Page 42 of Dubious Match
“Us too,” Patrick says. “That concludes our meeting, everyone. Time to head home.”
As I stand, I watch as Adira winces as she stands. Her fingers move over her phone screen as she sways from side to side, probably in an attempt to get her blood flowing to her legs. God, she’s a serious trooper.
Walking over to my grandfather, I grin as he stands and opens his arms wide for a hug. He smells like peppermint and old books. The combination shouldn’t be as familiar and pleasing as it is, but he’s one of my anchors.
“When did you get so grown up?” He chuckles as he says it, speaking more about how quickly time seems to pass by. His hair is peppered with more silver than I remember, and I remind myself that I need to make more of an effort to spend time with him. “You should be proud of the way you move through the world, Hollis. The reason people pay attention to you when you speak is due to your energy. It’s like the very universe knows you’re about to say something important.”
And this is why my grandfather is my favorite family member. He truly believes my existence is a gift. I’d say that everyone’s grandparents say the same thing, but since I know too much about the human condition, that’s not true.
“Can I walk you out?” I ask, stepping back.
“Yes, I would love that,” he says. “My driver is outside. It’s been hours already. Everyone is so long winded here.”
My smile is wide as he whispers to me. He folds my arm around his as we walk, and our conversation is easy and happy.
“Your grandmother wants to see you,” he says as we walk outside.
It’s getting dark now, and the wind cuts through my clothes as if I’m not wearing a damn thing.
“You should also be wearing a coat,” he admonishes.
Ugh, don’t I know it.
“I’ll come over as soon as this event is over,” I promise. “I just don’t want to see my parents.”
“I would never let your grandmother surprise you like that,” he promises.
Evan is parked next to my grandfather’s vehicle, so I say goodbye and slide into the car as Evan holds the door open.
I’m shivering, and Cian simply turns up the heat without a word. Somehow, he beat me to the car.
“You need a caretaker,” he sighs. “Please tell me you’ve been grocery shopping this week.”
Thinking, I bite my lip. Since it’s Monday, that was something I still need to do.
“Not yet. Today is grocery day,” I explain.
“Then, the least I can do is feed you,” he decides. “Pizza, Italian, or burgers? Honestly, whatever you want is on the table.”
Cian really is the best. It makes me crazy that he won’t let me get my matchmaking hands on him.
“Al Dente Trattoria has the best linguine alle vongole," I gush, grinning.
“Evan—”
“Already on it, sir,” Evan murmurs. “Great choice, Hollis.”
Not a bad Monday after all.
Nine
MALCOLM
My hand wracks through my red hair, and I know this is why it typically either appears as if I stuck my finger in a light socket or looks as if I’ve been face fucked.
I promise, I have done neither, though I’m so nervous I’m about to ask someone to put me out of my misery. It’s been two weeks since Brice went over to see Hollis, and we haven’t had a chance to ask her out. I’m well aware that she’s slammed, but the girl has to eat.
Picking up my cell phone, I throw caution to the wind and call her. I know Mondays are manic for everyone, but maybe I’ll get lucky.
