Page 36 of Fly's Path

“Well, it all started with a one-eyed dog who was missing his front leg.” Tripod would make anyone smile.

“Sheridan, come on over and meet my grandson,” Viola shouts without raising her voice, as only mothers seem to be able to do.

Grandson? But that man is old.

“He isn’t the kid you thought he was.”

No. No, he isn’t. Why would Viola take me to meet a thirty-some-odd-year-old man…No. That’s devious. Impressive and devious. It’s not going to happen. There’s no way I’m going to date her grandson because he’s hurt and lonely.

Though I just agreed to write a total stranger. “Save me.”

“I don’t think I can do that. She looks pretty determined.”

Viola does. For a sweet grandma-type, there’s a look in her eye that makes me think I would lose in a battle of wills with her. “Come with me to say hello.”

“Are you trying to get me killed?”

“There are the best blondies in the world in it for you if you help save me.”

He chuckles. “What makes you think I can be bought?”

“Eh, you would have come anyway. That’s what heroes do. They risk their lives to save others. And for the best treats.”

“Fine. But if she chews me up and spits me out, tell my father I died with honor.”

It’s my turn to giggle. “What’s your name?”

“Deacon.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Deacon.”

Meddling Grandmother

Sheridan

Why didn’t I think that Viola could have ulterior motives? Because she seemed too sweet and sad.

Maybe you’re getting this all wrong. Viola might still think of this fully grown man as a child. I mean, you’d almost have to be blind with all those muscles and dark hair. He looks like a clone of Viola’s son Antonio.

Why isn’t this gym larger? I drag my feet as we walk across the room.

“You don’t have to walk that slowly for me,” Deacon whispers.

He’s got a bit of a limp, but is getting around better than I expected. “Couldn’t you have pretended it was harder to walk?”

“You’re not getting out of this that easily.”

Don’t I know it. Viola and her manly grandson are both watching me walk. It’s only slightly intimidating. The grandson seems familiar, but I can’t place him. “Nothing in my life ever is.”

Deacon stops. “What does that mean?”

“Are you okay? Do you need me to get crutches or a doctor for you?”

“Nice try. Answer the question.”

“No.” I stare him down for a minute before resuming my walk of torture.

“Most people are afraid of me.”