting together a little snack, so go get settled.”

“A little snack?” Dog glanced at me. “She’s probably making a meal, and then we’ll have dinner a second time.”

“Just a charcuterie board,” she said.

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