Page 80 of Pinch of Love
Grandma Millie pressed her lips together and took a few steps back to her tiramisu. “I don’t know what I did wrong when raising your dad. It was probably best that I didn’t have you girls, too.”
I gasped at the insinuation. “Grandma, it wasn’t you. You did everything you could to help Dad, and once he met Mom, well...” I shook my head. “They made their decisions to support their disease.”
“Well, regardless. I’m proud of how you girls turned out. It takes grit and determination to make it out okay from the things you saw.”
I nodded and smiled at Grandma Millie. “Well, unfortunately, I think my upbringing gave me horrible taste in men.”
“Rob is no peach.” My grandmother shook her head. “But Cash is certainly easy on the eyes. Although, I’m disappointed he’s not here. Does he truly understand the seriousness of this?”
“I think so. I thought so. I’m sure he does.” I nodded. “He was the one who contacted Nate and wanted the police to get involved, but nothing has happened. Just scare tactics.”
Grandma Millie let out a sigh. “How are the employees taking everything?”
“By all accounts, they still know who’s in charge, but they’re all working from home now. At least for the time being, it makes sense.” I rubbed my temples in between taking another bite of dessert. “I’m just so upset at myself for sticking around with Rob.”
My grandma scowled. “He’s a control freak. You can’t blame yourself. I’m sure he always put on the charm to win you back, and then his old ways came back gradually.”
“Pretty much sums it up. I think that’s why he’s so irritated this time. He wanted the last word, wanted me to grovel, to try to win him back.”
“He’s no prize, dear.” Grandma Millie chuckled, sliding me a glass of lemonade.
“That’s an understatement.”
“Well, I’m not leaving here until Cash shows up tonight. I’m sure Rob is just talking himself into a tizzy somewhere, but I’d rather be with you all the same.”
I smiled at my grandma and took a sip of lemonade. “You think we could take him, right?”
She chuckled. “Don’t count me out. I still do my morning stretches, my afternoon yoga, and then sex with Jackson Sr. every night.” Grandma Millie cracked her neck and grinned. “I’ve got stamina.”
I nearly spat out my drink in a snort, and Grandma Millie winked at me. “Just wait. You’ll see how things get even better with time.”
Clearing my throat, I was afraid to even look at my grandma. “Good to know.”
“I’m serious, dear. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I tell Izzy that all the time.”
I laughed and shook my head. “And I’m sure your great-granddaughter loves hearing it.”
“Speaking of...” Her brows raised. “Have you and Cash done the deed?”
“Grandma.” I smacked her.
“Careful. I might bruise.” She flashed a wry grin. “Well, have you?”
“Grandma, that is none of your business.”
“So, that means you have, which makes sense since he’s been staying here to help you out.”
My cheeks reddened. “Grandma, it does not mean that at all. If you must know, we’ve only kissed.”
“What is taking you so long? He’s good-looking. Has a heart of a saint. He is overprotective in a good way. But he isn’t here, so I’ll dock him a point for that.”
“It’s not that simple, Grandma. I have a life waiting back in North Carolina.”
My grandma stared at me without saying a word.
“It’s true. My business is there. My house is there.”
“And your sister is here. Your niece is here. Your incredibly spunky grandma is here. You said yourself that your business can go remote.” She shrugged. “Unless you’re dying to bump into Rob at the grocery store, I’d be calling a moving van like yesterday.”