Page 49 of Thick Girls Pole

“Not necessarily. I only dated your grandfather four months before we got engaged, and we married six months after that. When you know, you know. Why waste time trying to talk yourself out of it?”

I’ve heard about how my grandparents met, started dating, and got married within a year. It always boggled my mind because I couldn’t imagine making the decision to spend forever with any of the guys I dated in such a short time period. But, I’ll admit that Simon is different. Not that I’m looking to get engaged anytime soon, but the idea doesn’t give me hives either.

“Just please ixnay on the marriage talk when Simon is here,” I said. “I don’t want you scaring him off.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about scaring that boy off. He’s not weak like the other ones you brought home.”

“Granny Vi, I can’t think of any reason you’d have to bring up marriage or engagement in a conversation with Simon.”

I know my warning will go right over her head, but I have to say something and hope it sticks.

“I’ll do my best not to bring those things up but it’s hard to say where the conversation will flow.”

I’m pretty sure she’s being facetious, but with Granny Vi you never know. Shaking my head, I stood and walked over to the sink to rinse my mug. After setting it on the drying rack, I dried my hands, and turned back to face her.

“You seem to like Simon, so promise you’ll go easy on him today.”

She didn’t even pretend to not know what I was talking about.

“With Simon there’s not a lot to pick on, so he should be fine. I’ll just be my usual

charming self.”

That’s about the best I can ask for with her. Now I have to talk to my parents and get them to make the same promise. But that will have to wait until after my nap.

Simon

“Do I smell French toast?”

Shannon stepped behind me and looked over my shoulder.

“You do.”

“I hope you’re making some for me.”

“Of course.” I flipped six slices of French toast in quick succession. “There’s sausage too. It’s staying warm in the oven if you want to grab it. This is almost done.”

She stepped away from me then came back holding the plate of sausage.

“Table or island?”

“Table.”

I’m hoping to have a heart-to-heart with her and that’s better done face-to-face.

I placed three slices of French toast on two plates, then carried them over to the table, where Shannon was sitting eating a piece of sausage.

“So what’s the occasion?”

“For what?” I asked.

“French toast,” she said, then shoved a forkful into her mouth.

I shrugged.

“I had a craving.”

“Mmm, this is almost as good as dad’s.” She finished chewing then swallowed. “I’m surprised Keera didn’t stay here last night.”

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