CHANGING THE PLAYER: Charleston Pirates #1 by Chance, Jacob (digital e reader TXT) 📕

over the railing, I get closer to him. He needs to hear me. This part will be the most important of everything I’ve said to him so far and also the most difficult.

“As much as I want to keep you here with me for many more years, I don’t want you suffering. Gramps, aside from me telling you how much I love you, this is the most honest thing I’ve ever said to you. As painful as this is to say, I mean every word.” Dragging a long breath in through my nose, I search for the strength to say what I need to without breaking down.

“Gramps, if you’re too tired and you don’t want to keep fighting, or you’re ready to go be with Gram, it’s okay. The world will go on without you. It won’t be the same and we’ll miss you like crazy, but Kendra and I will be okay. And I’ll continue to watch over her down in South Carolina.” I gently squeeze his hand. “But if you want to fight to get better, I’ll be fighting with you every step of the way. The choice is yours, Gramps. I want you to know I love you now and always will, no matter what your decision is.”

Bending over, I press a kiss to his forehead. When I straighten back to my full height, I turn and leave the room. I don’t want to break down in front of him. I need to be strong for Gramps and show him that I’ll be okay. I want to be there for him like he’s always been there for me.

Kendra is leaning against the wall by a pair of large windows that overlook a rooftop and the street below. She moves toward me the same time I start toward her and we meet with an anguish-filled hug.

“I told him it’s okay to let go,” I confess, feeling guilty.

“I did too,” she says, and we separate, both looking at the other with relief.

“I can’t stand the thought of him suffering,” I explain.

“Flynn, stop. You don’t need to justify what you said. That’s between you and Grandpa. You always were his favorite, you know.”

“I know, but how did you?” I smile through my tears.

“Because I was Gram’s favorite. She used to joke about how Mom and Dad had two kids, one for each of them to spoil.”

“How did I never know that?”

She pokes me in the side. “You’re a clueless guy,” she states matter-of-factly before adding, “like all the rest.”

23

Nadia

“Flynn, how are you?” I ask, sitting up in his bed.

“I’ve been better. My grandfather just passed away a few minutes ago. Fuck. How can this be real?”

“I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” I hug one of his pillows.

“I don’t know what I am right now. I’m numb. It feels like a bad dream.”

“I’m sure it does. Can I do anything for you?”

“No. There’s nothing that can be done. I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

“Do you want me to come there for the funeral?” It’s not ideal timing with all that I’ve got going on at work, but I’ll drop everything if he wants me there.

“There isn’t going to be a wake or a funeral. He left instructions that he wanted to be cremated like my gram was, and he didn’t want any services because he saw everyone he wanted to see already.”

My lips curve into a small smile. “He sounds like a character.”

“He was. God, I’m going to miss him.”

“I wish I could give you a hug right now,” I say.

“Me too. I should probably get off the phone and check in on Kendra and my parents.”

“Of course. Please send my condolences to them all.”

“I will.”

“Call me if you want to talk,” I say. “It doesn’t matter what time it is.”

“I will, thank you. Night.”

He hangs up before I can say anything else. Falling back on his bed, I hold his pillow close, pretending it’s him in my arms. I wish I could be there with him right now. I know he’s going to act like he’s fine, but he’s not going to be for a long time.

* * *

I haven’t heard from Flynn at all today and I just got back to his place after a long day at the office. I’m sure it felt even longer because I’ve been concerned about him. I know he’s busy, but how hard is it to answer a text?

I don’t want to belittle his pain or what he’s going through, but I’m not the kind of person who can just forget about someone I care about. Especially when I know they’re concerned about me.

After I change out of my work clothes, I make homemade pizza and salad. I even open the bottle of wine he bought for me, hoping it’ll make me feel closer to him. I hate that he’s all the way up in Boston and there’s nothing I can do to make this situation easier on him.

He said he doesn’t need me there and I’m going to take him at his word. He’s a grown man. Besides, I barely know his parents, and it would be so awkward if I just showed up.

Dinner is lonely without his company, and for the first time ever, I wish I had a dog to distract me. I should pull out my laptop and check my emails once more, but I don’t feel like I’d be able to concentrate. Glancing around his living room, I take mental notes on what I’d add to make this space feel more welcoming. My mental notes turn into actual notes on my phone. Before I know it, I have a long list of suggestions.

And then, since it’s still early, I get the bright idea to run to the home store and shop for some of the items.

Two hours later, I’m unpacking my purchases and there’s still been no word from Flynn. I’m starting to get extremely concerned. I didn’t want to