Chapter 68: Ready or Not
I can't hide the other side of me any longer. It'll consume me if I don't break free. But will he like the other side of me? I guess we will see in a few hours. Lynn says, “We are ready when you are.”
“You coming too, Max?” I ask.
“I don't know if I should,” Max replies.
“You're family,” I insist.
Max relents. “Okay, but if it bothers her, I'll step out, no worries.”
“Same,” Levi replies.
“Boys, she'll be fine if she's her, plus I know how to break through her fog,” I say as he goes to the garage. We pile into Zack's SUV. White Wedding by Billy Idol plays. Lynn and I are about lose it.
“They've made wedding plans,” Luther jokes.
Lynn giggles. “Obviously.”
Then Rebel Yell by Billy Idol starts to play. I cover my mouth and mumble, “Oh my!”
“Oh yes!” Lynn cheers.
“Not exactly what either of you yelled at midnight, but add names to it, and it's close,” Zack teases.
“Oh, you yelled too.” I smacked his shoulder. “We just have our am and pm mixed up.”
Levi laughs. Lynn pokes him in the chest. “Oh my king, you weren't quiet either.”
Luther throws his hands up. “For the love of god, strike me down now.”
“Oh, I do detect a blush on your cheeks, Luther?”
“You're a bad influence,” he grumbles.
“Yep, the worst in the best way,” I reply with a genuine smile.
“Thank god we are here,” Zack says exasperatedly.
“You love me.”
“Because I've obviously lost my goddamn mind.”
“Aw, it's good, I think, for both of us, then my captivating caveman,” I quip. He chuckles and pulls me into a kiss as we enter the nursing home. I put my hand on his chest and broke the kiss. “Save some for later.”
“Oh, I have plenty ready,” he replies.
Dr. Green greets us. “Maddie, Zack, you've brought a few guests, I see.”
I don't trust her at all. “Yes, my cousin and our friends. I thought seeing faces of the past might help her memory since she spoke of them here and there before.” Lynn looks at me. I hope she plays along.
Lynn says, “It's been years since I've seen my cousin. I'm glad Gran mentioned me because I've wanted to see her for a while.” Good, she caught on. She points to the guys. “These are our childhood friends Levi and Luther, and my stepbrother Max.”
Dr. Green shakes their hands. “Nice to meet you all. She's been a bit anxious today but is in good spirits. Enjoy your visit.”
“We will,” I reply. Zack takes my hand, and we lead them to Gran. Doc Green seems over her infatuation with Zack. I'm thankful for that. I'd hate to see what I'd do to another btch that went after what's mine. Oh shit, I have to sort out these feelings at some point. But I have things to do today.
Gran looks at all of us and smiles. “Just as it should be.”
“Gran?”
“My precious treasure, you all need each other. It will make sense in time. But you can't deny the connection,” she says.
Levi smiles. “See my queen, I'm not the only one.”
Gran nods. “Because you're a Price, we have the gift of sight. I'm guessing your father does too?”
“He saw the warrior queen Gemma in Lynn,” he replies.
“See. And Lynn led you to Maddie and me,” Gran says.
“Which I said yesterday,” Levi replies.
Lynn nods. “You did.”
Gran does her booming laugh, and I smile. “Do you feel whole yet, my treasure?”
“I will after tonight.”
Gran winks. “You better.” I blush. “And my tall, dark, and handsome, I'm glad you finally admitted things to my girls. They're yours to protect now that I can't.”
“Always Ada,” Luther replies.
“Your happiness is here, too, if you open your eyes. I suggest doing that tonight,” she says.
He looks around, and then his eyes land on Lynn and me. “What are you both up to?”
I smile. “Just a night none of us will forget.”
“Just innocent fun,” Lynn adds.
“Sis, I know that look,” Max replies.
“You must be Max,” Gran says.
“Apologies, but yes.”
“Oh, I don't do that formal shit,” she quips. I giggle.
“Now I see where my Sis and cousin-to-be get it from,” Max says.
“Damn right, those two are my gifts to this world. Love them, cherish them, protect them, and honor them. Sometimes, obey them too because let's face it, being up to no good can be quite thrilling,” Gran says. She focuses her attention on Levi and Zack as she says that. I facepalm, and Lynn does the same. She points to Levi first. “You, my nephew, are what unites my girls. If they ever disagree, you can't take sides. Do you hear me?”
“Yes Mam,” he answered quickly.
“I'll allow it,” I smirk. She points to Zack. “And you, dear boy, it's not going to be easy. You might not get all of my treasure, but you'll get the best bits, part of her heart, and all of her soul, if you play your cards right and do right by her. Do you understand?”
“I think so, Gran,” he answers.
“You're a clever boy with a brain, use it.”
I giggle. She points to Lynn and me. “You girls never lose contact with each other for more than a few days. You need each other.”
“Yes, Gran.”
“I'll do my best to ensure it,” Luther adds.
“I know you will. There are forces at play,” Gran says.
“You mean the Kingsleys?”
“Yes,” she replies.
“Maddie took care of a spy, well, two now actually. We got names,” Zack explains.
Gran looks at Luther. “Luther, you know what to do.”
“I'm working on it. Simon is slippery,” he says.
“His father was just as much of a slug. He will slip up in time, be ready for when he does,” Gran replies. She touches her head.
“Gran?”
“It's the fog, my heart, my treasure. It comes less now, but it still comes,” she explains.
“I love you,” I reply, because I won't allow a day to go by without me telling her that.
“I love you too,” she replies. “You all are my family. I love you all. Now go and be free, just keep your guard up.” We all hugged her goodbye. Yeah, something is coming, and it’s big.