“Just gym stuff, Grandma,” I say, exchanging a glance with Adam that’s brimming with unspoken hilarity.
Now, had we been filming, I’m fairly certain it would have been an instant hit on Instagram. Viral material, for sure.
Maybe then Adam’s IG account would have something better to buzz about.
“Sure, gym stuff.” Grandma arches a white eyebrow, and a smirk plays on her lips. “Why don’t you two come in? I’m about to put the kettle on. I could use a little gossip to break up my day.”
“Says the woman who was just reading Star Magazine,” I tease, pointing at the tabloid.
She shrugs sheepishly.
Adam gives me a look—that‘what do you think?’kind of look—and I shake my head subtly. There’s more I need to face and I need to do it before I lose my nerve.
“We’ll take a raincheck this time. I promise we’ll do dinner soon,” I offer with a smile.
Her eyes narrow and her smirk grows. “I get it. Off for some ‘alone time’?” She winks so obviously it’s like a neon sign. “I’ll grab the earplugs then.”
“Grandma—” I exclaim, my cheeks instantly burning.
There’s embarrassment—and then there’sGrandma-levelembarrassment. Trust her to turn a simple ‘no’ into a nudge-nudge-wink-wink situation.
I mean, she’s not entirely wrong, but still.
“What?” She chuckles sheepishly, clearly pleased with herself before she waves us off. “Go on, now. I’d hate to come between you and some hanky panky.”
On that note, I spin on my heel, and reach for my door. Adam and I escape up the stairs, my laughter now a mixture of amusement and sheer mortification.
“Your grandma is something else,” he says, shaking his head.
“She’s got a heart of gold but a mouth that could outmatch any sailor,” I admit, unlocking my apartment door. “But hey, that’s family for you.”
“That it is. Brian is constantly and forever trying to find a way to push my buttons. If he can embarrass me doing it, all the better.” He chuckles, shaking his head.
“We definitely need to spend more time with your bother,” I say, running my hand along his arm and batting my eyelashes.
He just narrows his eyes and harrumphs. However, humor sparkles in his gray irises and I know a part of him would actually like the razzing.
Once inside, I close the door behind us, leaning against it for a moment. The laughter fades, replaced by a fluttering in my stomach.
This is it.
The moment of truth.
Facing Jillian was one thing, but for some reason, this feels harder.
Or maybe more significant.
“Want something to drink?” I ask, more to give my hands something to do than out of hospitality.
Adam shakes his head, his gaze gentle. “I’m good, thanks. Let’s just sit and talk.”
I nod, leading the way to my couch. Compared to his place, my house isn’t anywhere near as sophisticated. There are books stacked everywhere and there are piles of unfinished manuscripts printed and forgotten in various locations.
I really should clean up, come to think of it.
We sit down, and I’m acutely aware of the space between us, filled with unspoken questions and anticipation.
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, a nervous habit I’ve never been able to kick.