Page 88 of Spotlight
“You don’t owe me any explanations. Your dating life is your own. And Flynn seems like a good kid.”
My stomach dips. “He is.”
“Then I’m glad, sweetheart. You deserve to be happy.”
“I was already happy. I have the best family and friends ever.”
“Then you deserve to have someone to share that with.”
I lean my head over onto his shoulder and breathe in his familiar spicy aftershave and minty gum. “I’m so lucky to have you as my grandpa.”
* * *
After the game, Grandpa takes me and Greer down to the field. Flynn spots us and a surprised smile stretches out on his face as he moves our way.
“Congrats on the game,” I say, stepping forward and hugging him. He’s warm and a little sweaty, but I feel a rush of pride when he wraps his arms around me.
“What are you doing down here?” he asks. “Never mind. However you got here, I’m not asking questions.”
Greer squeezes in between us, and Flynn reaches down and scoops her up. My stomach flutters as he grins at her.
“What’d you think?” he asks her.
She thinks for a moment, bringing her pointer finger to her chin. “Nice game. Slow start but you really pulled it together by the fourth inning.”
Flynn lets his head fall back and barks out a laugh.
“I made you a bracelet.” She holds it out to him.
“No way. For me?”
She nods with a proud smile on her face.
Flynn takes the bracelet and slides it onto his left wrist, then holds it out for inspection. “I love it. Thank you.”
He sets Greer down, still smiling at us, then his gaze moves to my grandpa.
“Did you meet Earl?” he asks me, then says in a loud whisper, “He’s my favorite staff member at the Mustangs.”
“I did.”
Grandpa and I share a knowing look.
“He’s my favorite staff member as well,” I say. “And my grandfather.”
Flynn’s mouth hangs open as he looks from me to Grandpa and back. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
His easy smile returns. “I guess it makes sense why he’s my favorite now.”
“I’m not quite as pretty as my granddaughter, but I’ll take credit for all the rest.” He winks at me.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Earl,” Flynn says. “You’ve still got it.”
Grandpa chuckles. “I better get to work.”
I step forward and hug him. “Thank you.”
