“In the middle of a workday?” she asked. “Is that fair?”
“We can’t leave it too late to extend the invitation. If Abernathy thinks we’re playing games, he’s likely to play them back. We’ll approach his side this morning, put in a call, see if he’s open to the invitation. Get a read on him.”
She nodded. “Okay. I have to go and get ready, and I have things to do. Find out when Turner gets a break.” He nodded once and took a step back to allow her to ascend one stair. Poppy paused to look back at Preston. “Only when he has a break and for the allotted time he’s supposed to have. You know it will drive him nuts to be given special treatment.”
His half-smile almost became a laugh. “I sure do. I’ll figure it out.”
Laying a hand on his shoulder, she pushed up to kiss his cheek. “Thank you.”
Poppy continued up the stairs and Preston called out after her. “Just remember all this when it comes time for him to pick a best man.”
Laughing, she cast an amused look back at him, but kept on going. Turner was lucky to have such a reliable network of loyal people around him. It was still taking time for her to adjust to being a part of that group.
She’d get ready for the day and then had a lot to do before she could think about discussing the Holden meal with her love. There was Casey, possibly her parents, Tiller, Grammie would have to be told about the plan to invite Holden to the house. And Charley. Yes, she’d have to do something to make amends with Charley. Everything else on her list would be easier than that. Charley was hurt and wanted to hold onto the man she cared for. Making her see that David was hurting her would be difficult at any time, but while she was mad and felt so betrayed… it was going to be an arduous uphill climb.
THIRTEEN
Grammie said she’d play nice. As to the veracity of that, Poppy would just have to wait and see.
“Turner will be there, won’t he?” Grammie asked as she paused at the bedroom door.
“At the dinner?” Poppy asked, still seated on the couch at the end of Grammie’s bed. “I think so. Preston and I are going to talk to him about the setup later.” Grammie nodded, though Poppy discerned how the air around the older woman changed. “No games, Grammie.”
“Who’s playing games?”
“You said you were going for a walk, stay away from the house build.”
From Turner, that’s what she was really saying. If she didn’t have to make a call, Poppy would be going with the septuagenarian.
“I own everything around here,” Grammie said, waving a flippant hand in the air. “I can go anywhere I please.”
“Okay, but he’s working.”
“I like to visit Aitken. See how things are coming along.”
“The house was supposed to be Dad’s project. He manages to stay away, why do you find it so difficult?”
“Your father said that house was for you and your sisters, so you’d stay close even after you were married.” Grammie’s fingertips rested on her clavicle. “I don’t believe that. That’s where he plans to put me. It’s there or the nut house.”
“Let’s hope Mom doesn’t get a vote.”
Grammie’s wide grin was definitely sly. “I don’t mind, my grandson-in-law has already promised to convert a floor in his building for me.”
“A whole floor?” Poppy asked. “There are four units on each floor.”
“I don’t mind paying for the privilege.”
Her Grammie always had a way of putting a smile on her face. “I knew you two would’ve cooked up a scheme already.”
“Are you saying I am not welcome?”
Leaving the couch, Poppy went over to kiss her grandmother’s cheekbone. “You are very welcome. It would be an honor to have you in the Venture with us.”
“He didn’t seem sure that you’d stay there. He’s certain you’ll want to stay here.”
“We haven’t had a chance to talk that out,” Poppy said. “We need to deal with Holden and then we’ll think about the future.”
“Don’t take too long to think,” Grammie said, opening the bedroom door. “I won’t live forever.”
They shared another smile as Grammie went out and closed the door. Although it was sort of a running joke that Grammie wasn’t immortal, Poppy didn’t like to think about it. Even sending her out for her morning walk alone left Poppy uneasy. If something happened, it could take time for