Comfort Zone (Awkward Love 4)

“Well thank you. I wasn’t aware you two even knew each other,” she says. “Come in and I’ll make some tea.”

“How’s Jake?” Becca asks.

“Stressed.” Aunt Jacquie smiles. “But you know Jake. He’ll be fine.”

“I’ll help you with that tea,” I offer, following her into the kitchen.

“I’ll check on Grammy.”

Becca disappears into the living room. I wince when I hear Grammy’s raised voice, but when Becca doesn’t appear, I assume everything is all right.

“How did Grammy handle the trip down?” Aunt Jacquie asks.

She fills the kettle and puts it on, then leans against the kitchen counter, facing me. I shrug, folding my arms over my chest.

“She did great—if you discount the incident at the casino, the cat smuggling and the abuse Becca copped.” I grin. “Oh. And how Andrew ruined a ceremony and nearly died. So yeah, I can’t wait to do this again.”

Jacquie laughs and shakes her head. “Having Becca there must have been nice, though?”

“It was,” I say, not sure where this is heading. “I don’t think I could have handled Grammy on my own.”

“She can be difficult to handle, but once you know how to calm her down, she becomes easier to manage. At least she’s in a good mood today.”

I stare at her. “This is good?”

Aunt Jacquie laughs. “Yes. It’s a lot for her these days, traveling so far.” She stops for a moment, her smile faltering. “Your mom filled me in about Andrew. I’m sure that’s bothering her, too. Honestly, I think a day of relaxing and she’ll be fine.”

“Except the dementia will still be there,” I remind her. “I hate to say this, but I think when she eventually loses that cat, we’ll lose her too.”

Jacquie frowns at me and hands me my tea. I take it, wrapping my hands around the warm cup.

“I’ve been thinking that too,” she admits. She turns to me, suddenly. “Do me a favor, Liam? Give Jake a call and see how he’s doing. I think it’s times like this, he really misses his father.”

“Of course,” I promise her.

I’m annoyed with myself for not calling him earlier. I hadn’t even thought about that. It would be bittersweet, getting married and not being able to have everyone you love there with you. That’s why it means so much to have Grammy here.

I take my tea and follow Aunt Jacquie into the living room. Grammy sits in her chair, in front of the TV, a blanket draped over her. She beams at me.

“Sam. When did you get here?” she says.

I crouch down in front of her chair and smile at her, then I take her hand in mine, shocked at how warm she is.

“Just a few minutes ago,” I say, after clearing my throat. “You just relax, okay? It’s been a long few days and you have another big weekend coming up.”

She frowns. “But I haven’t left this chair in days.” She laughs. “You must be confusing me with someone else.”

I nod, my head barely moving.

“I guess I must be.”

I drink down the rest of my tea and then stand up. Jacquie takes the mug from me and gives me a hug. When she pulls away, there are tears in her eyes.

“Thanks again for everything, Liam. You have no idea how much this means to Jake. And me.”

“Anytime,” I tell her. I peck her on the cheek, then nod at Becca, who smiles.

The first thing I do once we’re back in my car is lean over and kiss Becca. Her eyes widen as our lips lock, her warm, soft lips exactly what I need. I smile and stroke her hair away from her eyes, staring into them.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all day.”

“Me too.” She grins.

“Do you want to come over to my house tonight?” I ask her. “I can take you home now, so you can unpack and unwind, then you can come over whenever you’re ready. I know it’s late—”

“Sure,” she says, smiling. “That sounds great.”I drop Becca off, taking my time to say goodbye to her, even though I’ll be seeing her again very soon. I wait until she disappears inside before I take off. On the way home, I call Jake.

“Hey, how’s things?” I ask him.

“Don’t ask,” he groans. “I’m stressing out, big time. It turns out my wife is crazy. This whole thing is a mess, Liam.”

I laugh. “She’s a bride. They’re all like that, she’ll calm down once you’re married.”

“Nah, this is more than that,” he mutters. “Things are messy here at the moment. I don’t even…” He sighs, his voice fading.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“It’s nothing.” He sighs. “I’m sure we’ll work it out.”

“Okay I’m here if you need help or advice, or whatever.”

“Thanks,” he says. I hear muffled voices, and then Jake’s voice. “I’ve got to go. I’ll call you back later, okay?”

“Sure. If you need me, just let me know.”