Page 78 of UnLucky Christmas
“Well, let’s meet him,” Dad demands.
“Dad, another time.”
“Bring him in.”
I glare at my brother who gives an innocent shrug. “I’ll go get him and Emme.”
What’s happening?
“Dad this isn’t a social event,” I say softly. “We should save the introductions for when you’re feeling up to it.”
“Whitney, these people have me on some good pain killers. This is probably the best time to meet him.”
I smile. “It makes me feel better knowing you still have your sense of humor.”
“I’m glad to hear it, kiddo.”
Just then Ben returns with Emme and Grant. He shoots me a confused look, and I point at my dad. Emme tells me Janelle went home as she enters the room. She gently pats Dad’s hand.
“It’s good to see you Emme.” He peers around her and eyes Grant, who’s lingering in the doorway looking like a deer in headlights.
“Come on in.”
Grant waltzes in with a level of confidence only he could possess in a moment like this. He towers over my father’s hospital bed.
“Mr. Cortland, I’m Grant Williams. It’s a pleasure, although I imagined this moment differently.”
Admittedly, my heart beats faster when he mentions meeting my father for the first time.
“Yes, I didn’t have a chance to get cleaned up,” Dad replies. “It was nice of you to come down here for the occasion.”
“Man, how tall are you?” Ben asks standing next to Grant. “I was telling my dad you could play football.”
I put my hand to my forehead while Emme gives me a sympathetic look.
“I played in college until I got injured,” he tells them. “My mother begged me to quit, so I hung up my cleats.”
“That’s unfortunate,” Ben says. “What position did you play?”
“I know this conversation is super important, but we should probably let Dad rest,” I interrupt.
“My sister can be bossy sometimes,” Ben declares.
“Yes, I’ve figured that out,” Grant agrees, the corner of his mouth curling up.
I shoot him a glare. He must really enjoy getting me fired up.
“She’s been like that since she was a little girl,” my dad mumbles.
“I think Whitney’s right,” Emme interjects. “You boys can chat about football later.”
“I’m glad to meet you, Grant,” Dad says. “Next time we can run a few routes.”
Grant’s face lights up, and he gives a nod. “I’d enjoy that. Feel better soon.”
He steps toward the door and waits while I give my dad a hug.
“I’m coming back to see you tomorrow.”
