Page 65 of Stella
So that’s how I leave things. Like a goddamn coward, I say nothing, knowing that I’ve never felt like more of a dick than I do right at this very moment.
Grandpa stretches out in his chair after dinner. “Never could say no to your grandma’s dumplings.” He grins.
“Tell me about it.” I pat my stomach. “You know I have withdrawals from these damn things.”
“That means you need to visit more,” Grandma chastises. “You work too hard, Cale. I can see how tired you are in your eyes.” She’s also been saying that since I was a teenager.
My grandparents moved to a quieter part of Louisiana some years ago. I like visiting because I get out of the city, and I get a chance to think. Not that it’s always a good thing to be left with my own thoughts or devices, but here we are.
Calli lies on the floor, snoring. She has no problem switching off from police mode the second we’re off duty, and my grandparents adore her.
“I know, I know, you keep telling me,” I remind her. “Just know I live for these home-cooked meals.”
She rolls her eyes. “I dread to think what you’re feeding yourself.”
“Hey, I can cook. You taught me, remember?”
“I remember, it’s whether you really put any of that into practice,” she grumbles.
“Leave the boy alone,” Grandpa complains. “He’ll never come visit if you’re on his back the entire time.”
I laugh. “No fear of that. You won’t be getting rid of me anytime soon.”
Grandpa pours the tea as Grandma asks. “How are things going with that fancy new promotion?”
I nod. “Good, not enough hours in the day, but that’s normal.”
They’re both so proud of me, and tell me often. I know I wouldn’t be half the man I am today without their love and guidance. It’s something I’m grateful for every single day. They were encouraging when I first wanted to join the academy, and I worked hard to pay for it so they didn’t have to worry themselves. I’m glad I did them proud.
Deep down I’ve always wanted to make them think I was more than just a mistake that my mom dumped on them, that their guidance and support has meant so much to me. They’re the only family I have.
“No more office talk,” Grandpa grumbles. “You came here to get away from all of that. If you’d like, we could play a round of golf later, it’s a fine enough day.”
I smile. “I’d like that, Grandpa.”
I don’t enjoy golf like he does, but it brings him happiness when we get to hang out together, and that’s what matters. Plus, it gets him out of Gran’s hair for half a day, and that’s gotta be a win all round.
Grandma eyes me quizzically as Grandpa takes off to get his golf clubs ready.
“Everything okay, sweetheart?” she asks when we’re alone.
I nod. “Everything’s fine.”
“You never were a very good liar.”
I glance at her, surprised. “Just a lot going on at work.”
“So nothing to do with a female?”
She may be seventy-five years old, but she’s still with it.
I rub my chin. “You really wanna hear about my love life, or lack thereof?”
She smiles softly. “You have that look about you; same as your grandpa when he couldn’t decide whether to ask me out or not for the first time.”
“It kinda is something similar to that, but this is a girl I can’t have.”
“Please don’t tell me she’s in jail.”
