The Other Game (The Perfect Game 4)

“It’s Gran’s homemade sauce,” I told her.

“Welcome home.” Jack smiled down at her, his adoration obvious.

Watching his face light up like that, I realized I’d probably pay good money to see him like this. Jack had pushed people away for far too long. It was about time he let someone in.

“I’ll see you two in the kitchen,” I said before walking away, but neither of them paid me any attention.

I’d just settled at the kitchen table as they walked through the entryway. Gran immediately leaned over the stove, stirring her sauce over the heat even though it didn’t need it. Gramps pretended to read the newspaper while I sat watching the two lovebirds.

“Oh, Ma, they’re here!” Gramps folded the paper and stood up, extending his arms as he headed straight for Cassie. “You must be Cassie. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” He squeezed her hard, and her smile only grew.

When Gramps released her, Jack reached for her hand and pulled her toward the stove. “Gran, this is my girl, Cassie.”

Gran wiped her hands on her apron as Cassie turned to her. “It’s so nice to meet you, Cassie. We’ve heard so much about you.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you both. Thanks for having me,” Cassie replied with a warm smile, and then asked, “Can I help?”

I almost choked. Gran never let anyone help with the cooking. The cleaning, you bet your ass, but not the actual cooking part. Her kitchen was her domain, and she never let us forget it.

“Oh heavens no, dear. I’m almost finished. Go sit down and make yourself comfortable. Jack, you get her whatever she needs, you hear me?” Gran’s voice took on the tone she only used with me and Jack.

“Yes, Gran, of course,” he said a little too sweetly before kissing her on the cheek. “Do you need anything, Kitten?”

“I’m fine, thanks.”

Gramps pulled out the empty chair next to him and patted it. “Come sit down next to me, Cassie. Or do I get to call you Kitten too?”

When he winked at Cassie as I took a sip from my glass, I almost shot water out of my nose. Gramps just winked at Jack’s girlfriend.

I couldn’t stop laughing. “I think we should all start calling her Kitten.”

Jack shot me a murderous glare. “Only I get to call her Kitten. You’d be wise to remember that.”

“Jack, stop threatening your brother,” Gran said while waving the steam away from her face.

“Yes, Gran,” he said nicely before kicking me under the table.

I moved my foot to kick him back and missed.

Gramps leaned on his elbow and studied Cassie. “So, Cassie, Jack tells us you’re a photographer.”

She nodded. “That’s what I’m studying right now. I’d like to start my own business as soon as I graduate.”

Gramps slapped his hand against the table. “Well, that’s just great! Isn’t that great, dear?”

Cassie answered all my grandparents’ questions about her photography and her hopes for the future. Whenever we could get a word in edgewise, Jack and I both sang her praises.

The girl had a natural talent. She was a gifted photographer, and I’d never seen anyone photograph things from the angles she did. Jack seemed truly impressed not only by her passion, but by her talent as well. I had to admit that it was pretty awesome seeing them support each other’s passions.

“If it doesn’t work out, you can always go into sports photography and follow your boyfriend around the country,” Jack said with a laugh.

Everyone laughed with him, but I knew he wasn’t joking. He meant it.

“So, I’d just wake up and take pictures of you all day?” Cassie asked with a teasing smile.

“Sounds like a dream job to me.”

“Oh Lord.” Gran sighed. “Forgive me, Cassie. I did the best I could with him.”