Chapter 14
Abraham's POV
Iwrap my fingertips along the wooden counter, bored out of my mind. The dusting and watering of plants is already done. I even reorganized the children’s book section twice to represent smaller author names and cute covers.
Flipping the page of the book I’m not actively reading, the bell over my shop door chimes. I wait a few blinks before looking up to see who it is, not wanting these people to think they have any power over me. I don’t actually need their business. The shop just staves off my boredom.
Well, at least eases it some.
Mayhem and shenanigans solve all problems, the voice purrs in my ear.
Finally looking up, I nearly swallow my tongue. Rami’s grandmother is looking around my shop with open curiosity. Part of me wants to snarl at the wretched woman for how she treats the sweet young man, but her presence seems to ease something deep inside me.
“Afternoon, Julia, what can I do for you today?”
She snaps her head around and looks me up and down. “Abraham, right?” she questions, raising a sardonic brow.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I assume my grandson, Rami, visits your shop often,” she says vaguely.
“What makes you think that?” I pry, not wanting to get him in any more trouble than he always seems to be.
“He frequently brings home books with no library tags or codes on them. I know he’s not ordering them online. That leaves you. Am I wrong?”
The air around her is charged with her accusation, and I can’t help the smile that curls my face. She’s a strong woman, and it bleeds from her essence.
Despite my reluctance, I like her instantly.
“You’re not wrong,” I answer vaguely. “How is he doing? Haven’t seen him around in a while.” I aim for nonchalance, but those wise blue eyes, exactly like Rami’s, stare at me knowingly. She doesn’t sneer or say anything ugly. To her credit, she simply watches me.
“He got hurt and has been resting a lot lately. He is being strong, but I think it takes a lot out of him. He’s been sleeping a lot more than usual.”
My protective instinct flares hotly, and I want to rush to his side and be the provider he deserves.
But I also feel better knowing that the reason I haven’t seen him isn’t because I kissed him.
Though I’d do it again in a heartbeat, his taste and the softness of his lips are like a drug, begging for another hit.
I hide all of that behind the mask I’ve perfected for these people, not giving away any hint of a weakness.
Especially not one for a precious young man that happens to be this woman’s grandson.
Hmmmm, the voice hums curiously.
The weight I associated with their presence lessens from the back of my mind, though the tension in the room remains so I know they haven’t gone far.
I watch closely as Julia’s shoulders tense before she swats at the empty air around her ear as if she’s shooing away a pest. My brow raises high on my forehead, even more amazed by the woman.
Frustrating old bat, the voice mumbles as they settle back in.
I want to ask more for follow-up, curious what they were doing, but know I won’t get an answer. After all this time, they still don’t share their plans with me.
“I was thinking a book might boost his mood since he can’t exactly get out and do anything right now. But, I sadly don’t know what he likes to read.” Remorse briefly crosses her face, and I know there’s more hidden there than she lets anyone see; especially Rami.
“That’s very kind.” I think I manage to keep the shock out of my tone because everything I’ve heard from Rami is that she’s an awful human being to him. Something tells me that’s not at all true.
I wonder if I should tell him about all of this.
Don’t, the voice shouts, and makes me jerk in response.
Julia eyes me suspiciously, taking a small step further away from me.
We are his safe landing space. If you correct the curated image of his grandmother, we’ll be left with nothing. He won’t need us anymore.
Pressing my shoulders back, I stand up a pinch taller, even more curious than I was before. But also loving the idea of Rami being mine.
Ours.
Clearing my throat, I shake myself out of the mild stupor and lead Julia through the store. “He prefers dark fantasy graphic novels, but reads a wide variety of things. Basically, anything that piques his interest.”
She nods and follows me dutifully while I point out a few books I know he likes or series he’s been eyeing. With a subtle bow, I leave her to mull it over and decide as I return to the counter. No one likes a weirdo who hovers over their shoulder.
Almost ten minutes later, she approaches the counter with three books and I ring them up. I don’t bother giving her the discount I always give Rami. Honestly, I’d give the books to him for free. But she doesn’t need to know my intentions with her grandson.
“I’d appreciate it if you kept this visit a secret,” she mumbles, betraying the cold mask she previously had in place.
My brow raises high toward my hairline again. “Really? I think he’d enjoy knowing how you take care of him.” I’m not really sure why I share that little tidbit when I’m supposed to be helping push him into my arms.
Her cold fury returns with a tight pinching of her lips. “I will parent as I see fit to keep my grandson protected.” The stiffness in her words gives away that she’s not mucking about and will stand by them.
A smile curls my face unbidden, though I attempt to fight it back. “Yes, ma’am,” I say, bowing my head reverently.
Yup, I definitely like this woman.