Just a Little Crush(58)

I peeked over at him. “Maybe that wasn’t hatred you saw.”

He raised an eyebrow.

I shrugged.

“Wow.” He puffed out air. “Now you tell me.”

—

When we got to the hospital, Mom hadn’t shown up yet. A part of me worried something had happened to her, but I shoved that thought aside. Grandma was my main concern. Mom would not steal my attention away with her antics.

Now out of the ICU, Grandma was allowed more visitors. “Would you like to meet her?” I asked Ryder.

“Yeah.” He wrapped my hand in his.

Grandma was propped upright and more of her color had returned. She had a plate of untouched food next to the bed as she flipped channels on the TV.

She perked up as I entered. “Brinley.” The TV clicked off and she focused her attention on me. Her smile widened as Ryder followed me into the room.

“Hi, Grandma.” I stood at her bedside. “This is Ryder. Ryder, this is my grandma, Hannah.”

“Ryder. Nice to meet you.” He shook her hand.

“Do you go to Sutton with Brinley?”

“Yes, ma’am. We went to high school together too.”

“Oh?” She glanced at me.

“He’s a year older. He graduated before me.”

“Small world.” She smiled.

She had no idea. My first kiss to…my face warmed and I changed the subject. “How are you feeling today?” I asked.

“Much better. Eager to get out of this place.” She shifted and readjusted the blanket tucked under her arms. “Have you talked to your mom today?”

“No.” I glanced at Ryder. “She was pretty bad last night.”

She gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”

And then, as if just speaking of her could summon her, Mom walked in.

Ryder stiffened and my stomach dropped.

She looked like shit, but at least she wasn’t drunk.

“Brinley.” She wrapped her arms around me in a sloppy hug. “I’ve missed you.” She stepped back and gave me stern look. “You should visit more. It shouldn’t take Grandma getting sick for me to see my baby girl.”

My mouth dried and I pried my tongue off the roof. “I was here last night.”

“Oh?” She scrunched her face. “Well, I’m sorry I missed you. Who’s your friend?” She smiled at him.

“Ryder.” His tone was flat and his gaze shot to me. “I’ll give you a minute. If you need me, I’ll be outside.” He kept his eyes locked on mine as he spoke and I nodded in understanding. “Nice meeting you.” He smiled at Grandma, glanced at Mom, then stepped out of the room.

“He’s cute,” Mom said.

“Thanks,” I muttered then turned my attention back to Grandma. “I picked this up for you in the gift shop.” I pulled out a book of crossword puzzles. Grandma loved to pass the time with them.

“You didn’t have to do that.” She smiled. “But I’m glad you did. I’ve been bored senseless. I can’t believe how mindless television is nowadays.”

Mom stared between the two of us. I glanced at her then shifted my weight. “Well, Grandma, I’ll let you get some rest. I’m going to grab some coffee, but I’ll be back.”

“Sweetie, you really don’t have to stay.” Grandma patted my hand. “I will be fine. Ryder was so nice to bring you back but, really, I don’t want you two wasting your day here.”

I glanced at Mom. Her gaze narrowed on me. I couldn’t decide if she wanted me to leave or was judging me for even considering it.

The tension was thick and I know Grandma sensed it.

She went on, “I’m sure you have lots of studying to do. And the doctor says I can go home tomorrow, so just call and check on me. No point in coming all the way back here.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. “It’s not that long a drive.”

“Positive. You focus on school and don’t worry none about me. I’m going to be fine.”

Mom crossed her arms. The longer she stared at me, the more I wanted to book it.

“Okay. I will call you tomorrow.” I hugged Grandma. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I turned to Mom. Her face was twisted in some sort of annoyed expression mixed with something like hurt or confusion. It was hard to read, but Mom always was. Unless she was drunk. Without a filter in place I didn’t need to interpret; she just laid it all out.

“I’ll see you later,” I said.

“Yeah. Sure.” She didn’t offer me another hug.

I slipped out of the room and found Ryder in a chair. He leaned forward, typing on his phone. When he noticed me, he slid it into his pocket.