Page 94 of The Nicest Thing
I'd been writing on a deadline.
And I was struggling.
I didn't think I'd make it.
But then Finn just said—
"I told you to relax.Reminded you that you'd completed a ton of other books."
"I wouldn't say a ton," I put in.
"Relax, and let the words come.Those were my words.You moaned and said, 'Finn, you have the best hands in the universe.Don't stop.'And I didn't.You finished the book that night if I recall correctly."
My jaw was hanging by the time he stopped.
"You remember that?" I asked.
He gave a small shrug.
"Amazing."
"You wrote over 10,000 words in one night.Pretty sure that makes you the amazing one."
"You're good for my ego," I said.
"That's nice," he said."But I'd rather hear I'm good for you.Period."
That too, I thought.
Finn nudged my arm, and I nudged his back.
Grandma Rose sighed, and I looked over to find her staring at the two of us.Her expression was a hard one to pin down.Happiness was there for a sure, a little sappiness too, and a hint of sadness.If I had to put a name to it, I would've called her look wistful.
"Yaya?" I asked, laying a gentle hand on her arm."Are you okay?"
She shook her head and smiled."Yes, yes, don't worry about me.The way you two are together, it just brought me back.My mind went to your grandfather Eduardo, God rest his beautiful soul, and I got a little—what's the word?Ah, verklempt."
At that and the way she was looking at Finn, my throat grew tight.
"Finn O'Brien," she said.
"Yes, ma'am?" he replied.
Grandma Rose gave a curt nod as if she'd come to some decision."I like you."
Her voice was strong without a trace of indecision.
"You make my little Rose smile," she said."Keep doing that."
"The feeling is mutual, Mrs. Rodriguez," he said then looked to me."And I absolutely will."
In only a few minutes, Finn had won over my tough-as-nails grandmother.It was a mini miracle.But I knew she was a big believer in first impressions.Apparently, my best friend made a good one—which wasn't a surprise at all.
Unable to hold Finn's stare without blushing, I looked off and caught Grandma Rose discreetly wiping away a tear.
"Yaya, do you need something?Food maybe?" I asked.
Finn perked up at that."I'd be happy to go make you both a plate," he said."It smells delicious out here, and I've got one hand for each of you."
