A Storied Life by Leigh Kramer

Author:Leigh Kramer [Kramer, Leigh]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-370-11266-1
Publisher: Leigh Kramer

Chapter Thirteen

I cursed as I raced around Gram's house picking up my keys, phone, and the detritus I'd acquired during my suburban weekend. Gram had, of course, protested that she didn't need anyone to stay with her. I persuaded her to see this as more of a grandmother-granddaughter bonding experience and less as me babysitting her. In order for her to truly buy it, I wound up buying fancy pajamas for both of us at a local boutique and then a few other odds and ends. It turned out to be a rather fun, yet expensive, day.

I'd planned on staying this morning to ensure Gram stayed off her feet. However, she declared she would not miss church. Furthermore, she decided I would not miss my standing brunch date with Reagan and summoned Elaine as her chauffeur instead. While she'd consented to the family knowing about her tumble, she did not want to be treated as an invalid. Our bonding time effectively ended, though not for any lack of sentiment. Gram expressed appreciation for my efforts and promised she would take better care of herself. We would see.

After watching Gram teeter down the sidewalk to Elaine's car—heaven forbid either of us assist her— I sprang into action. If I left now, I'd have enough time to swing home and change into my own clothes. Gram and I were about the same size but we had decidedly different tastes.

I felt scattered on the drive home, running through details and checklists repeatedly. I'd originally delegated the weekend to catching up on work. I could probably take care of a few things today, even if Sunday was a day for rest. As I strode through my apartment and made preparations, I instructed myself to calm down. Over-caffeinated and under-rested, I couldn't stunt my mind's relentless cycling.

Reagan's profile greeted me once I stepped in to the diner, the same one we’d frequented ever since he’d shared about Katie. My frets ceased at the first glimpse of that man. Sometimes the heart needs what it needs and I would not argue with anything that could occupy my mind for a while.

I stood on my tiptoes so I could kiss him, lingering a little longer than was restaurant-appropriate. I’d missed him. He smiled wide after I pulled back and I responded in kind.

“You hanging in there?” he asked, searching my eyes for an honest answer.

“I need some sleep before I can answer that.” I gave a small shrug. “I'll be fine. I can only help Gram as much as she'll let me. And apparently, she's not letting me do much today. Feisty, stubborn woman.”

“I still want to meet this grandmother of yours,” he reminded me. “She sounds like someone I know.” He raised his eyebrows at me and I laughed.

The idea of introducing Reagan to my family made me panic. I couldn't control the outcome or the judgments or the inevitable defensiveness. All that mattered was I liked him and life was better when he was around. Family be damned.

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