A Chance At Love

Chapter 10

"Shit...what was that for?" He growled out, as he looked down at the messy stain on his shirt. Looking in the direction from where it came, just in time to dodge another piece of food making its way to him, "Would you stop that woman...You would think you are purposely waiting for me!" He exclaimed, watching in surprise, as Gran glared at him, ready to throw another piece of food at him, "What in heaven's have I done now...too receive such treatment."

"You two timing bastard...!" Gran shouted out, throwing another piece in his direction, "I always thought the best of you, only to be disappointed."

Ducking behind a wall, he shouted, "I have done nothing wrong..."

"Oh yeah...? Then why are you leading two women along?" She asked, huffing when she couldn't hit him.

Cole stilled at her words, confused at her statement, "You know me better than that. Why would I even contemplate doing that...?" Still hiding behind the wall, glaring at the patrons, as they smiled at his predicament, not helping his situation.

Gran huffed in resignation, "You might as well get over here...explain yourself." Placing the food in her hand, back on the plate, just within reach if she needed it...

"You promise that we will get to the bottom of whatever reason you are angry with me this time or are you just going to throw things at me." Cole asked, still unsure if he should move from his spot.

"Just get your damn ass over here...before I change my mind." She spoke out.

At least she wasn't throwing cutlery or worse, pots at him, he thought...looking down at his messy clothes, at least food was soft. Warily he made his way towards Gran, his hands held up in surrender, "I'm not here to fight you...I just want to know where Cassie is."

"She's gone..." Gran stated, shrugging her shoulders, watching him intently, needing to see his reaction firsthand.

Cole paled, slumping down onto the barstool, his mind whirling with endless questions, "What do you mean...she is gone?" He gritted out, his hand clenching into fists, trying to stay calm.

Leaning back against the counter, she crossed her arms, staring at a pale Cole, "Well...she came over this morning all happy and excited...but that changed soon afterwards...leading her to leave town."

"Was there a family emergency...?" He asked, relaxing slightly.

"No..." Gran replied, not elaborating further, "Did you invite Mindy out for lunch?" Going straight for the jugular.

"Yes..." He tiredly answered, only to grab Gran's wrist, when she attempted to grab a piece of food, ready to throw it at him again, "What did I say wrong?" He growled out, only for him to duck his head, when she attempted to hit his head with her free hand.

"You invited Mindy..." She stated, poking him in the chest.

"Yes...I invited Mindy, Dave and his parents for lunch." He grumbled out, not understanding where this was going, "I even planned on asking Cassie to join us...but she is clearly not here."

"That little bitch...she played us.' Gran exclaimed, "Wait until I get a hold of her."

Cole stared at Gran warily, he was tired, he missed his bed and now he had lost an opportunity with Cassie, still unsure how that happened. His mind was numb and he clearly wasn't thinking straight. Groaning he leaned his head down onto the counter, too tired to fight anymore...

Taking pity on the poor doctor, Gran patted his shoulder, placing a mug of hot coffee beside him, "Drink up...dear. We have lots to discuss and plan."

Opening his eyes slowly, he stared at the mug before him, "You sure it's not poisoned?"

"Hush now and drink up." She laughed, "I enjoy being a free woman. So...I ain't going to kill you that easily or with too many witnesses."

Cole sat up, taking the mug, giving a satisfied sip, as the black liquid ran down his throat, kicking in, "Talk to me Gran. Tell me what happened?"

And he heard an earful, how Mindy had pranced into the restaurant, boasting about her date with Cole, and how she needed to pretty herself up, that he finally came around to her way of thinking and he was finally hers.

How Cassie stood silently by, not saying a word, only to cry when Mindy left, wanting to leave town permanently, only for Gran to convince her that maybe she needed a few days away to sort her head out and then come back and confront the cheating pair. With Gran being her ally in the fight against the two timing pair.

Cole's only saving grace was that Gran had convinced Cassie to return, that was the only thing keeping him from losing it, "So...you are sure she will be back?"

"I might be old, but I ain't forgetful or senile." She stated, glaring at him, "Besides...she left with my daughter and I know she will bring her back, no matter what." Grinning mischievously at Cole. A brilliant plan forming in her brain...