Page 12 of Faking it for Gran's Sake

“You agreed to have it done before you left.”

Gran scoots beside me. “Give me that phone.”

I chew on my cheek. Oh, boy. Head boss lady wants to give Dad a what for. I obey my grandmother. The scowl on her face tells me not to protest.

Gran presses the phone to loudspeaker and yells just like Dad. “Now, listen here, Graham. You’re interrupting our day out. When are you going to visit me? It’s been three weeks.”

Dad stutters. It’s not often the man is stumped for words. “Soon.”

“Fine. Well, Mason is spending time with Lauren and me right now. So he can’t take calls.”

“Lauren?”

I dive for the phone. “I’ll take it from here.” I snatch the cell and take it off loudspeaker.

Lauren moves in front of Gran and starts talking about Cinda’s latest dog trick.

“Dad. Gotta go,” I say into the mouthpiece as I stride away from Gran’s hearing.

“Why is Lauren there?” Dad asks.

“She’s seeing Gran as well.”

“Is that why you’ve been visiting Georgetown lately? You’re trying to get back with her, aren’t you?”

“It’s complicated. And no.” I lower my voice. “I’m here for Gran. We both are.”

“Sure.” He scoffs. “Don’t take too long. I need that report done. Stay focused, son. We’re on the brink of smashing a new sales record this month.”

“Yep. I want it just as much as you, Dad. I won’t let you down.”

Chapter Five

LAUREN

After Mason and I say goodbye to Gran, we silently walk side by side to the parking lot. He follows me to my dented Toyota Yaris and swings his hands behind his back. “Aren’t you going to say something?”

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