“Yes.” Ryan slinked his arm over Cindy’s shoulders, tugging her against him. Her soft smile was telling, and I was convinced then that Ryan was a goner. He had changed in a matter of weeks. Having thought it was impossible, I was happy for him.
We all had a great conversation on the drive to Emmy’s grandparents’ house.
“There's my girl.” Emmy’s grandfather pulled her against him.
“Hey, Granddad.” She smiled as her arms went around him. When he released her, she stepped into her grandmother's arms. When she pulled away, she reached her hand out to me, and I grabbed it, stepping forward.
“This is Luke. Luke, this is my granddad, Harlan Myers. And my Mimi, Amelia Myers.” She smiled at me then turned back to her grandparents.
“It's nice to meet you, sir.” I took his outstretched hand and shook it, then turned to her grandmother. “And nice to meet you, ma’am.”
Emmy then introduced Ryan and Cindy. When the introductions were done, we followed them to the back of the house. When we walked out of the back door, it was like walking into a paradise that didn't belong into the pacific northwest. There were palm trees surrounding a large inground pool and a built-in grill and bar. The man standing with his back to us at the grill made every part of my body shift. Chris looked over his shoulder, a smile spreading across his face. He put the cooking utensils down and walked over to us. Ryan stepped to my side, and I tried my best to keep myself in check.
“Hey Emmy. It's good to see you.” He moved toward her, but she stepped away and closer to me.
“Ryan. Luke,” he said and then looked back at her.
“I didn't realize you knew each other,” Emmy’s granddad said.
“We compete together,” Chris explained.
“Together would be a stretch,” Ryan spoke up.
“Luke won it all this season,” Emmy announced and smiled at me.
Her grandfather’s eyes widened. “That's amazing, son. Congratulations.” He slapped me on the shoulder. “Now, let's get this party started.” He smiled then turned away and walked toward the house. We settled at a table near the house, and I can't say I was comfortable, but I did my best to relax and enjoy everything that was going on.
“The fireworks will shoot from that direction.” Emmy pointed toward the river. I looked over her shoulder at the kids that were splashing in the pool. I was also looking to see where Chris was, but I was trying my best to keep him out of my mind.
“I didn't know he would be here. He was supposed to be in Seattle.” Her words brought my attention back to her.
“It's fine.” I shrugged.
“It really isn't, and I'll talk to my grandfather about him next week.”
“You don't have to do that. As long as he knows where we stand, then it should all be good.”
“There’s more to it though. I want Granddad to know how deceitful he was.”
I nodded. “Up to you, babe. But as long as we are a we, then I don't really care what he does or says.”
Ryan and Cindy decided to get in the pool as night creeped in on us. They were kissing and just enjoying the closeness hidden by dusk.
“They are so cute,” Emmy smiled as she stood and kissed my cheek. “I'll be back, I'm going to hit the restroom and then make a quick visitation round.” She walked away, and I watched her as she disappeared into the house. Her grandfather wandered over to our table and pulled a chair out sitting and looking over at me.
“When her father left, a piece of her seemed to leave along with him. I see that piece being filled by you.” He took a sip of his drink and sat it on the table, leaning back into the chair. “I see so much of myself in her, and I don't want to see her hurt.”
“That will never be my intention, sir.” I said as I watched his face.
“She means the world to me,” he looked over at me.
“I love her.” It was the only thing I could say. I wanted him to know what I was feeling, but I also wanted him to understand my intentions.
“She’s worried about moving here and leaving you there,” he said, reaching for his drink again.
“We’ve talked about it. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there,” I said.
“Best advice I can give you, son. Never make her choose between what she wants out of life and you.” He wasn't being mean, just matter of fact.