Page 54 of The Ampersand Effect

Grier blinked, focusing. “She’s scared, which she openly admitted the night of the gala. And it’s making her resistant. I can feel that much. But I don’t know why. She said she isn’t involved with anyone, and I believe her. At this point, all I can hope is that she explains things on Saturday.”

“You’re giving her too much credit,” Grove said, digging at the chunks of ice cream at the bottom of her glass with a spoon.

“Maybe. But my gut says I need to be patient. And… I’m oddly at peace with it. I can’t promise I won’t end up hurt, but I just feel like I need to grant her some grace as she navigates whatever decisions she needs to make to give me a chance.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I hope she figures it out soon. I was horny before that kiss, but now… my core is so tight from clenching when I think about her I think I’m actually getting abs!” Grier met Grove’s eyes for mere seconds before both succumbed to easy laughter.

“You got it bad,” Grove said, smiling coyly, shaking her head.

Grier sighed. “I do. I’ve missed this side of dating. I like a little chase. But I think she’s the type who needs to come to me. When she’s ready.”

A little while later they walked into the house to find Delta doing homework, Lake resting beside her.

“Where’s your dad, kid?” Grove asked, sliding onto the kitchen counter next to Delta.

“He ran an errand. Said he’d be back to start dinner.” Delta didn’t look up from her homework.

“How long ago did he leave?” Grier pressed.

“He didn’t come inside when he brought me home.”

Grier glanced at the clock on the microwave, confirming her suspicion—it was already after five. She met Grove’s confused gaze. “He’s been gone for almost two hours?”

“I guess.” Delta was clearly unbothered, but Grier’s concern was growing. Grant didn’t leave Delta home alone for long periods, and he almost always let Grier know if he was going to be out longer than a quick errand.

Grier and Grove exchanged a series of raised eyebrows, subtle glances, and lowered lids, concluding with theunderstanding that Grove would distract Delta while Grier stepped out to call Grant.

His phone went straight to voicemail. Concern quickly melted into fear. She sent him a questioning text, then returned to the kitchen, giving Grove a quick shake of her head—no luck.

She started opening cupboards, taking inventory to figure out what to make for dinner. Grant did most of the cooking, since his work-from-home schedule was far more flexible. Grier had no idea what he had intended for their dinner this evening.

She pulled out some cans of creamed soups, planning a quick casserole, when the kitchen door swung open with a whoosh. Grant walked in, several brown bags of carryout sushi in his hands, and pleading in his eyes.

“Sorry! My phone died. I bring food things as apologies.” He rushed forward to set the bags on the counter, then walked behind Delta to give her a quick kiss on top of her head.

“You’re lucky you have the foresight to bring food as an apology, or we’d be much less amenable to your still-unexplained absence.” Grove feigned anger as she began plucking to-go containers from the bags.

Grier remained silent, reaching for plates and utensils from the cupboards. Something didn’t feel right. Grant never let his phone die. And he didn’t particularly like sushi. A tug of concern niggled at her—he was hiding something.

After dinner, Delta excused herself to her room, and the siblings retreated to the living room. Grier didn’t wait for the opportunity to second guess herself. “Where were you, Grant?”

Grant flushed. “I was running some errands. My phone died.” “You’re lying. Plus, you didn’t plug your phone in during

dinner, and it’s suddenly working now, so you obviously just turned it off while you were gone.” Grier pushed back, calling him out as he clicked his now-charged phone screen off.

Grant sat in front of her, refusing to meet her eyes. He rolled the phone back and forth between his hands, lost in thought.

“Why are you acting so shady?” Grove interjected in her typically blunt manner. “What could you possibly do that would require such stealth?”

“You left Delta alone, which you never do,” Grier continued. “And we don’t lie to each other. What gives?” Her eyes searched his, pleading and concerned.

“I do leave Delta alone,” Grant said defensively, keeping his gaze on his lap. “I just lost track of time.”

“Which returns us to the question of why you turned your phone off in the first place. Especially knowing Delta was home alone.” Grier’s tone softened; she and her siblings didn’t raise their voices with each other. They respected each other and, even when the occasional disagreement arose, they met it with dignity.

Without raising his head, Grant quietly confessed, “I’m seeing someone.”