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Granny nodded, settling it.
"You two can stay on the homestead, too," she said, pointing at Juvie and Markel.
"Granny, I'm sure Real rented hotel rooms—" I tried to argue.
"Ain't no use in wasting good money! How y'all gone work it out if he in another town? And the hotel and bed and breakfasts here booked up 'cause of the reunion."
"But Granny?—"
She gave me a look that had been silencing me for more than two decades.
"Everly. Love. Miller!"
I sighed. "Yes, ma'am."
Beside me, Real chuckled. I picked up my knife, thinking about driving it into his heart.
"Way that man had you hoopin' and hollerin' when I walked by there, you sure you wanna kill him?" Granny asked calmly, like she was asking how I liked my eggs or something.
My knife clattered to the table as I died, a victim of soul-crushing embarrassment at age twenty-six.
"Didshe really just banish us to the Stone House?" I whispered to Everly as I peeped out the window beside me.
Targen threw back his head and smiled at me as he carried the last of my luggage toward the SUV in which Ev and I were currently sitting. I waved slightly before biting down hard on my bottom lip and slouching in the seat next to my cousin.
"I'on know if banish is the right word, T. It's a two-story, state-of-the-art stone cottage. Wemightsurvive," Everly responded dryly.
I sucked my teeth. "But with men! Granny really entrusting me to a nigga we just met!" I insisted.
"First, I can't stand Real right now, but I trust him. He wouldn't bring anyone around who would hurt you."
I smirked, noticing how quickly she defended him. Cousin had some things to explain. If her sister had her way, the explanations would be starting soon.
"Second, Granny ain't worried cuz she saw what all of us saw."
I frowned as Ev pretended to study her fingernails. I mushed her shoulder, hoping she didn't think she was getting away with that.
"And what did y'all see?" I pressed.
She looked up at me, but not exactly at me. Her eyes were soft and off-center like she was thinking about something.
"The way he looked at you already. He makes me believe in love at first sight, Theory, I swear."
I rolled my eyes, hoping she couldn't see the tiny thrill her words gave me. Targen had me mesmerized, and I was glad I wasn't alone, feeling like this.
"Anyway, I don't think you're too worried about Targen's credentials," she teased.
"I'll show her whatever she wants to see," his deep voice rumbled.
I hadn't even heard the back of the SUV open as he and Real loaded our bags. I gasped, then sank further into the seat. Suddenly, I wished for the old me, the accomplished flirt who would've had a spicy response to his comment.
Look where that got you, I thought before I could help it. Shame swallowed me immediately and I huddled into myself.
"No," Everly said softly, grabbing my hand. "You're not going there."
I gave her a tearful smile and squeezed her hand. Settling against the headrest, I shut my eyes. Doors opened and closed all around the truck, and I heard it shift.
"Everyone buckled up?" Ev asked.