Page 40 of Nothing to Deny
“Okay, you know where I am. Be safe and sensible.”
“You too.”
Her friend scoffed. “How likely you think that is?”
The line quieted at the same moment the car stopped. No going back now.
The door opened and she took the hand of an usher who helped her out. Old school. Just as her grandfather liked it. Inside the gentle susurration matched the intimate lighting. Her grandfather could close the whole place or secret them somewhere private. But no, instead, he was sitting at the best table in the house. No less than she’d expect.
He stood to kiss her cheek and help her into her seat.
“Any trouble?” he asked.
“Trouble? Getting here? No.” Why would there be trouble? They’d used that restaurant dozens of times. It was one of Truman’s favorites. “Didyouhave trouble?” Her grandfather just smiled. No, of course he had no trouble, he was Truman Dere. “I spoke to Roxie in the car.”
Good way to get the conversation moving without hitting anything too personal. That was the idea anyway.
“Roxie’s a good girl, she knows what she wants.”
“Implying…?”
Oh, why did she ask?
“You’ve been avoiding me.”
Same crime, different accuser. She was blessed and cursed to have so many people in her life who cared.
“No,” she said. “Why would I do that?”
Discernment narrowed his eyes. “The fact you’re fighting me is proof enough. What’s wrong, pumpkin?”
He only called her that to remind her of their relationship, her young age to his elder. And he could fill the role, whether it was protection, offense, defense, Truman Dere would do whatever was necessary to help or fight for her.
Except she didn’t need that. “I’m fine,” she said, broadening her smile. “I’m not shy about asking if there’s anything I need.”
“Yes, if you identify there’s something you need. Your outlook isn’t always so sharp.”
Did she need something? Depended which body part she asked. And most of those parts? She wouldn’t want answering within earshot of her conservative grandfather. Okay, so Truman could be liberal, could bend, for her, and her only.
“As soon as I know, you’ll be my first call.”
“As your guardian, it’s my job to identify your needs before you’re aware of them.”
“I’m not a little girl anymore, Grandaddy.”
“You will always be a little girl, my little girl. Do you think I would protect you any less fiercely today than I would have when you were a child?”
No. On that he’d never wavered. Even when she didn’t agree with his methods, he only ever did what he thought was in her best interest.
“No, but you don’t have to protect me. Everything in my life is good. Trust me, Grandaddy, if I need a parachute, I’ll call.” Time to move things along. “What did Jonas tell you about the case? Was there a lot of damage?”
“No. You’re fierce in your protection of your foundation kids.”
“I learned love from you.”
“And has it served you well? Perhaps if I were more vicious, your kindness wouldn’t cost me so much.” She waited, and on cue, his lips curled. “I wouldn’t change a thing about you.”
“Nor I you.”
