if I could have withdrawn the question I would have.
But now it was out there…waiting.
Grandpappy shook his head. “She’s just gotten so serious about it. Like every little mistake is the end of the world. That’s no way to live.”
My heart beat faster. “But…don’t you want to see her make something of herself? I know her mother does.”
He waved that off. “Prudence is a strong woman with high expectations. Joey could win a fist full of gold medals and Prudence would still say something to bring her down. Same way as Betty does to Prudence. I’ve been running interference between those two for years. Someone’s got to. You know Betty’s still on her case about marrying Paul? Land sakes, they’ve got a teenage daughter together so who cares if they tie the knot? But Betty won’t budge. I think Prudence is almost ready to comply just to get her mama to hush up about it.”
“You do?” I whispered.
He nodded. “It’s the way it is with mothers and daughters. I’ve got the easy job, waiting up at night with the shotgun loaded for bear. Or boyfriends.” He winked to take the sting out of his words.
“So, what will happen if Joey chooses not to continue to do gymnastics?” Robin asked.
I shot him a killing look but Grandpappy just shrugged. “I know my granddaughter. It may take her a while but eventually, she will find her way.”
My head was spinning. Here I’d believed I’d let my entire family down as well as myself. But there sat my beloved grandfather telling me that I would find my way. His faith staggered me. The man who’d cheered me on at every competition had helped pay for a new leotard when I’d ripped my brand new one when money was tight and Prudence was on the warpath.
He believed I would succeed regardless of what I did. He just wanted me to be happy.
The sound of a diesel engine rumbling up the street snagged my attention at the same time as my grandfather looked up. “That will be Betty now. If you folks will excuse me, we have a lunch date. Unless you wanted to talk to Betty?”
I shook my head. And then, before I could stop myself, I hugged him with all my strength.
He paused for a moment, obviously startled that a strange woman would embrace him after such a brief acquaintance. But it was the last chance I would ever get to hug him. I wouldn’t let it slip away.
No matter what price I had to pay Robin for this trip, it would be worth it. Just for that hug.
After a moment he settled one of those big gnarled hands on my back and patted me gently. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I caught your name.”
“It’s Josephine, too actually.” I sniffled and then stepped back. Robin put a hand on my shoulder. “And I’m very glad we had this talk.”
The screen door opened and Grammy B appeared. Younger, feistier, and carrying a bag of groceries, which she plopped on Grandpappy’s recliner. Her eyes flashed and she looked madder than a badger with a head cold. “Do you know what that busybody Elouise Kramer said to me? She said she saw Joey sneaking out of school with some boy. I told the old battleax she ought to have her eyes examined.”
“Which boy?” I gripped her arm, startling her. “Did you get his name?”
Though I almost towered over her four-foot eleven-inch frame, Grammy could stare down a man twice her size. “And just what business is it of yours anyhow?”
“These people are athletic advisors interested in Joey,” Grandpappy said.
“His name?” My heart was thundering against my ribs.
“Elouise didn’t know his name, but he was wearing a jacket with school colors,” Grammy said. “She thought he played football.”
Chapter 12
“A real friend knows when to talk and when to hold her tongue. A true friend knows when to listen.
And when to cut a bitch.”
-Notable quotable from Grammy B
My mind spring-boarded out of my body as I tried to come to grips with what Grammy had heard. Distantly, I heard Robin thanking my grandparents for their assistance, followed by the slap of the screen door. I’d left the house without a word of farewell.
No. There was no way my echo self would have skipped school if Bill Tucker asked. And anyway, I’d had his car impounded. It had to be some sort of mistake.
I stopped short and Robin had to twist so he didn’t slam into my back. “I