the lounge, a common area for all residents to gather, Grams asks, “Do you like your new job better than working at the Sweet Spot?”
My answer is honest. “Not better, it’s just different. I still help out when I can.”
“That doesn’t leave much time for a social life, does it?” Pops shifts in his seat.
“I think I’m doing okay in that area. Jenny and I see each other every Wednesday, at Blizzards or if she has something going on with her boys that night, like last week, she comes to the office and brings lunch. And actually, I ran into Shep a few weeks back, and we’re meeting tomorrow.”
“And a man?” Grams smiles.
“Actually, I have two.”
Pops’ pipe falls out of his mouth, and Grams slaps her knee as she laughs at both my statement and his shock.
“I think that’s a bit misleading, Nikki.” My posture straightens at the sound of his voice, and I look over my shoulder to make sure I’m not hearing things.
With a smile and a wink, Raff leans down and pops a kiss to my forehead before stepping toward Grams and Pops.
“Mrs. Winterfield, for you.”
“Oh my, thank you, young man.” She smiles and blushes as he hands her a beautiful fall floral arrangement. I love the brief glimmer in her eyes, and it’s something I can definitely appreciate.
The Raff effect.
“Mr. Winterfield.” He holds his hand out, and Pops shakes his.
“It’s very nice to officially meet you both. I’m Rafferty Graham, Nikki’s worse half. And the second man in the equation is my son, Nathaniel.”
“You own Blizzards, was married to Hope Miller.” Pops nods.
“God rest her soul,” Grams says as she crosses her heart as all good Catholics do.
“I’m sure we’ve run into each other in town.” He looks at Grams. “I’m pretty sure I could never forget those eyes. They’re just like our Nikki’s.”
My God, my man is amazing.
“I’m sure we have.” She blushes again.
He unbuttons his jacket and sits down. “Nathaniel and Nikki came up with an utterly brilliant idea for our first Thanksgiving together as a family.”
“Raff,” I whisper, and he looks at me. “I’ve yet to tell them—”
“That you’re shacked up together?” Pops asks.
“Elton,” Grams scolds him.
“Well, let’s call it what it is,” he says with humor in his voice, then looks at us. “Nellie’s been stopping in once a week; she keeps us updated.”
“Even if she doesn’t mean to.” Grams defends her. “Bless her heart.”
Pops laughs. “She is a little spitfire, that one. May be a thorn in your side, but obviously has your best interest at heart. Blocked that little bastard Townes’ number from your phone.” He laughs.
Grams shakes her head. “Had she known he was going to show up, she’d have thought twice, I’m sure.”
“Wait. What?” I ask, confused.
Raff clears his throat. “The evening you made dinner for your family to announce the move to the studio apartment, he called your phone, and she answered. Then she blocked him.”
Still confused, I ask, “What?”
“That girl is like a bull in a china shop.” Pops laughs.
“Don’t be upset at her, Nikki,” Grams says. “She didn’t want him to come between the two of you. Said she saw how happy the both of you were and—”
Pops interrupts, “She may not be able to admit it to you, but she didn’t want to lose you either.”
Raff leans forward and looks at me. “Which is precisely what she said to me when she called in a panic after you left the Sweet Spot to meet him.”
“Wow.” I shake my head. “Just wow.”
Then I start laughing.
Raff clears his throat, and I look back at him, worry etching his handsome features.
“She can be such a pain in the backside sometimes, but I clearly owe her a thank you.”
I can almost see the worry lift from his shoulders. He takes my hand and looks back at Grams and Pops. “We hope that you’ll join us on Thanksgiving, and if Nathaniel and Nikki have their way, I’m sure we’ll be doing the same on Christmas Day.”
“Turkey for Thanksgiving, Prime Rib for Christmas?” Pops asks.
“Of course, and any other requests will be handled as well.” Raff smiles at him.
“You treat her right.” Pops nods firmly.
“I’ll treat her as a treasure.”
“Land sakes alive,” Grams whispers the old- fashioned mild oath.
God, I love this man.
Having to be in earlier than usual tomorrow, I take the liberty to leave early and decide to head to the one place I’ve yet dare to go.
Sitting on a pile of leaves in front of my parents’