Chapter 19
Chastity
“How are you today, Mr. Young?”I ask Hank’s grandfather.
“Another day above ground is a good one.”
“That’s true.” I hit the button to check his blood pressure. “I heard rumors you’re getting sprung from here soon.”
“Friday. Just in time for the LSU - Texas AM game on Saturday. Heard you’re going to be there?”
Mr. Young is very casual about it, and so was Hank when he invited me. “Yes, with Josiah and my friend, Nevaeh. I’m looking forward to it. The Youngs do know how to throw a party.”
I’m both looking forward to it and nervous. My feelings for Hank are getting stronger and more complicated by the day. I wanted to kiss him on the balcony at Conviction, and I can’t even blame the whiskey. I had one sip, and it was barely past my lips at that point.
I went to dinner with Dylan the night before, and I barely made it past the appetizer. I’m done with dating apps for now. I’m trying to force something, and it doesn’t feel right or natural.
Especially since I’m in love with Hank Young.
“It would be better if all the grandkids could be here, but I suppose that’s the way it goes. They grow up and want to leave,” his grandfather says.
“Don’t say that,” I say with a smile. “I’m not ready for that.” I glance at the screen. “Blood pressure looks great. 131 over 87.”
He doesn’t even acknowledge the numbers. I don’t think he pays attention to half of what the doctor says to him. He just wants his new hip and to get on with his life without following a bunch of rules or PT. I always feel for the physical therapists who deal with patients that just want a miracle cure without putting any effort into it.
“I wonder if I can play cornhole from a chair.” He swings his arm, like he’s testing it.
“You can stand, you know,” I remind him cheerfully. “You’re supposed to be working on your range of motion.”
He just changes the subject. “Hank told me you two have a bit of history. That he thought maybe your boy was his.”
I pause. “I really wish he hadn’t discussed that with you.”
“It wasn’t like he meant to. But my grandson just about had a heart attack in this room when he thought your son was his.”
“I wasn’t hiding anything from him. Josiah is four. I’m honestly surprised the gossip about me being a single mom didn’t reach him.”
“I don’t think he pays attention to gossip.”
“He is very busy these days with his restaurant. I got to try some of the dishes he’s considering for the menu. They were amazing.” I’m trying to play it cool and casual.
“The two of you have a lot in common.”
Is Hank’s grandfather trying his hand at matchmaking? I’m amused and honestly touched. “How is that?”
“People see one thing and jump to conclusions about y’all.”
“I can’t argue with that.”
“You know what they say,” he says.
“What’s that?” I ask him with a smile.
“Haters gonna hate.”
That makes me laugh out loud. “You are so right.”
“Don’t let anyone else tell you about you,” he adds. “And surround yourself with people who see your value. People like my grandson.”
“I see his value, too,” I say softly. “His friendship matters to me.”
It does. Hank matters to me.
“He is a hell of a cook, isn’t he?”
I nod, my throat tight. He’s a hell of a lot of things, all of which I love.
“You know what else you have in common? You both want to take care of others. Nurturers.”
I’ve never thought about it that way, but I suppose there’s truth to it. “I’ve never thought of Hank in those terms, but you’re right.”
He’s certainly been taking care of me. Holding my hand over dating, feeding me, offering to pay for Josiah’s football, pushing me outside of my comfort zone. He’s been a damn good friend. I should leave it at that.
But my heart doesn’t want to.
“Everyone underestimates him because he’s a bit of a cut-up. But it’s true. Look at how often he’s bringing his old grandfather a meal in here.”
“I’m guessing you’d rather get his shrimp and grits over me fussing with your IV.”
He grins. “But you’re prettier.”
“Charmer. I see where Hank gets it.”