She cringed. “Ouch.”
“Yeah. Ouch.”
She smiled sadly. “When you put it that way, it makes me sound quite selfish, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, but you’re not like that. You’re one of the most unselfish people we know.”
She gave me a hug. “Thank you for talking me through this. I guess it’s just been so long since I’ve had any kind of love life, I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
I hugged her back. “It’s okay. You’ve got to ‘walk-the-walk’ if you’re going to ‘talk-the-talk’.”
Grandma Rae chuckled. “I did teach you well.”
“Yes. You did.”
She released me and took out the ring. She slipped it on her finger and held it under the light. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Seeing her standing there, glowing and in love, the ring didn’t hold a candle to her beauty. “Almost as lovely as you.”
Grandma Rae smiled and then planted a kiss on my temple. “I love you, kid. You know how to set your grandmother straight.”
“Someone has to. You were about ready to let a good man walk out of your life.”
“Yeah. I almost made a dreadful mistake.” She walked over to the telephone. “I’m going to call John and accept his proposal.”
“Wait.”
She tilted her head. “What?”
“You’re just going to call him? Why don’t you invite him out to dinner and surprise him that way? Wear the ring or something.”
She hung up the phone. “Good idea.” She started pacing slowly in the kitchen. “I know. I’ll try and make a reservation for the new Italian restaurant that just opened up. We’ve both been dying to eat there.”
“Good idea.”
She grabbed the phone again and dialed his number. When he answered, she spoke to him in a very serious tone.
“Hi, John. I was wondering if you’d like to join me for dinner tonight?” she said, her voice almost grave.
He said something on the other end.
“No. I think it would be better if we went out to eat.” She looked at me and winked. “Okay, I’ll call and make sure that I can get reservations. I’ll call you back.”
When she hung up she giggled. “He’s probably going to think I’m breaking up with him.”
“Yeah, you sounded like you were preparing to deliver some bad news.”
“Mackenzie isn’t the only actress in the family.”
“Apparently not.”
I watched as Adam finished clearing the snow from the driveway and then met him back outside.
“Thank you again for doing that.”
“My pleasure.”
“Did you want to come inside and have some hot cocoa or something?”
He took off his gloves and shoved them into his parka. “That sounds amazing but I have to get back home. Rory’s car won’t start and he’s getting it towed. I’m going to pick him up at Lenny’s in a little while.”
“Oh, no. That sucks.”
“Yeah. Anyway, what are you doing later tonight?”
“After homework?” I shrugged. “I don’t have any plans.”
“Want to hang out?”
I smiled. “Yeah. Sure.”
“What time?”
“Around eight?”
“Sounds perfect.” He leaned over and kissed me quickly. “See you tonight.”
“See you tonight,” I repeated.
I watched Adam leave and headed back into the house.
“He’s leaving?” Grandma Rae asked, surprised. “Did you invite him in for some hot cocoa?”
“He had an errand to run. His friend needed a ride from Lenny’s.”
“What a nice guy. Did you thank him for me?”
“Yes.”
She nodded. “Good.”
“I’m going upstairs to do some homework.”
“Okay.”
I went to my room, grabbed some new clothing, and took a shower first. Afterward, I started on my homework and that’s when Blair called.
“How did the ghost hunting thing go?”
I told her.
“Wow, and it was just you and Adam?”
“Yeah. I’m surprised Rory didn’t tell you. Have you spoken to him?”
“Not since yesterday. So, are you two friends now?”
I smiled. “You could say that.”
She squealed. “Okay. Spill it. Something happened, didn’t it?”
“You could say that.” I told her.
Blair gasped. “You’re kidding?! You two slept together? I was just hoping you’d become friends. That’s crazy.”
“I know.”
“So, how was it?”
“What do you think?”
“Looking at the guy, I’d think he was pretty good.”
“Let’s just say we’re seeing each other again tonight.”
She squealed again. “I’m so happy for you. He’s such a hottie.”
“Yeah.”
“I’m so glad you two made up. It’s going to make the hotel trip that much better.”
I agreed.
“I have to go,” she said. “We need to get together soon. How about tomorrow? We can get coffee at Caribou and catch up.”
“Sounds good.”
“Okay, I’ll call you around eleven.”
“Cool.”
25
Adam
I picked up Rory and we drove home from Lenny’s.
“You didn’t see Terry around, did you?”
“No,” he replied.
“What did they say might be wrong with your car?”
“They’re not sure yet. It could be the starter. Or the alternator.”
“You should buy yourself a new vehicle.”
“I was thinking about doing it after we get back from Cali.”
“Good idea.”
“So, Lina and Rob’s place was really just another dud, huh?”
“Yeah.”
The last few haunted houses had actually been duds.
“The hotel won’t be bogus. I guarantee you, dude. I’m not leaving until we get actual footage either,” Rory said. “Even if we have to stay a few more days.”
“Let’s hope we won’t have to. I’m sure the girls will want to get back for school.”
“Yeah. Speaking of girls, what was it like with Chloe? I bet she was pissed when she found out it was just going to be the two of you.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, you should have seen the look on her face. We worked everything out, though. It’s all good now, bro.”
“You score?”
I knew he would ask. I didn’t reply.
“Come on. Spill it. You’ve had the hots for her forever. You two stayed in a motel together. Shit had to happen.”
I bit back a smile. “Maybe.”
He chuckled. “Oh, yeah.” He held up his fist. “Way to go, Knight.”
We bumped knuckles.
“It almost went south, though.” I told him about the run-in she had with Vaughn.”
“That douchebag. He always had the hots for her too.”
“Yeah. I know. If I see that asshole around town, I’m going to kick his ass for what he said to her.”
“Yeah, I’d be pissed too.”
“Enough about me. What’s going on with you and Blair?”
“We’re supposed to go out tonight.”
“Nice.”
We talked about her and then his parents, who’d moved into a new place.
“Fortunately, we had them moved in by two o’clock. I could have went with you guys.”
“No offense, but I’m glad you didn’t.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I figured.”
“How’s the family doing?”
Rory’s mom and dad were two of the nicest people I knew. His dad ran a construction company and his mother owned a clothing boutique. He also had a younger sister named April, with Down Syndrome. She’d just turned fourteen and Rory was very protective of her. Although he
wasn’t living at home any longer, he made a point of visiting her as much as possible.
“Good. April loves her new room. She was already putting up all of her posters last night. The first one was of you, of course.”
I grinned. She had a huge signed poster of me standing in front of a red ZL1 Camaro, the car I’d crashed in the Daytona 500. “She still has that one, huh?”
“Are you kidding? She’ll never throw that thing out. Besides me, you’re her favorite person. She loves it when you join us for movie night.”
Once a week, usually on Tuesdays, Rory takes her to the movies. I’d joined them on a few occasions. It was fun, especially since I didn’t have any siblings. Seeing April light up, when we arrived to pick her up, was a pretty great feeling too.
“What are we seeing this next week?”
“Not sure yet. Honestly, there’s not much out right now that she can actually see. I might just take her tubing instead. You in?”
“Yeah. That should be fun. As long as my back holds up.” I told him how I’d slipped on the ice.”
“Was that before or after you and Chloe had some sweet lovin’?” he joked.
I chuckled. “Before.”
“And she wasn’t disappointed?” he joked.
“Hell, she was singing opera before the night was over.”
He laughed.
When we arrived at home, Tony was outside shoveling.
“Why don’t you use the snow blower?” I asked him.
He tossed the snow off of his shovel angrily. “It’s easier to take my frustrations out this way.”
Rory and I looked at each other.
Here we go again.
“Yes. Robert pissed me off. Again. For the last time. We’re through. For good.”
Rory didn’t say anything, but walked into the house.
“So, what happened?” I asked when we were alone.
“He was out last night and wouldn’t return my texts. Or calls. One of my friends mentioned they saw him at the club.”
“With another guy?”
“No. Get this - a woman, apparently.” He laughed coldly. “And it wasn’t his sister.”
“Have you spoken to him at all?”
“He called me this morning and tried telling me it was just a girl from work and it was innocent. But, if that was the case why wouldn’t he at least return my texts?”
“Did he tell you he was going out with a co-worker before-hand?”
“No. He mentioned something about working late. Obviously, a lie.”
“Well, honestly, you two really do need some time apart.”
“Oh, we’re having time apart. Indefinitely,” he muttered.
I hoped it truly was the case this time, but wasn’t about to hold my breath.
“Stay strong.” I gave Tony a comforting pat on the back and then grabbed another shovel.
“So, are we still throwing a party next weekend? I think it will help get me out of my funk.”
I nodded. “Yeah. Let’s keep it small though, okay?”
He frowned. “As in...?”
Tony didn’t know the meaning of the word “small”. He did everything in excess.
“I was thinking less than ten people.”
His eyes widened. “What kind of a party is that? We have more people over on a regular night.”
“Fine. Let’s keep it to less than twenty. Seriously.”
“Okay. I can live with that.”
“Thank you.”
“So, how many people are you bringing? So I know how many I can invite.”
“I’m just inviting one person. I think Rory is, too.”
He grinned. “Okay. I get dibs on the other ten.”
“Just don’t go overboard. Make sure they aren’t bringing crowds with them either. Rory and I are supplying the keg and all the food this time. We want it to last.”
“I get it. Don’t worry. We’ll keep it mellow. So… what happened in Lancaster?” he asked, changing the subject. “You find any ghosts?”
26
Chloe
I finished my homework around four and then sent Adam a text, letting him know I was done early.
Adam: Sweet. What time should I pick you up?
Me: 6? We could hang out at my place. Mackenzie and Grams will be out for the evening.
He sent me a devilish grin emoji and then said he’d see me then.
An hour later, Mackenzie arrived home from work, looking exhausted.
“Long day?” I asked.
She sat down at the kitchen table and began rubbing her feet. “Yeah. I brought home some cinnamon rolls. Just leave one for Chase. I’m going over to his place after I take a shower.”
“Thanks. Did you hear about Grandma and John?”
“No, what’s going on?” Her eyes grew round. “They’re not breaking up are they?”
“No.” I laughed. “That’s definitely not it.”
“Well then, what’s going on?”
“Uh, maybe you should talk to her. It’s probably not my place to tell you.”
“Come on. You can’t spring something like that onto me and leave me hanging. Spill it.”
Before I could answer, Grandma Rae walked into the kitchen, wearing black slacks and a pretty blue blouse that we’d never seen before.
“Grandma, what’s going on with you and John?” Mackenzie asked.
“He asked me to marry him. That’s what’s going on.”
Mackenzie gasped. “You’re getting married?”
She grinned. “Well, I haven’t officially accepted. I’m going to tonight though.”
Mackenzie looked down at her left hand. “Is that the ring?”
Grandma nodded.
Mackenzie moved closer and examined the ring. “It’s beautiful! Will you elope or have a traditional wedding?”
“I really don’t know what we’re doing yet. This is very sudden and I’m still trying to catch my breath,” Grandma answered with a weary smile.
“This is so cool!” Mackenzie looked at me. “You know, I’ve always wanted to be a flower girl.”
“You can if you want,” Grandma said. “Both of you can.”
She snorted. “No. I’m too old. Plus, I was kidding.”
“If I’m not too old to get married, then you’re not too old to be a flower girl,” Grandma Rae said and then winked at me. “Same goes with you.”
“No offense, but I’ll pass,” I replied.
“Me, too,” Mackenzie said.
“I’m sure we’re just going to elope anyway. I really don’t want a big wedding. I want a nice, quiet one.”
“Me, too,” I said.
Grandma laughed. “Good luck with that. Your mother has been planning your wedding since the day you were born.”
“Yeah. I know.” She’d had a small wedding and wanted a big, luxurious one for me. “But, that’s not what I want. When, and if, I get married, it’s going to be small. Just a handful of people there. Including you two, of course.”
“When the time comes, you’ll just have to tell her what you want and she’ll have to accept it,” Grandma Rae said. “Your mother really just wants you to be happy.”
“I know.”
Grandma Rae looked at the time. “John is supposed to be picking me up in thirty minutes. I made you girls some pasta salad. There’s also leftover pot roast in the refrigerator, if you want to make yourselves some sandwiches.”
“Sounds good. Thank you,” I replied.
“I’m actually going over to Chase’s place,” Mackenzie said. “We’re making tacos.”
“Be home by midnight,” she replied.
She sighed. “Yeah, I know.”
“Are you seeing Adam tonight?” Grandma Rae asked.
“Yeah.”
Mackenzie looked shocked. “Wait, the guy you won the trip with? The bully?”
Grandma frowned. “He used to bully you?”
“That’s only because I gave him a bloody nose and embarrassed him in
front of his friends. We’ve worked things out.”
“Good. He seems like a nice, young man,” Grandma said.
I nodded.
“And very cute.”
I smiled.
Mackenzie looked at me. “So, when do I get to meet him?”
“He’s picking me up at six,” I replied.
“I might have to stick around until he arrives,” she said.
“Sure. I’ll introduce you,” I told her.
“Cool.”
Grandma left for her date and when Adam arrived at the house, I invited him in to meet Mackenzie.
“So, you’re the one dating Chase, huh?” Adam said, after I introduced them.
She nodded. “Yeah. How do you know him?”
“From Lenny’s. He seems like a nice guy.”
Mackenzie nodded. “He is. Now.”
Adam raised his eyebrow. “Now?”
“He used to be an A-squader,” she explained.
“A-squader?” Adam replied. “What’s that?”
“That’s what we call the snobby, rich kids at school,” she replied.
He chuckled. “Ah.”
“You guys didn’t call them that when you were in school, huh?” she asked.
Adam looked a little embarrassed. “No.”
“That’s because to him, they were just called ‘friends’,” I teased.
He grinned sheepishly. “Ouch.”
Mackenzie laughed.
“Sorry. I had to dig,” I said.
He put his arm around my shoulders. “It’s okay. I deserve that and more.”
“I kind of like this guy,” Mackenzie said to me.
“He’s starting to grow on me, too,” I replied.
Adam smiled.
Mackenzie’s cell phone went off. She checked her messages. “Speaking of Chase, he’s asking where I’m at. I’d better get going.”
“Have fun,” I told her.
“Thanks. It was nice meeting you, Adam.”
“You too, Mackenzie.”
“So, what should we do?” I asked Adam, when we were alone.
“Grab a bite to eat somewhere?” he suggested.
“Okay.”
He looked around the living room. “Where’s your grandmother?”
“Out on a date.”
He grinned wickedly. “So, we’re alone?”
The Prize: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance (Diamond Lake Romance Book 3) Page 13