Playing (Inked Hearts 2)

Chapter Sixteen

Kaylee

"Kay-bear, you're going to have to be more specific if you want my help." Grandma's voice is irritated. It's the fourth time she's pressed for details, and the fourth time I've denied them.

Not that she can talk. She's being just as secretive about how she's doing. She's still towing the party line. I need more help, but, really, I'll be fine. Focus on school. Don't worry about me.

"It's not like I'm gonna know the guy," she says. "Aren't you too old to keep your crushes a secret?"

"Are you ever too old for that?"

"Hmm. I guess not. I've taught you too well." Her voice lifts. Back to hearty. Vivacious even.

But that only makes me think about the possibility she isn't full of life. "Are you really okay?"

"I'm not the one with boy problems."

"Okay, answer this. Are you doing better or worse than just after your heart attack?"

"Better."

My shoulders relax. Then tense. She almost died. It's a low bar.

"You'll tell me if you're there again?" I can't say the words. "If it gets that bad."

"Yes, Kay-bear, of course. Now tell me about the guy. You're making me feel old."

"He wants me. I know he does. But he keeps pretending otherwise."

"How do you know?"

"I just do."

"But do you know? Or do you want it to be true? You wouldn't be the first woman to convince herself of a man's interest."

"No." I turn my phone to speaker so I can check my outfit. "I'm putting you on speaker, Grandma."

"You know I prefer Gigi."

"You know I'm never going to call you Gigi."

I set my cell on my desk. This is outfit four. A plaid skirt and a white blouse. It screams schoolgirl. It screams I'm practically jail bait. It's hot. But it's not what I want.

"I know," I say. "I... I have evidence."

"Yeah? What? He accidentally post it on Facebook or something?"

"Something like that."

"Hmm..."

"What?" I undo the buttons of my blouse and slide it back onto its hanger. "Trust me, Grandma. I know. I have evidence."

"I could help more if you'd tell me the evidence."

And I could help more if she'd tell me the truth about her condition. But I'm not bringing that up. I don't want to fight. "I have it on good authority that he wants me. At least physically."

"Well, of course, Kay. You're a knock out. Every guy you're friends with on Facebook must want you after those pictures Emma posted."