Page 45 of Never Always
His smirk is electric and it reminds me of being naked and alone with him. “No.”
“Remember that.”
I glance behind his shoulder. “Everyone is staring, but trying to look like they’re not paying attention.”
“You don’t say.” He releases me and peers over his shoulder and then looks at me. “Ready to eat? Rexy is checking on the turkey in the fryer out back.”
I nod. “Don’t worry,” I say.
“About what?”
“Everyone loves you.” I hope he picks up on what I’m trying to tell him, and the way his eyes open a little more, let’s me know I’ve at least put the bug in his brain. I lay my hands on his biceps. “Your muscles are so big no one would say otherwise.”
The grin falls from his face. Grange kisses me on the top of my head. “Get everyone in the dining room.”
I agree, and he joins his friend in the backyard. Getting everyone into their seats is easy, they’re hungry. This is a room Sierra had a hand in. I can tell by the rustic charm and the light fixture. It screams Joanna Gaines in style. Everyone knows women go nuts over that aesthetic. I didn’t ask Grange, though. I couldn’t bear to hear his answer, and it makes me feel like a weak jerk admitting it to myself.
Mama kisses my cheek on the way to her seat that I have labeled with a little placard. “This is beautiful, darling. All of it. That man is crazy about you. I truly hope you’re minding your manners.”
A Southern mama’s job is to make sure her children are a reflection of themselves. It’s bad enough I’m an intellect without interest in a social life, but now that she’s had a taste of me doing what’s expected, she’s overreaching. “Sue-Ellen minding her manners too?” I hiss.
“She has that boyfriend of hers wrapped around her finger. He’s going to propose any day now, I guarantee it. Don’t bring your sister into it. She’s doing fine. It seems you are too.” Her eyes heavy with makeup flick to the sliding glass door leading to the backyard. “I was worried for you with the news, and then your father told me about his little scuffle and community service. He’s a dashing man, Tennyson. I think you’ve found yourself the one. Minding manners might look a little different for you if you want to lock him down.” A brash, course suggestion from the lips of a true lady.
Sue-Ellen overhears. “Mama!” she scolds. “It’s a new thing for Tennyson. Stop putting so much pressure on it.” Now everyone is in on our conversation. Mercer and Clover look at the three of us, and Maeve merely smiles and sips on her white wine.
“Let me be the first to tell everyone at this table, in the most subtle and appropriate way that I’m capable of, Grange is in love with Tennyson. He is like a heat-seeking missile except it’s not heat he’s seeking, it’s approval,” Maeve’s voice is firm, but her smile is wide. I turn bright red. My skin matches my hair. “Let’s just give him some credit.”
Clover claps. “I love, love!” She kisses Mercer on the cheek leaving a lipstick print. He doesn’t even try to wipe it off. “It makes me so happy.”
Mercer shakes his head. “I’m going outside to see if they need help.” He leaves, sliding the door closed, shaking his head at the group of us watching him leave, his smile knowing.
Sue-Ellen gasps, covering her mouth. “You did not tell me the extent of this thing with him, Tennyson. Do you love him?” She says love like it’s an illegal substance.
I’m too embarrassed to speak, all eyes on me, and the occasional glance to the door where the guys will come in with an oversized turkey at any second.
Maeve holds up her glass and taps it with a butter knife. “To being grateful.”
Reaching down, I manage to pick up my glass and clink with everyone, careful not to meet my daddy’s eyes. “To being grateful.”
“This is good news,” Mama says, patting me on the shoulder. “Your work is easier this way.”
“You’re so bad!” Sue-Ellen hisses at our mother. “Love isn’t work. You’re imposing your beliefs on her. She’s never been one to follow the societal norms. Leave her alone.” Daddy interrupts as we continue bickering as we sit. “They’re right, dear. Corrick is a fine man, and Tennyson should go about dating him however she’d like.” He says something about Sue-Ellen getting engaged soon. “Don’t want to pay for two weddings at the same time anyway.”
“Woah, woah, woah,” I exclaim before downing my glass of wine. “Keep the wedding talk out of dinner conversation, please. Sue-Ellen hasn’t mentioned a new boyfriend to me. Oh, the irony of that fact.” I shoot my sister an irritated expression. She wants every detail of my love life and she’s about to walk down the aisle and I haven’t met the dude.
Maeve laughs, and Clover leans over to say something into her ear. They’ve been friends for a while now, since Clover moved to Cape Cod. SEAL spouses and long-term SEAL girlfriends run in the same circle and tend to be close-knit and unwavering in their support for each other and the life they’ve chosen. I wonder if Clover could talk to Maeve about her insecurities about moving in with Rexy? Surely she’s felt what Maeve does at some point. I want to be in their conversation, I realize. I want to be a part of their secret elite club. I want all of it. I can do hard things. My whole life I’ve sought out things that others deem impossible or too difficult. Being with Grange and living inside this life won’t be any different.
Sue-Ellen, ignoring my jab about her boyfriend, whispers under her breath. “Is this serious? Between you and Grange?” My father is looking at me, presumably to determine my answer.
“I like him. A lot. It’s serious.” My answer is to my sister, but I meet my father’s gaze. He smiles warmly. He likes Corrick and approves of him. I can tell. It’s a relief and an annoyance. Only Grange could impress parents with a felony on his record. I let my gaze find my sister’s. “I’d appreciate it if you’d act as such.”Like, stop looking at my boyfriend.“Manners and all that.” I quirk up one brow.
“Of course,” Sue-Ellen says, clearing her throat. “I didn’t realize you guys were this far along. It happened fast, Tennyson. I’m happy for you. Be careful though.” She pats the collar of her dress down even though it’s perfectly starched. “Bad boys are hard to handle.”
I furrow my brow. “Who said anything about him being a bad boy?” Unfortunately, I’ve said it loud enough that everyone at the table heard my question as did the guys who just came in from the back yard and are standing at the door, turkey pan in Rexy’s hands.
“Who’s a bad boy?” Rexy says. “Someone need a spanking? A long time-out? A come to Jesus moment?” Tugging on my ear, I look down at the table to hide my blush.
Maeve stands and motions Rexy to the kitchen. “Now, don’t embarrass poor Grange. We all know what a naughty minx he is. Put the turkey right here. Who is going to carve it?”
