“He’s doing just fine,” Hailey answered sweetly but simply.
“He and Nora Jean have been spending quite a bit of time together here recently,” Granny added for her.
“I heard that,” Alice sang out. “Oh, I remember those two when they were your age,” she shook her head at Grant. “They were the cutest things, so in love. There wasn’t a soul in this town that didn’t believe those two would settle down and get married.”
“I declare, it was a shock and then some when Nora Jean ran off with that Army boy,” Louise declared.
“I know it,” Alice shook her head, as though still overwhelmed by disbelief.
Hailey glanced over her shoulder, trying to catch Grant’s reaction and found his eyes locked on the floor. She swallowed hard, knowing the signs of a complete shutdown that would result in snide, smart-aleck comments muttered in a cold monotone.
“What are you gonna do about Christmas, Grant?” Granny asked in a tone that was nothing if not accusatory. “Your mama says she is gonna be here spendin’ it with me and Jack, and I know you didn’t ask my opinion, but I think you ought to respect your mama and celebrate Christmas here with her. I feel the same way about David and Joanna and Rachel, and you can tell ‘em I said it…they all ought to be here for your mama at Christmas.”
“And Dad?” Grant shrugged, in the precise tone Hailey had been expecting.
“Your daddy is your daddy, so I can’t say nothin’ ‘bout that,” Granny shook her head, “but he needs to let Jack and your mama be for awhile…live and let live.”
Grant scoffed, but Granny ignored him.
“Your mama is worried to death about Rachel, gonna have that baby,” Granny sighed. “And Joanna, God bless her heart, I guess she just wants to die an old maid, ain’t never gonna marry that poor boy and have your mama any grandbabies.”
“It’s her life. Live and let live, I always say,” Grant mumbled.
“How is your brother doing?” Louise yelled. “The one that’s got the little…you know…” she lowered her voice to a failed whisper, “the little retarded girl.”
Hailey dropped the spoon she was stirring with, and it clanged loudly against that side of the mixing bowl as her breath caught audibly.
Grant stood, his teeth clinched. He walked his plate over to the trashcan and shoved the remainder of his pie off the plate.
“What is the matter with you?” Granny begged. “You get such an attitude any time anybody tries to talk to you.”
Grant sat his plate in the sink. “Let’s go, Hailey,” he said coldly.
“Grant, she’s in the middle of a pie,” Granny scolded.
“I’m sorry,” Hailey shook her head. “Granny, I’ll have to come back and learn the rest another time. Is that okay?”
“Sure, Doll,” Granny sighed, as though she felt sorry for Hailey having to put up with Grant and his moods.
Hailey walked over to the table. “Ms. Louise,” she forced a loving smile, “David, Grant’s brother, and Melissa, David’s wife, are doing wonderfully. Leah, their little girl, has Autism, and it is just such a joy to see each new thing she does. She is truly a beautiful little blessing…and an amazing little girl.”
“Is that what you’re upset about?” Granny turned to Grant. “She didn’t mean nothin’ by it, Sugar.”
“Granny,” Hailey smiled. “I’m not sure what our Christmas plans are yet. I’m gonna kinda let Grant make that decision. We may stay here, or we may go to North Carolina to see his daddy. We’re just not really sure yet.”
“Y’all will get it figured out,” Granny hugged Hailey. She turned back toward her friends. “Didn’t Jack do a good job with her?”
“I have always said that,” Alice nodded.
“I just wish,” Granny squeezed Hailey’s hand, “that you had had an opportunity to meet my grandson, Ike. He was…I’m tellin’ you…that boy was precious…just a sweet, loving, well-mannered gentleman.”
“I have heard nothing but great things about him,” Hailey nodded. “I wish I could have met him too.”
“He was tall, dark and handsome,” Granny continued. “He never said so much as a hurtful word to anyone. I was so proud of that one…”
“That’s sweet,” Hailey smiled. “It’s tragic and so sad that he isn’t here with us now.”
Granny shook her head. “Now he would have made you a fine suitor…”
“What the hell?” Grant exclaimed.
Hailey cringed.
“Hailey, end the apology tour and get in the truck,” Grant grabbed her arm.
“You will not talk like that in my house, young man,” Granny gasped.
“I’m trying my best to get the hell out of your house!” Grant shouted.
“I know Hailey Jane won’t stand for that kind of talk,” Granny said, as though trying to muster tears. “You come back soon, Darlin’,” she rubbed Hailey’s arms sympathetically, “and I’ll finish teachin’ you how to make that pecan pie.”
“Truthfully, that pecan pie’s not the best I’ve ever had,” Grant shrugged. “Perhaps you should back off the liberal use of butter.”
“I have never been called liberal in my life,” Granny gasped.
“I reckon we ought to expect it out of a boy named for a Yankee,” Louise declared.
“Oh, Dottie, sit down, Darlin’,” Alice fanned her. “It’s not good for your blood pressure to get so upset.”
