Page 124 of Mr. Edwards

“I’m decent,” I reply.

The door slowly creaks open, and Reece pops his head in. His eyes quickly scan over me and when I see him wince, I know I look even worse than I feel. I haven’t brushed my hair in days.

There’s been no contact between Grayson and me since everything went down, and part of me is grateful for that. I know I’m being a coward, but so much has happened, and although I’m partly a victim in all of this, I can’t help but feel responsible for the hurt I’ve brought to his family. I know he’s talked with Reece on the phone, that’s how we found out about his uncle.

Emma’s tried to reach out to me a few times. She ended up sending a text when I didn’t return any of her calls. I just told her I’m not ready to talk yet. I know she’ll understand. Her reply was short and sweet, which I’m grateful for.

Emma: I’ll be here for you whenever you are. I love you!

“You might want to have a quick shower and change; you have a visitor downstairs,” Reece informs me.

“A visitor, who?”

He shrugs. “She said to tell you it’s Granny.”

Granny.

Grayson’s grandmother? Cheese on a cracker. Has she come to chew me out about her son? I almost tell Reece I’m not up for visitors, but I know she’s traveled a long way to see me, and as much as I’m dreading it, I need to face this clusterfuck eventually.

Reece must feel the same way, otherwise he never would’ve come up here in the first place. He’s always been protective of me when needed.

I rise from the bed, pulling down my T-shirt as I go. It swims on my tiny frame. “Tell her I’ll be down in ten,” I say, walking over to my dresser to grab some clean clothes and underwear.

Although the shower has helped to make me feel somewhat normal again, my stomach is in knots as Idescend the stairs and head toward the front of the gym. I tuck my hands into my hoodie when I spot Granny sitting on one of the chairs near reception. She looks up as I approach and when a genuine smile tugs at her lips, I feel immediate relief.

Standing, she doesn’t hesitate to open her arms wide, and I feel tears burn the back of my eyes as I step into her embrace. It’s been years since I’ve seen this woman, and I’ve missed her.

“My sweet girl,” she whispers, rubbing her hands up and down my back. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m sorry too,” I say, burying my face further into her shoulder to hide my tears.

Pulling back, Granny cups my jaw. “You have nothing to be sorry about. Grayson explained everything to me, that’s why I’m here. In some way, I feel responsible.”

“For what?”

She looks around before bringing her attention back to me. “Is there somewhere we can talk in private.”

“Of course.”

Stepping back, I look down at her T-shirt not knowing what to expect, and a small smile tugs at my lips as I read it.‘Don’t eat clowns, they taste funny.’

“Nice shirt,” I snicker.

“I played it down today, I didn’t want to wear anything that may embarrass you, dear.” But then she turns around and lets her cardigan slip from her shoulders, giving me a glimpse of what’s written on the back. ‘Eat dicks instead.’

I smile for the first time in days. This woman is my spirit animal.

Leading her out to the private courtyard in the rear of the building, I take a seat on the bench that sits along theback wall. I tap the space beside me, and she sits down. I could’ve taken her upstairs to my apartment, but after being cooped up for days, I could use the fresh air.

Granny opens her bag once she’s seated, pulling out a small pink glittery case. She unzips it before removing a hand-rolled cigarette and lighter. She holds it out to me, and I shake my head.

“I don’t smoke.”

“It’s not tobacco,” she replies, raising an eyebrow.

“You smoke pot?” I ask, my eyes widening.

“I’ve heard it’s good for people with glaucoma.”