Page 34 of So Right
Damn.
Wednesdays were the only day Kelsey worked a full eight-hour shift at the pub, because the library was closed. It meant she was able to take a whopping half-hour lunch break, which had just started. She carried her favorite salad—and a Diet Coke—to the table in the corner.
George called out to her. “I see you remembered your drink for once.”
“I did, thanks, George.” She chuckled to herself as she sat down.
A few minutes later, she looked up, thinking she heard Gram’s voice. And she had—there she was, talking to George at the bar. They stood in profile, but Kelsey could see their expressions. They were both grinning, their eyes dancing in open flirtation. It would be disgusting if it wasn’t so adorable. Wow, had Gram just giggled?
At last, their heads turned as George nodded toward Kelsey. Gram gave him a last coquettish smile as she turned.
Kelsey sipped her Diet Coke and noticed Gram was carrying a brown paper bag with handles. “I see you and George are getting along famously.”
Gram blushed as she sat down opposite Kelsey. “Yes. He just asked me out.” Her eyes widened, and she giggled again. “I wasn’t sure what to say.”
Kelsey leaned forward. “Whatdidyou say?”
Gram shrugged. “I said yes. We’re going to the Oktoberfest on Saturday night. He says it’s quite the event.”
“It is. Great food, music, and, of course, beer. The Archers sponsor it.”
“Yes, Emily mentioned it this morning.” Gram gave her a pointed look. “That woman makes the best crockpot oatmeal.”
Kelsey let out a laugh. “Sounds like you’re fitting right in here.”
“Yes, in fact, I think I’m going to stay. Well, I guess I have to since I just accepted a job.”
Kelsey had picked up her fork and nearly dropped it into her salad. “You what? Why do you need a job?” She didn’t remember Gram working. Maybe ever.
“I realized I needed something to do when I was still living with your mother. I’m bored, dear. Maybe if you got married and gave me some great-grandchildren, I’d have something to do!” She laughed, and Kelsey just shook her head, smiling. Gram understood why Kelsey was single—at least Kelsey thought she did. They’d talked about it briefly since she’d come to town, and Gram hadn’t pressed her when she’d said she just liked being on her own.
“So what’s the job?” Kelsey asked before digging back into her salad.
“I’ll be working at The Knitty Gritty just down the block.”
Kelsey loved that store, even though she didn’t knit. They had a variety of stuff from home décor to paper goods to funny gifts. They also sold yarn and knitting supplies. “Gram, you don’t knit.”
“I know, it’s crazy, isn’t it?” She picked up the bag she’d set next to her chair. “I bought some yarn and needles and a book. The owner said she’d give me a lesson tomorrow.”
Kelsey sipped her Diet Coke to wash down her last bite. “So in one day, you’ve picked up a job, a hobby, and a date. I think you’ve more than solved your boredom.”
Gram laughed. “Isn’t it marvelous?”
Yes, it was. Kelsey loved seeing Gram this animated. She just loved seeing Gram period. “I’m so glad you’ve decided to stay. Have you told Mom?”
Gram’s expression dimmed. “Not yet. She’ll say it’s a mistake.”
Kelsey made a sound of disgust. “Who cares? She thinks everything that isn’t her idea is a mistake.”
“True. She’ll try to talk me out of it.”
“Can she?”
Gram reached across the table and clasped Kelsey’s hand. “No. I’m here to stay, whether you like it or not. I just need somewhere to live. I was thinking I might try to find a little place outside of town. Maybe on an acre or two so I can have some animals. Then you can come live with me and get out of that awful apartment.”
“It’s not so bad.”
Gram pursed her lips. “It has no dishwasher, the tub barely drains, and the pipes are so loud, they’d wake the dead.”
