Page 61 of The Sweet Spot
Wednesday morning, it’s business as usual. Chris and I get up before Granny this time. We both get ready for the day, and breakfast is almost on the table when Granny walks into the kitchen, Pumpkin right on her heels as always.
“Good morning, everyone,” Granny says as she takes her seat at the table. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”
Actually, it’s kind of dreary, and it’s been drizzling all morning, but we’re not going to argue with her.
Chris pours her a cup of coffee and adds creamer. “You’re right. It is a beautiful day,” he says as he winks at me.
I plate some French toast and bacon and set it in front of her. She enjoyed the French toast so much the other day, I thought she’d like it again.
“What’s this?” Granny asks as she stares at her plate.
“It’s breakfast, Granny,” I say as I set the butter dish and the pitcher of warm maple syrup on the table. “French toast and bacon.”
She makes a face. “Do I like this?”
“You do. You had it the other day, and you said it was delicious.”
She frowns. “I did?”
Smiling, I nod at her. “You did.”
Then her frown transforms into a bright smile. “Well, if you said I liked it, then I’m sure I do.”
Some days her mind is sharper than others. It looks like today isn’t going to be one of those days. I feel a pang of sadness that she’s slowly slipping away from me. But no matter what, I’ll hang on to her as long as possible.
“Why don’t you take a bite and try it?” I suggest. “If you don’t like it, I’ll make you something else, okay?”
“Oh, no, dear. I don’t want to be any trouble.” She takes a cautious bite. Then another. “Thisisdelicious.” And then she proceeds to devour the rest of her meal.
Chris and I join her at the table to eat our meals. He keeps looking at me with a slight grin on his face, as if he’s thinking about last night. Remembering what we did and how we slept entwined in each other’s arms all night long. He’s making me blush.
There’s a knock at the door.
“That’ll be Dawn,” I say as I start to get up from my chair.
“I’ll get it,” Chris says as he stands. “I need to go get dressed. You finish your breakfast.”
After he lets Dawn in, Chris returns to my bedroom to grab his hat and duty belt. He’s in the process of buckling it around his waist when he walks into the kitchen.
“What about your sling?” I ask.
“I can’t wear it and drive, so I’ll have to do without. I’ll put it on in the evening to rest my arm.”
I’ve seen him in his uniform a million times, but for some reason, it’s hitting me differently this morning. I get up and run my hands over his shirt, smoothing the tan fabric. “You look so handsome in your uniform. I’ve wanted to tell you that for years.”
He cups my face and leans in to give me a kiss. “I wish you had. I’ve always been so desperate for your attention. The smallest little crumb from you—every smile, every wave—made my day.”
And I withheld that from him for so long because of my own insecurities. My eyes prickle as tears form.
“Hey,” he says with a smile. “No tears. No guilt. Remember?”
I nod. “Yeah. I remember.” But that’s easier said than done.
We say our goodbyes to Granny and head out the door.
Chris drives me to the diner in his loaner car. “Have a good day,” he says as he pulls up to the back entrance. He leans over to kiss me. “I’ll see you later, honey.” He smiles. “This is all very domestic, isn’t it? Me, dropping you off at work.” He looks so happy.
“It is. What do you think about that?”
