After work on Friday, I went home and immediately began getting ready for my date with Ryan. While I'm sure Grams was hopeful I was going out with Luke instead, she seemed pleased that I was "getting back into the dating scene."

Rolling my eyes to myself, I apply a coat of clear lip gloss and dark mascara and take a step backwards, admiring myself in the mirror.

Despite the humidity, I'm leaving my dark hair hanging over my sleeveless shoulders, my white crop top hitting just above my belly button. Paired with my favorite torn jeans and a pair of sandals, I'm ready to go.

Checking my phone, ignoring the texts from Hunter, I realize Ryan will probably be here any minute.

Shoot. I thought I was early, not almost late.

Nearly taking a tumble down the staircase, I skid to a halt at the very top, straining to hear Grams voice floating upwards from the kitchen. Where the landline is.

I don't normally snoop, but something about her tone catches my attention.

"Well she's my granddaughter, too, you know." She sounds annoyed. Really annoyed.

They're talking about me. Who is she speaking to?

"It's not right." A pause. "She deserves to know."

Know what? What do I deserve to know?

My heartbeat pounds in my ears, knowing I'm listening in on something I shouldn't be, and I struggle to hear over it.

"For how long?" Grams snaps. "Until she's old and gray like me? It's ridiculous, it's -"

After a moment, I hear the phone slam down and Grams mutter under her breath. "Unbelievable."

Still frozen at the top of the stairs, wondering what it is that I don't know, I jump as a car honks it's horn outside.

Ryan. I almost forgot about my date, too busy trying to decipher the one-sided conversation I just overheard.

"Dylan?" Grams shouts and I hurry down the stairs, pretending I heard nothing at all. "I think your date is here."

"Thanks Grams." I plaster a faux-grin on my face when she gives nothing away. Holding my arms out to the side, I do a little spin for her, showing off my outfit. "How do I look?"

"You always look beautiful." Her eyes glow with pride and I know she means it.

"You're supposed to say that, you know, as my grandmother." I grab my bag, wallet and keys and peer at her, brow raised.

My grandmother who's keeping a secret, it seems.

Who else is in on it?

"Still true." Grams smiles as I place a kiss on her white hair, stopping just before the doorway.

"I won't be out too late." I promise.

"Why not? Live a little." She shrugs.

Suppressing another eye roll, I confirm, "You don't need anything before I go?"

"I'm fine!" Grams hushes me, reaching for the TV remote. "Just be safe."

A weighty promise ever since Casey passed. Mom used to say it, Grams always does, and I always hear the undertone in their words, the fear. The desperation - the inability to lose another.

With one last smile, I nod. "Always am."

A lil short chapter for you guys, more soon!
Predictions for date night?
Who was Grams talking to and about what?!
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