Page 11 of So Right
“Gram!” She jumped to her feet and rushed forward but stopped before reaching her. “I’d hug you, but my hands are gross.”
Gram’s brown eyes twinkled as she smiled. “I don’t care about that. Give me a hug.”
Kelsey wrapped her arms around her grandmother, who was a good two inches shorter than Kelsey’s five feet six. She inhaled the familiar scent of Gram’s perfume—Giorgio Beverly Hills—and felt something she hadn’t in years: a sense of home.
When she finally pulled back, she asked, “What on earth are you doing here?”
Gram lived in Chehalis, Washington, more than two hours away. She waved her hand. “Couldn’t stand another day with your mother and Todd.” She rolled her eyes. “Save me.”
Kelsey tried to process what she was saying. “How? You came to stay?”
“For a little while. Until I can figure out what I want to do.”
An image of welcoming Gram to her tiny, horrible apartment made Kelsey cringe. But of course Gram could stay. Kelsey understood the need to escape her parents. She’d give Gram her bed and sleep on the couch as long as necessary. “I’m surprised you lasted six months, actually.” Gram had sold her house and surrounding property last spring and had moved in with Kelsey’s folks for the short-term.
“They liked having me there. Because I was a free babysitter for Malcolm.” Gram said, scoffing. “I love that boy, but I have my own life! Or at least I used to. I’m not sure Chehalis is big enough for me and your mother.”
Boy, did Kelsey get that. It hadn’t been for her and Wendy, which was why Kelsey had graduated high school early and taken off for college at seventeen. “I’m sorry.”
“Eh, I should’ve known better. That’s what I get for getting soft in my old age.”
“Old age, schmold age,” George said, stepping closer to them. “I’ve got years on you, beautiful, and I’m not old.”
Kelsey smiled at this and also at his calling Gram “beautiful.” “Actually, George, I think you’re older than my grandmother by a year or so. Gram, this is George Wilson. George, this is my grandmother Ruby Atwood.”
George took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “The pleasure is mine. I’m certain your granddaughter is fibbing.” He tossed Kelsey a humor-filled glance. “She likes to try to pull one over on me.”
“Ha!” Kelsey chuckled. “You’re the one who does that, not me. Don’t listen to him, Gram, he’s incorrigible.”
Gram’s lips curved up as she surveyed him. “I like incorrigible,” she murmured.
George’s chest seemed to swell, and he looked as if he grew an inch taller. “Will you be visiting Ribbon Ridge for a bit, Miss Atwood?”
The sound of Gram’s girlish laughter made Kelsey’s eyebrows arch. “Oh, you call me Ruby. Everyone does. Yes, I’ll be visiting for a bit. Are you my precious granddaughter’s boss?”
“No, they don’t want me running this joint!” He leaned close and affected a stage whisper. “The truth is, I don’t want to run this joint.” He winked at her, something he did often, but it seemed slightly different this time.
Kelsey wasn’t sure what to make of this flirt fest. It was cute as hell, but she was still trying to process having Gram here. Kelsey was equal parts thrilled and overwhelmed. Which was silly. Gram wouldn’t be a burden. Growing up, she’d been Kelsey’s biggest cheerleader.
“I bet you could manage this place with both hands tied behind your back,” Gram said. Was she fluttering her eyelashes?
Kelsey cleared her throat. “So, uh, Gram, I’m working until ten thirty tonight. If you want, I can give you the key to my place.” She hated sending her over there by herself. But maybe it was best if Kelsey didn’t see Gram’s expression when she went inside.
“Oh, forget that,” George said gruffly. “Take the rest of the night off.”
“I thought you weren’t in charge,” Gram said.
“Eh, the assistant manager is here tonight, and he’ll agree with me. We’re not that busy. I’m pretty sure whatever gunk she was cleaning from the bottom of that booth will be there tomorrow.”
Kelsey didn’t typically like to go home early. She had a strict budget, and working fewer hours meant it took longer to pay off her student loans. However, it was only a little money and she was looking forward to spending time with Gram. “Are you sure?” she asked him.
“I insist. Go on, then.” He nodded toward the back, where they had lockers. “I’ll keep Ruby company while you get your things.”
“And wash your hands,” Gram added.
Kelsey laughed softly. “Definitely washing my hands. Thanks, George.” She started toward the back, casting a backward glance at the two of them as George guided Gram to the bar. Kelsey decided to take her time.
About ten minutes later, after clearing her early departure with the assistant manager, Kelsey walked to the bar, where Gram was just finishing a sample of something. “George, are you plying my grandmother with alcohol?”
