Page 9 of Make You Love Me

Just then, Ethel ends her call shaking her head while grabbing her things and putting her phone in her purse. Greyson is looking at me like he wants to say more but doesn’t. He just drops the check on the table and turns to leave.

“Oh, Greyson.” Ethel stops him mid-stride. “I hate to burden you, but I must run; I have James waiting for me with the car. Would it be too much to ask for you to take Charlotte home for me? Of course, I would do it myself, but I need to be across town in ten minutes and—“

“No! Ethel, I’ll call an Uber. No need to inconvenience him,” I say, trying to hide my embarrassment. I’ve always been a burden when it comes to Ethel.

“I’m off in thirty minutes.” He turns his attention to me. “If you don’t mind waiting, I’ll take you.”

“No. Honestly, I promise, I’m fine. I can figure it out.” I shake my head, grabbing my phone, I quickly swipe away Jonathan’s notification, and open up the Uber app.

His hand covers mine and gently lowers my phone to my lap. Once my phone is down, Greyson uses his hand to raise my chin so our eyes meet. “I got you, Lottie, it’s no trouble.”

“Oh perfect!” Ethel exclaims and hands Greyson her credit card to cover the check. “I’m going to scoot out now. Charlotte, just bring the card home with you. Greyson, it was a pleasure running into you.”

Ethel grabs her things and hurries out the door. What was that all about? Where is she going that’s so important?

She didn’t mention she had anything to do after lunch, but then again, she doesn’t really share any information with me, especially her whereabouts.

I look to Greyson, who is still staring at the exit with his fist clenched and jaw locked.

“I’m so sorry she dropped this on you. I appreciate your offer, but I really am okay with calling an Uber.”

He side-eyes me. “Will you cut it out, I told you I got you. I’ll drive you home. Now, go sit your pretty ass down at the bar. Nathan will get you a drink while you wait. I need to finish my side work.”

A Virgin Tiki drink later, and I’m in deep conversation with Nathan and his girlfriend, Berkley, who took a seat next to me while I waited.

“Oh, you’ll have to come with us sometime. It’s a lot of fun! I usually just lay out and tan, but it would be so nice to have another girl there for once,” Berkley says excitedly.

“Where are we going?” Greyson asks from behind me, lightly placing his hands on my shoulders.

Turning in surprise, I smile at him. “Berkley was just telling me about Nathan’s boat.”

“I think we’re going out soon, maybe even tomorrow. I’ll let G know the details,” Nathan says from behind the bar.

Greyson leans into me, whispering into my ear, “Are you ready to get out of here?”

“Sure.”

“Aiight, I’m out and I'm taking this fine ass with me,” he says as he helps me off the bar stool. “Bye, Berkley... Later man!” He nods his head towards the couple.

“Bye guys. It was so nice meeting you!” I wave my goodbyes.

“Bye, hope to see you soon,” they both say in unison.

He guides me out of The Shack with a hand on my lower back. The contact sends tingles up my spine.

We walk in silence for a few moments before I speak up, saying the thing that’s been on my mind since Ethel and I got here. “What are the chances that you’re from Richmond Hills?”

He snaps out of his silent bubble and eyes me curiously. “Yeah, small world, I guess. Still can’t wrap my head around the fact you’re Ethel’s granddaughter.”

“Ha! I know exactly what you mean. I guess by only seeing her once a year, her wicked ways haven’t rubbed off on me.” I laugh, trying to make light of the fact that Ethel is evil.

“So, what do you want to do?” Greyson questions, changing the subject.

“Oh… Please don’t let me keep you from any plans. I feel bad enough having you drive me home.”

He stops walking to face me. “Lottie, let’s get something straight. I don’t do anything I don’t want to do. So, if I say it, I mean it.” He eyes me, assessing my understanding, placing his hand on my cheek. “Please, tell me what you would like to do.”

“I um—I wouldn’t mind walking around a bit, maybe play a game or two. I haven’t made it to the arcade yet this summer,” I reply.

---