Page 46 of Bad Love

"Only foryou."

We take a seat, and the waitress brings a basket of muffins. I take two and eat the tops while she breaks one carefully inhalf.

“How’s life at theY?”

“The pool’s closed for renovations.” Her distaste ispalpable.

“You could go to any one of the private member clubs.” The remark earns me an icystare.

“Do I look like I’m going to spend the down payment on a piece of property for the privilege of stripping down next to this city’s most self-importantpricks?”

I swallow the laugh, but barely. My grandmother’s accomplished a tremendous amount in her lifetime, but she’s never used that to get herself into the status circles ofManhattan.

"Your father's been busy,” she says. “And your mother seems to be enjoying herjob."

"Mom likes taking money from richguys."

"She could charm an alcoholic from his whisky. You two have that incommon."

I grin. Being with her, experiencing her dry, easy wit, my chest twinges at the thought of having to tell her aboutDeacon.

My grandma has always been involved in my life, despite being so active in her business. As a kid, I saw her at least once a week. No matter what she had goingon.

And though it never felt as though she was scrutinizing me or judging me, like some other kids’ parents and grandparents, she was there when I neededher.

I remember her advice from when I broke up with my first girlfriend during freshman year of high school.Life is long if you’re lucky. Save some tears for the next one,Logan.

My grandmother let me hang around the brewery even when I was young enough that my parents warned her I’d be in theway.

She helped me decide where to go to college and how to pay forit.

And she was there when I graduated, sitting in the auditorium chair next to one of her girlfriends, taking up the seats Monty’s parents had declined to use and cheering usboth.

I couldn’t be prouder of her and all she’s done. And I want her to be proud ofme.

"I look forward to your update at the shareholder meeting," shesays.

"Monty's been working on it for ages. And of course I have," I add after abeat.

She makes a noncommittal noise. “I hear there are a lot of changes in the industry. Our margins aretightening.”

“Yes, but we’re working on some product innovations. We’ll come outstronger.”

Her eyes narrow, or they would if she didn't have Botox. "I can't be as involved forever. I'm not gettingyounger."

"Sure you are. That doctor on Fifth is doing wonderful things with your crow’sfeet."

A throaty laugh escapes. "My body is letting me down. I take naps,Logan.”

“Thehorror.”

She reaches for her coffee. “It’s more than that. As much as it pains me, making decisions is best left to someone who’s not taking a dozen pills a day to be able to breathe and use thebathroom.”

My chest tightens, and I flex a hand under the table. I hadn’t realized she was going downhill at all. She’ll always be fearless andindomitable.

“You know Monty will take care of Hunter’s Cross when it comes tothat.”

“And willyou?”

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