Page 25

"Your parents are not going to like that you came here. Brady." I said,

"Why not?" he asked, his eyes frill of innocence.

So much for my mother's promise to tell him and Alison the truth finally. I thought. Had they even told Brody about Grandmother Hudson's will and its controversy?

"You've been horseback riding, huh?" he asked,

"Jake asked me to exercise his horse for him.'

"I haven't done much of that myself, but I'd like to," he said. He glanced at the house.

"I keep thinking I'll see Grandmother Hudson. It's hard to think of this place without her."

"Yes."

"So," he said. "Why don't I take you someplace nice for dinner?'

"Don't you have to start for home? I know it's a long ride." I said.

"What do you think I intended on doing, driving down here, touching the property and then turning around and rushing home?" He laughed, "-It was a long ride. You're right, I've got to do something more to make it worth it," he said, flashing that charming smile at me.

"I'm a little tired. Brady," I said. "I haven't been horseback riding for quite a while and it takes a lot out of you, especially when you've got to start with a new horse. You can't help being very tense and that wears on you. too."

"Oh, sure," he said. He looked down and then he looked up, his eyes brightening. "So you won't have much desire to cook anyway. Here's what I'll do. I know a great Chinese takeout not too far from here. I'll go get us a couple of dishes, some soups, egg rolls, and fortune cookies. What do you say?"

"You really should start far home. Brady,"

"Don't be silly. Come on. We've really never gotten a good chance to get to know each other and my grandmother was very, very fond of you obviously. If she liked you, you must be special. She didn't like all that many people."

"Brody, listen..."

"What do you like, chicken, shrimp, lobster? Forget it. I'll get all three and you can have some leftovers," he said excitedly.

"Brody..."

"I insist," he said. He looked at the house, "Technically. I guess, I have a little ownership in this place through my mother. right?"

I stared at him. He was so exuberant and in some ways so innocent compared to me. What was I to do? Just blurt the truth in his face and make more trouble in this family? Why didn't my mother have the courage to do the right thing so something like this wouldn't happen? If she hadn't. Grant should have, I thought, or is his fear of staining his precious public image so great, he could live with all the lies in his own home. too?

"Are you expecting someone else? Is that it? That guy you were in the play with last year, maybe?"

"No," I said quickly. I should have thought about it and seized on the opportunity. but I didn't think fast enough.

"I know you don't have any other hot date. You said you were tired. Right?"

"No. I don't have another date." I admitted.

"So? Then, it's okay, right?' he asked. He lifted his arms.

"You've run out of all the possible excuses.. Rain. Unless you're afraid to say you can't stand me."

"Of course that's not it. Brody."

"So?"

"Okay," I relented.

"Great."