Page 89 of UnLucky Christmas
I contemplate telling him I don’t care for salmon, but I manage to resist.
“Please don’t be rude,” she says, her voice low.
Ugh. We’re not off to a very good start. I need to suck it up and be a mature adult.
I move next to Grant, who puts his hand on my lower back.
“So, this is the salmon crostini, and here we have brie with figs, pistachios, and orange.” Bill says as he points to the small bites laid out on the trays. I must give him credit, the presentation is impressive. “And then we have some prosciutto wrapped figs over here.”
I pick up a small plate and add a sampling to it. “Thank you, it all looks very tasty.”
Bill continues talking, and I wander to the French doors and look out over the backyard. I have so many memories in this house, but today it feels like I’m just a visitor.
“Have you thought any more about getting on that plane?” Grant whispers, coming up beside me.
“Definitely.”
He chuckles. “A few more hours. You can do it.”
“Is it bad that I was hoping the food would be terrible?”
He shakes his head. “I was too. It’s obvious he’s just trying to impress you all.”
“Let’s sit down and chat before dinner,” my mom calls. “I want to get to know Grant.”
He smiles through his teeth as we head to the living room, and my mom begins a series of questions. Grant politely answers everything she asks.
“Where do your parents live?”
“They’ve both passed,” he replies calmly. “It’s just me and my sister, Macy.”
My mom touches her hands to her heart. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, you’re now a part of our family too,” she says, patting his hand.
“I appreciate that. I feel very welcomed.”
We chat for a little while longer until Mom and Bill go to the kitchen to get things set up for dinner.
I take advantage of the break and bring Grant upstairs to my old bedroom, which is now a guest room.
I let out an exasperated sigh as I fall backward on the bed. Grant sits down next to me.
“Are you having fun?” I ask.
A mischievous smile spreads across his face as he traces his finger along my cheek. “Well, you just brought me up to your bedroom, so it’s getting better.”
I laugh and prop myself up on my elbows.
“You handled the inquisition well.”
He gives a shrug. “Those were all standard questions.”
“Except when she squeezed your bicep and asked if you worked out a lot.”
He cringes. “Yes, Bill didn’t like that part.”
