Page 17 of Always Mine

Why, universe? Why?

“Nana!”

Her eyes are filled with mischief and she has the nerve to give me a little shoulder lift like she doesn’t know why I’m fussing. “What?”

I point a finger in her direction, narrowing my gaze. “You know what.”

“I’m old and slightly senile, so I haven’t a clue what you mean.”

Old and senile my ass. My nana is in her mid-seventies but has the mentality of a thirty-year-old and the mobility of the average forty-something. She plays bingo every Friday, has mimosa brunch, or whatever that shit’s called, on Tuesdays, and gossips like it’s her job. Hell, at this point in my life, I’m half convinced it is.

Between her, Birdie, and Mae, I don’t know who’s worse. They’re the ones who know everything about everyone and show up at the worst times. It’s like they smell drama from a mile away and then flock to it.

“Here, I’ll order the food. Go talk to your nana,” Cooper tells me when the line starts to move.

“You’re truly a gentleman, Cooper,” Birdie chimes in, batting her way-too-thick and fake eyelashes at him. I swear these women are relentless.

“Stop that flirting.” She swats at Birdie. “He’s taken by my grandson.”

“Nana!” I bite out before looking around, and sure enough, we’ve caught the attention of several passersby. I head over and plop down on the seat beside her, hoping to keep our conversation between us, but I doubt that will happen, since I’m talking to theGossip GirlmeetsGolden Girlscrew. “Cooper’s just my friend.”

What is with everyone today? First Ember, and now her. I don’t know how much more I can take.

“Well, you should be more.” She looks past me, giving Cooper a little finger wave. “He’s a good boy.”

“Nana!”

I look at Cooper, thankful he’s scrolling on his phone and not actually paying attention to us. This woman is always trying to rile me up.

“Is that all you can say to me today?” she scolds.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I count back from five, wondering how much trouble I’d be in if I shoved her half-eaten sandwich in her mouth to shut her up. “Hi, Nana,” I finally say, giving her my best smile. “How are you?”

Nodding her head, she pats my cheek before giving it a little pinch and I want to die. She’ll forever treat me like a kid. “That's much better.”

Pushing her hand away gently, I nod to the three of them. “You all shopping?”

“No, dear, we’re grabbing some lunch and on the prowl.”

If I was standing, my knees would have given out. There are some things I don’t need to know about my grandmother and her friends, and this is definitely one of them.

“God, why?” I must look horrified. I feel horrified.

Mae reaches over, tapping my chin. “Close your mouth or you’ll catch flies.”

“Don’t be such a prude. Old people need love, too. I was just telling them about Billy—”

“Nana, no. No. No. Please, stop. I can’t take it anymore.” I cover my ears, her words registering before I can stop them. “Wait, BillyBilly? The one who comes into Red’s bar?”

She gives me a little smile, and yep, way more information than I ever needed to know. Also, damn. My grandma has a good game to snag someone fifteen years younger than her. I’m impressed. Wait, what? Why in the hell am I talking to my grandma about this?

“What are you all gossiping about?” Cooper says, reminding me why I’m sitting over here in the first place.

Food.

“You don’t want to know.” I give him the ‘trust me’ look, standing quickly and taking one of the bags he’s carrying. The food smells so good, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I wanted to leave this area as quickly as possible, I’d up end the whole bag right here.Parents' food be damned.“Well, Nana, I need to run.”

“Alright, dear.” She nods. “Be good.” Her eyes gleam and then she shifts to Cooper. “You too. Be good to my grandson.”

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