Page 31 of You're All I Need

“Christian, remember what I said about repeating the stuff you hear from Uncle Caden?” Jack chastises.

His son nods. “Yep. You said he’s got a potty mouth.”

“He does, and we don’t repeat everything we hear him say,” Jack states.

A slap raps across the back of my skull. “Nice one, dickwad,” Stevie mutters so little ears can’t hear.

I lean back, my eyes trailing the ball on the court. “It was the nicest I could come up with.”

She gently knees me in the middle of my back.

“Butt in his gut!” Adrienne hollers. “Box out!”

“You know basketball, Adrienne?” Gianna asks.

“I do. Used to play in high school. My nickname was Ice, because I was cold as ice on the court. I currently hold the single season three-point record, as well as the four-year career record at my high school.”

“Cool,” Gianna sings. “I might try basketball in junior high. Dad, do you think I could try basketball?”

Jack smiles at his daughter. “If you want, sure.”

My attention turns back to the court, as Joshua shoots a three-pointer and sinks it. “Great shot!” I holler, clapping for my nephew.

“I like her. You should bring her to the wedding.”

I turn to face Gram, who’s watching me intently with a knowing grin. “Excuse me?” Dread fills my gut.

“The beautiful girl behind us. She would look great on your arm and she’s spicy. I like that.” Since Gram doesn’t know how to talk quietly, everyone around us hears.

“You’re going to the wedding?” Scarlet asks, the surprise very evident in her voice.

I take a deep breath and shake my head. “Apparently,” I mumble.

“Why?” my sister asks, clearly needing an explanation. Not that I blame her. My sister was hurt and upset when the news broke my pregnant fiancée had cheated, and the baby wasn’t mine. Scarlet and Dawn were friends on top of it, which made the betrayal that much more difficult for her.

“Because I asked him to,” Gram announces. “I want all of my grandkids to be there with me.”

“But Gram, surely there’s another way to get everyone together, like breakfast the next day or something?” she offers.

“That won’t work. They’re leaving on their honeymoon bright and early. And Caden has already agreed,” Gram boasts, offering me a small smile, all while my head is filled with dread and my heart is trying to claw out of my chest. Like I told Gram, I’m over her and what happened, but that doesn’t mean I want to hang out and pretend to be happy for them.

I turn back and flash my sister my best smile. “It’ll be fine. They’ll probably be more uncomfortable than I will be,” I insist with a shrug. I can feel Adrienne’s questioning eyes on me, but I keep mine locked on Scarlet.

“If you say so,” she mutters. “The only reason I’m going is because Gram asked.”

“And we’ll all have a great time together,” Gram maintains. “The misfits corner!” Then, she turns to Adrienne, and, before I can stop her, asks, “Do you have plans Saturday night? My grandson needs a date.”

“Gram!” I holler, finally letting my eyes settle on Adrienne. “Please forgive her. I’d like to say her filter is just broken in her old age, but she’s always been like this. I’ve been told that’s where I get it from.”

Adrienne smiles and wraps the braid in a ponytail holder, securing it into place. “I have no plans Saturday night,” she confirms to Gram, cutting me out of the conversation.

“Excellent. You are just what we need. I don’t want my grandson to look like a single loser.” Turning to me, she pats my arm tenderly and adds, “Not that you’re a loser, honey.”

“Thanks,” I grumble, making everyone chuckle.

“She’s so much prettier than any of my church friends’ granddaughters I was going to ask.”

I glance back to Adrienne. “She is.”

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