Page 97 of UnLucky Christmas
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
We finally arrive at Aunt Nita’s, and as expected Grant is the center of attention. Both my Aunt Marcella and Aunt Nita are practically drooling over him. My uncle Charlie puffs out his chest and asks him how much he benches. Seriously? I don’t think he’s seen a gym in at least thirty years.
My father is sitting on the couch and tries to stand up to greet us. I rush to his side and make him sit down. After yesterday’s events, seeing him like this is proving harder than I expected. It takes all my efforts to keep myself from bursting into tears, but I know he wouldn’t want that.
We all sit down and chat while Grant goes through another inquisition. The poor guy really has been put through the ringer these last few days. He’ll probably bury himself in work for the next week after all this socializing.
“How are you feeling?” I ask my dad.
“Almost as good as new.”
Hah, I’m not buying that for a second.
Ben and Emme arrive shortly after us. They spent last night and this morning with Emme’s family.
My brother and my cousins, Luke and Kyle, rescue Grant from all the questions and escape to the basement to play pool, darts, and table tennis. He gladly obliged, a look of relief on his face.
“Oh my, he’s smokin’ hot,” Aunt Marcella exclaims so loudly I’m sure he heard. “If only I were younger.”
“And he’s so polite and polished,” Aunt Nita adds while Uncle Charlie scowls.
“I like him,” Dad says. “As long as he makes my kiddo happy, then I’m happy.”
“How did yesterday go with your mother?” Aunt Nita asks. Emme and I exchange a glance.
“Don’t worry about me,” Dad chimes in. “I know your mother’s new friend was there.”
Aunt Marcella waves her hand. “We’re already looking out for our brother. Pam is joining us for dessert later.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Who’s Pam?”
“Our single friend who’s very pretty and funny and nice,” Aunt Marcella replies.
“I’ve told them I’m not ready for anything serious,” my dad says pointedly. “My sisters think they know what I need more than I do.”
“I actually met Grant through his sister,” I admit.
“Well, there you go,” Aunt Nita exclaims. “Being set up by someone you trust is a good thing.”
I explain that we didn’t get together because of Macy’s efforts. “She was initially trying to set me up with her husband’s best friend.”
“Ohhh, tell me more,” Aunt Nita demands. My aunts are all about the gossip. I’m surprised she doesn’t pop some popcorn to enjoy along with the story.
“Come in the kitchen while we get set up for dinner.”
They put Emme and I to work cutting vegetables and making the salad while I give them the details about how Grant and I ended up together.
The vibe is so different than yesterday—it’s easy and comfortable. I haven’t seen Grant since he went to the basement to hang with the guys, so I’m assuming he’s having fun.
“That man is enamored with you,” Aunt Marcella insists. “I could sense it from the second you walked through the door.”
My face gets hot.
“Oooh, just look at her blushing,” Aunt Nita gushes. “You’re so smitten—and we can understand why.”
I don’t deny it.
“I’m so happy for you, sweetie,” Aunt Nita says. “Now we just have to get your dad all fixed up.”
