“Don’t be a stranger, hmm?” her grandmother had whispered, hugging her tightly. “After all, we have almost twenty two years to make up for. And you’ve made me very, very happy today, Scarlett. Will you call me when you get back to Berkeley? It will make me feel better knowing that you’re home safe.”
Scarlett had nodded. “Of course I will. My flight arrives in around six tomorrow evening so you’ll hear from me once I get back to my apartment.”
There hadn’t been very many times in her life when someone had been concerned enough about her to check in like that. Roz and Margie, of course, had kept close track of her, but she’d spent pretty much all of her time at their house aside from school and her part-time job on weekends. And she talked to Jackson at least once a day when they were apart, though he knew better than to fuss over her or keep tabs on her, knowing how fiercely independent she was. But hearing her grandmother make that sort of request had touched Scarlett deeply, enough to cause her to sniffle again at the recollection.
“Sure you’re okay?” asked Jackson quietly.
“Yeah. Just recalling how my grandmother asked me to call her when I arrive home tomorrow evening. It feels sort of weird. But in a good way, you know?”
“I do,” he confirmed. “Eileen is a sweetheart. So is Howard. And it pisses me off to see how badly Neil neglects them. He thinks throwing money at them makes up for his absence. And I blame my sister for that, too, as well as my father to a degree. Laura’s a total snob, doesn’t think Neil’s family has much class or that their family gatherings are worth attending. She’s more or less forced Neil to choose between them and her. Sad to say, my parents - especially my father - probably encouraged that.”
Scarlett shook her head. “Sorry, no offense, but I had a much, much better time today than I did at your parents last night. I was on edge the entire time last night, afraid I’d use the wrong fork or put my elbows on the table. Or that your sister might give in to her dark side and stab me with her fork. It might have been emotional for me today, but I never once felt uncomfortable or unwanted. And no digs on your mother’s chef but I also liked the food today a hundred times better than last night’s twenty eight courses.”
Jackson grinned. “Now, don’t exaggerate. You know darned well it was only twenty two courses. But I agree. Your aunts are all great cooks, and they set out a feast when the whole group gets together. And if we’re making confessions, I’ll admit that I like being with them more than I do my own family.”
He pulled into the secure underground garage of his condo building, temporarily halting their conversation. Scarlett scowled at the pick-up truck parked in the space next to his Tesla.
“Gas guzzler,” she grumbled, giving the rear tire a little kick.
Jackson laughed, looping an arm around her shoulder. “Would it make you feel a little bit better to know that I’ve started researching some other models that are more eco-friendly? It’s about time for me to get a new truck anyway. And before you ask why I even need one, think about it, babe. When we start our new business, how am I going to haul around tools and plywood and stuff in the Tesla? Like it or not, you need a bigger vehicle when you’re in the construction business.”
“Yeah, I know,” she acknowledged reluctantly. “Speaking of which, guess I’d better learn how to drive a car at some point, too. I’ve gotten used to riding my bike or taking the bus or walking since I’ve been in Berkeley. Depending on where we end up settling, that might not be a possibility any longer. And I can’t depend on you to drive me everywhere.”
“Any news on the internship situation?”
She shrugged. “Not for a couple of weeks, no. But that firm in Portland is supposed to follow up with me at the end of the month, and the one in Denver promised they would make a final decision by the beginning of April. And if neither one works out, I’ll have to settle for living in Wisconsin or Florida for a year since those offers are still open.”
Jackson wrinkled his nose. “Too cold and snowy in the winter for the first, too hot and humid for the second. I’ve got a real good feeling about the Portland firm, though, based on what you told me about the interview.”
“You’re sure about moving with me?” she asked worriedly. “I mean, if it ends up being Portland or even Denver the flight time between either of those places and Phoenix isn’t much longer than it is to Oakland. You could stay here and keep working for your family for another year.”
“No,” he replied, giving a firm shake of his head. “I appreciate the offer, but my mind is made up. I’ve already talked to a realtor friend of mine about putting the condo on the market in another few weeks. Wherever you go, babe, I follow. I’ll find some construction jobs on the side for a year or so, plus I’ve got a pretty healthy bank account to fall back on. Maybe,” he teased, “I’ll just be a house husband - er, boyfriend - for awhile. You know, doing the laundry and grocery shopping and cooking while you’re at work.”
Scarlett grinned at him mischievously. “That sounds great. Provided, of course, that you actually learn how to cook before then.”
“Hey,” he protested. “I’m an expert with the grill, and any dummy can toss a salad. Though we should probably make sure that we live near a supermarket like Whole Foods with pre-prepared meals, as well as a bunch of takeout places to choose from.”
She kissed him on the cheek. “I tend to agree. Though knowing you there’s no way you’ll be able to sit on your duff and hang out in an apartment or condo all day. You like to keep busy, work with your hands.”
Jackson gave her a wolfish smile as he squeezed one of her buttocks. “I can think of lots of ways to keep these hands busy,” he purred.
Scarlett gave a little eye roll as they stepped inside the elevator. “In addition to learning how to cook a few basics,” she replied drolly, “you might also want to come up with some new lines.”
Once inside his condo, she impulsively threw her arms around his neck, hugging him close.
“Thank you,” she murmured against his chest.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing the top of her curly head. “You’re welcome. But what exactly are you thanking me for?”
She glanced up at him. “For being you. For taking such good care of me. Just like you do every day. But specifically, thank you for arranging for me to meet my family. It was a thousand times better than I used to dream about as a little girl. I mean, I totally consider you and Roz and Margie and Ananda and Isaiah my family, too. But this was - well, you know.”
“Yeah, I get it, babe,” he assured her softly. “Meeting people you share a blood tie with, people who look like you. And I was happy to make the arrangements. I already told you - I like Neil’s family - your family - better than mine most of the time.”
“It really wasn’t all that bad last night,” she admitted. “Except for your sister giving me the side eye constantly. Your mother is very nice, even if she might have been putting on an act. Hannah’s wonderful. Your father wasn’t as much of an ass as I thought he would be while my father was as useless as ever.”