Solo

Chapter Twelve: Rumors

I set my alarm to go off early. I wanted extra time to style my hair. I had a feeling Lucas liked my hair since he hadn't been able to keep his hands off it the day before.

The excitement of going to school with Lucas overpowered any fear I might have about seeing anyone from Casey's party. I knew Casey wasn't upset, but I had no idea what Sasha had told Emily and Jack. I could care less about Evan's feelings. I hoped he was home sick with an icepack.

I was relieved when I came downstairs and Mom wasn't dressed in her nightgown. I kept checking the window for Lucas. "Remember, I have to pick up my car after school. It might be closer to six or six-thirty before I get here." I ran back upstairs to pack my running clothes.

The doorbell rang while I was digging through my drawer for yoga pants. I almost died when I heard Gramps say, "Who are you?" I bolted down the stairs. My heart stopped when I saw Gramps standing at the door dressed in his white tank top and boxers.

Mom tried to introduce him to Lucas. "Dad, this is Eliana's boyfriend." The words sounded embarrassing coming from her. I was mortified.

"Nice to meet you, sir," Lucas said as he stuck out his hand for a handshake.

"Yeah, Yeah. Are you trying to sell us something? We don't like solicitors around here."

"I'll remember that, sir." Lucas awkwardly lowered his hand.

My mom had to raise her voice so Gramps could hear her. "No Dad, he goes to school with Eliana. He's her boyfriend!"

Kill. Me. Now. I felt my heart stop beating.

"Hey there, I see you met Gramps," I tried to ignore Gramps standing there in his underpants.

Lucas looked at me, forcing a straight face. "Good morning."

"Well, you two better get going before you're late." Mom looked at me with apologetic eyes.

"Okay, I've just got to grab my bag out of the kitchen. Lucas we can go through the side door." I motioned for him to follow. "Remember, Mom, I'll be late."

"I'll remember."

I grabbed my bag off the chair and opened the door. "Sorry about that."

"That's okay. I have a grandpa, too." He grinned. "Not exactly like that, but I've got one too."

"Seven is a little early for this house," I said, trying to defend my gramps' appearance.

We reached the truck and Lucas opened the passenger door to help me in.

"Thank you."

"My pleasure."

"This wasn't how I expected the morning to start."

He laughed. "Well, if I wasn't awake before, I am now."

"Funny—don't forget, you're talking about my gramps."

"Sorry, I was trying to make light of the situation." He reached for my hand.

"That's okay. Remember, someday it could be you who's embarrassed. And it might not be your grandfather I see in boxers. It might be you." Quickly, I realized what I'd said. "I mean..."

"You don't have to explain. I know what you were trying to say." He changed the subject. "Are you coming to the game tomorrow afternoon?"

I reached to play with his stereo. "I didn't realize there was one."

"I'm sure Casey will be there supporting Jack. She doesn't miss any of the games. You two can sit together."

"Sure, I'll be there. It might be fun. I've never been to a baseball game."