Page 66 of Forever Flirting

Everly couldn’t help but laugh at the woman’s outlandish behavior – and unexpectedly the old woman, Nana, turned around and patted her on the cheek with a gnarled hand.

“You just relax and don’t be so shy. I bet my Alex just adores you and all that sweet prettiness you’ve got – doesn’t he? You look like some starlet from the forties or fifties. Ohhh, those were the days! I remember being a little girl and watching the television in the living room. We had three channels - and on Saturday nights? You could stay up and watch a movie… if you were good.”

“You didn’t watch many movies, did you?” Everly smiled.

“Nary a one,” Nana cackled with delight, laughing boldly. “I was too busy hanging out with my friends all over town. I like you, girl. Cut up that bread and let’s have some real women talk.”

The television was suddenly much louder – and Caleb’s distinct ‘uh oh’was heard in the distance.

“Caleb,” the older woman hollered. “What did I tell you?”

“Poohey outtide?”

“AND?” Nana prompted pointedly – and Everly couldn’t help but smile as Caleb immediately began blabbering on.

“No touchey da’buttons das Nana’smote.”

“That’s right,” Nana praised, padding over slowly towards the recliner where Caleb was holding himself pointedly, squirming. “Dearie – you are up! Get to it! The boy’s got to go to the bathroom – and hurry. Caleb, good job. No touching Nana’s remote.”

Everly walked Caleb back to the restroom and somehow managed to get him to sit on the potty to go to the bathroom. This was a strange, weirdly wonderful afternoon.

She spent the next few hours talking with Alex’s grandmother, taking a few photos for Alex, and looking through photo albums.

It surprised her to learn of his past, how he’d come to live with this woman when he was in the ninth grade, and hearing about his antics. Some of them had her laughing so hard she had tears rolling down her cheeks, while others just broke her heart… giving her an insight to the man she was befriending.

“Now, my firefighters come out here on Fridays, but Wednesday nights would be perfect. I play bingo at the town hall. Bring cash, a dauber, and your outside voice. You can pick me up at six and we’ll eat dinner there.”

“I’ve never played bingo before, except when I was little.”

“Good enough,” Nana said bluntly, patting her on the knee. “Ever play pull tabs?”

“No.”

“Well, we’ll get you addicted then,” his grandmother crowed happily. “Don’t make any excuses either. Wednesdays will be our night – am I clear?”

“Crystal,” Everly said, smiling at the woman that was watching her tenderly.

“I like you – and you’ll be good for him.”

“We’ll see.”

“Oh, don’t give me any of that poohey…”

“Poohey outtide, Ebberlleee. Nana no wike da’poohey!” Caleb immediately chimed in, looking at Everly sternly… causing her to laugh as she immediately kissed the little boy on the forehead – as Nana winked at her in a conspiratorial manner.

“Wednesday at six-sharp, young lady.”

“I’ll be here,” Everly smiled knowingly.

* * *

Dear Alex,

I don’t even know where to begin – except that I am taken aback by how wonderful sometimes the unexpected is. I had dinner with my brother a few times this week and he gave me a package that you sent with him…

Saying ‘thank you’ on here just isn’t enough – and I cannot wait to say ‘thank you’ in person, my friend.

The earrings are breathtakingly beautiful, and I love the pink stones… and the jewelry box is on my dresser. I’ve never seen such carvings – are they ocean waves? It’s just lovely! I was actually wearing the scarf today when I visited your grandmother… and wow.

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