Revenant Paul Lahote

Chapter 4

An important thing to know about Gran, is that she hears everything.

From the slightest movement to footsteps downstairs, she has the hearing of a bat. So when Caylee and Paul tried their best to sneak into the house quietly, Gran was already two steps ahead of them. 

"Well I'll be damned. Paul Lahote in my home," she stated dramatically. No matter how many times she saw him or how many times he stayed over, she always greeted him with a big old smile and a pat on the cheek. 

Not even a month into meeting, Caylee had brought Paul home to meet the infamous Gran, who no doubt lived up to the stories that were shared. Ever since she had practically claimed him as her own, basically presenting him with the favorite grandchild award and refusing to let him call her anything besides her "name". 

Paul smiled, leaning down to her little old lady height and gave her a big hug. "It's nice to see you too Gran." 

He wasn't quick enough though, because right as he began to pull away she snatched him up by his ear and pulled his face down level to hers. "Would you like to explain to me what the hell that is? And don't you dare lie to me boy!"

He gulped, wincing at the tight grip she had on his ear while Caylee tried her best not to laugh and draw attention to herself. She did not  want to get caught up in that. So instead she watched in amusement as her poor stuttering best friend attempted to get out of his current predicament. 

"W-well, you see, I um, fell?" 

Gran's eyes squinted, challenging him, knowing very well that it was a lie. Regardless, she released his ear and he immediately reached up to rub the soreness away.  He eyed his best friend, who had remained out of the line of fire. Caylee shrugged, knowing neither of them would ever be able to tell what was going on in the old woman's head. 

"What kinda grub did ya bring me? Gran is hungrier than a tortoise with no shell." Handing over the food she had brought from the diner, they both watched as Gran began her way up the stairs, not even pausing to look back as she yelled out, "Don't mess up any of my soaps!"

As soon as Gran was out of sight the two burst into a fit of laughter, heading into the living room to get comfortable. 

"Paul buddy, she really had ya there with the whole ear thing. Any tighter and she might have ripped it clean off," Caylee mumbled between her laughter. 

"Oh yeah? Well it wasn't nearly as funny as when she threw her slippers at you for messing up one of her shows." 

She gasped, "You were the one who did that and you know it!" 

"I guess it's just the privilege I carry being the favorite," Paul smirked. 

When they finally calmed down the two retreated to the couch, where it was Paul's turn to pick the movie night. Choosing The Fast and the Furious. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep, finally comfortable enough to relax without worry of his dad or anything else. Caylee watched him, noticing how peaceful he looked whilst asleep. Sighing, she carefully placed a blanket on him and retreated to hopefully get some sleep herself. 

***

Caylee rubbed her eyes, yawning as she entered the kitchen, surprised to see Paul laying on the floor. He was shirtless, his torso hidden underneath the cabinets beneath the sink. 

"Morning?" She questioned, stepping over his legs and going to the counter to make coffee. 

"Morning," his morning voice was wearing off, indicating he must have been up for awhile. 

Caylee groaned, smacking the side of the coffee machine with the side of her hand in frustration. Once again, it was rebelling against her. Two tanned arms reached around her, making her jump and turn around. Paul stood in front of her, arms on either side of her and chest only a few inches away, but still careful not to let his body touch any part of her. 

He smirked down at her, watching her face turn a bright red. "Sorry, just makin' coffee." 

Caylee stuttered, unsure of how to answer as his dark eyes peered mischievously at her. 

"Woo wee is it hot in here! Where's your damn shirt boy?" Gran's voice startled the two. 

Paul took a few steps back but regained his playfulness quickly. 

"She's wearing it," he winked at Caylee, making her choke on air. 

"Paul!" He wasn't exactly wrong. She was indeed wearing his t-shirt, having been given it to change into when they were watching the movie. She had shorts on underneath, but his shirt was still long on her due to her being much shorter than him. 

"Well it's about time. I'm tired of seeing you two dance around each other, just get it done already so I can tell the girl's at bingo." 

"Gran!" As if she could blush any harder, Caylee covered her face with her hands, deciding to poor herself some coffee in hopes of them changing the subject. 

When Paul finally had to leave she walked him down to his beat up truck, standing on her tip toes and peering through his open window. "What were you doing under the sink anyway?" 

"I was fixing that drip you've been complaining about. The gutter needs cleaning too but I have to go pick up my ladder for that."

 Caylee sighed, watching as he feigned an innocent smile. He knew very well what was coming. "I told you you don't have to do that. It doesn't feel right not paying you." 

"Cay, it had to be done either way. I know you've been stressing over that stuff on top of everything else. You don't need to waste money trying to afford someone who will come do what I can take care of or hurt yourself trying to do it yourself." Paul shrugged, starting his truck up. 

"And don't bother trying to sneak money into my jeans or something again. Being able to stay here and spend time with you guys is payment enough."