Page 13 of Jack Raider

My heart sank so much for my excuse. I watched as Jenny climbed out of her car and shrugged, giving me a look that saidI had no choice.Jenny would never say no to Grandma, which meant I was officially going.

I sighed, resigning myself to my fate. “Let me get changed. Come inside and start the coffee—I need at least one cup before I leave the house.” If I had to go, I might as well make the best of it.

We laughed sohard on the Ferris wheel, but when it stopped at the top, the laughter died in my throat.

Mable, sitting in front with Jenny, looked like she’d seen a ghost. Her arms were clamped around Jenny’s neck in a death grip.

Uh-oh.

I kicked off my shoe and hurled it at the Ferris wheel operator, waving frantically at Mable. He caught on quickly and restarted the ride, bringing them safely to the ground. Jenny pried Mable off her, helping her wobble to a bench.

To make up for the trauma, we got two wheelchairs—one for Mable and one for Grandma. We pushed them everywhere, laughing the whole time, and ended the afternoon with a late lunch on the beach.

I turned to Grandma and wrapped my arms around her. “This was the best idea you’ve ever had. Thank you for making me come today.”

She patted my back. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I had a wonderful time as well.”

Mable sighed dramatically. “I feel the same way. But I will never—ever—ride a Ferris wheel again. Also, I’m glad you got your shoe back, Eloise.”

I chuckled and glanced between her and Grandma. They had best friends since fifth grade. Now, both are in their early eighties.

“We should take a trip to Frasier Mountain tomorrow and visit Nate. Just for a night. What do you think?” I said, looking at Grandma and Mable.

Grandma’s eyes lit up. “That’s an excellent idea. I miss him, and I’m not getting any younger.”

Mable beamed. “I’d love to tag along! Thank you for including me, Eloise.”

I squeezed her hand. “Mable, you’re family. Of course, you’re coming.”

Turning to Jenny, I asked, “Can you arrange for us to have two more days off?”

“I’m on it,” she said, pulling out her phone.

I exhaled, feeling something shift inside me. Today, I realized I needed to make more time for Grandma and Mable. The Ferris wheel incident had scared me. They wouldn’t be around forever.

Nate was going to be so shocked when we showed up unannounced. I debated calling him first so he could figure out where we’d stay. He was all about family, so he wouldn’t mind.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we headed home from the beach. “I’ll pick everyone up in the morning,” I announced. “There’s more room in my car; we all know I like to be the driver. It’s going to be a blast. I love you all so much.”

I swallowed against the lump in my throat. “I’m getting weepy. Sorry.”

Mable snorted. “That’s nothing new. You’ve always been weepy. You’d cry if someone stubbed their toe.”

I rolled my eyes. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

Grandma and Mable burst out laughing. “You have soft feelings,” Mable teased.

I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not, but she wasn’t wrong.

“You’re right. I wish I would’ve grown out of it.”

Mable smirked. “Well, you know what they say—no use crying over spilled milk. Or, in your case, maybe you can.”

Grandma and Mable laughed so hard they nearly cried.

“Hello?”Nate sounded out of breath when he picked up the phone.

“Hey, we’re coming for an overnight visit tomorrow, so plan something for Grandma and Mable. We went to the fair today, and it made me realize how old they’re getting. They don’t have much time left, and Grandma misses you. So please don’t yell at me.”

---