"You?"
"Yeah. I did."
"Is it unforgivable?"
"I don't know. I don't think so, but he's hard to read. He's..."
"It's him, isn't it?"
"Who?" I ask.
"Your hot friend. The one who's supposed to watch out for you."
"It's not like that. He... He's always saying that we can't. That it's wrong—"
"Always? You nagging him?"
"No. He said it once. But he kissed me too."
"You think it's wrong?"
"I don't know. I... I get that he's older. That he's supposed to be in charge of my well-being. That he's paying for my place to stay and my food. Well, I'm trying to pay my share of the food, but he argues about it."
"Kay-bear, do you think it's wrong?"
"No... I... I really like him."
"He's hot. I don't blame you."
"Does Mom know?" My chest is heavy. Not from the threat of Mom coming between me and Brendon. But from how good it feels talking to Grandma like this. From knowing there's a time limit on that.
"You think I'd narc on you?"
"No. But she might realize—"
"She doesn't."
"Oh. Good." I check the time. Only five minutes until I need to leave for class. Damn. I want to tell Grandma everything. Well, some things. She always gets it. And she won't feel betrayed the way Emma will.
"Does he want you too or is he an idiot?"
"He does. But it's complicated."
"It's never complicated. Not unless you make it that way."
"He used to say that."
"Smart man. But stupid if he hasn't scooped you up yet."
"There are good reasons."
"Still. He cares about you?"
"I think so."
"Then find a way to make it uncomplicated."
It's good advice, even if I have no idea how to accomplish it. "I have to go. Class. I love you, Grandma."