Chance Encounter - Jerry Cole Page 0,19

like an emotional wreck. He held me close, telling me that everything would be fine. When I finally fell asleep, I knew he was right.

I slowly moved things into Gray’s apartment, falling in love with his Gram more every day. She was a strong woman that demanded her space but also loved those around her. I could see that she was getting weaker with age, perhaps a bit forgetful.

Sunday dinner went great. Gram instantly loved Becca, and they were in the kitchen, cooking together as my best friend held on to her every word. I think Becca boiled noodles before that since I did most of the cooking in our friendship. We also ordered a lot of take out.

We sat down to pot roast with a plate of vegetables, salad, and rolls. Everything was homemade and made my mouth water. Gram asked Becca about her life, pleased that Mari would be here soon. She invited her over as soon as they settled.

She talked about her life with her husband and two children, neither of whom she was close to. Gram didn’t tolerate their behavior in life, though she was close to their children. She helped to raise Jackson in addition to Gray, loving them both unconditionally.

Becca was in tears by the end of the meal, wiping her face as she shoveled bites of warm apple pie with ice cream into her mouth. “You two cry a lot,” Gray teased as I wiped at my cheeks.

“That’s beautiful,” Becca said, laughing as we all gazed at her. “Hayden and I never had that with family. It just wasn’t meant to be but you… you raised so many great kids before families were doing that on the regular. That’s a big job.”

“I tried with my own. It didn’t work. I couldn’t see these babies grow up with them, so I tried again. Herb stood right alongside me, too. He was a wonderful father figure.” She sadly smiled as Becca reached for her napkin.

“You’re killing me, Gram.” Gray cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. “I am so lucky to have you.”

We offered to wash the dishes while Becca went into the living room to talk further with Gram. I sensed that she needed it. Gray looked at me as he handed me a plate to rinse. “You okay?”

“There’s such a family history with you. I admire it while it also breaks my heart.” I smiled at him. “I think Becca might move in.”

“That’s where Gram would draw the line, but she loves Becca. She raised boys since there are so few girls in the family. I didn’t bring any around. This is a nice change for her.” He wrapped an arm around my waist. “I knew that there was something that night at the theater, but I would never have predicted this. I’m so happy.”

“I’m happy, too.” I smiled as he kissed me, feeling warmth wash over me.

We told Gram good night before inviting Becca to see our place. It was coming together well with our combined styles, and she smiled as she looked around. “I like these places a lot. They seem to have so much more space than mine. I wonder if Mari would want to move.”

“They do have the unit upstairs open if you’re interested. What do you pay in rent?” Gray asked as they figured out it would be the same amount.

“Can I take some pictures of yours? They’re the same?” Becca asked, smiling as we agreed. This apartment was closer to the city as opposed to being walking distance from work. It was in a safer part of town, located near neighborhoods and local businesses.

When we were in bed later that night, Gray laughed as he kissed me. “I can’t believe the girls might live here, too.”

“It’s a great unit for them,” I told him, pressing my naked body close to his. “I love the idea of just running upstairs.”

“You’ll both have to drive to work,” he reminded me as I shrugged.

“We should anyway since we go out with everyone after our shift. We can carpool a lot of the time.” I smiled, sliding my hand down his bare stomach.

“You’re terrible, Hay.” He chuckled, and I kept moving.

***

Summer slowly turned to Fall. Mari moved to Seattle into the two-bedroom apartment in our building within three months. I made the full move to Gray’s apartment a week before my old building burned down. It was shocking, and when the paper reported it to be arson, it