Eighteen

"So that…" my grandma whispers, pointing from the kitchen toward the den where Parker and my grandfather are sitting, "is your boss? And the man you've been living with?"

"Yes, Grandma, now pick your jaw up off the floor." I rub my thumb over her chin. "I think you've got some drool right there."

"Ava Marie Pierce. He's beautiful, I can't help it. I'm old, not dead," she says, swatting me with a kitchen towel she used to pull the freshly baked cake out of the oven.

"There is no way that man is only your friend."

I blush at her accusation. I've always been very close with my grandmother, but telling her he bangs me six ways to Sunday on the daily isn't quite the type of conversation I want to have with her.

"Don't get your hopes up, Grandma. You are correct, we aren't just friends, but we also won't ever be more. So don't go picking out great grandkids' names or anything."

"Hmmm. No wonder you didn't want your parents to know where you were staying." Her eyes are still narrowed in on me, trying to read me like she's always been able to do so easily.

I feel bad that I asked her to lie to my mom about my current living situation, but I didn't want their intrusive questions and accusations. Especially not when I'm having my own dreadful thoughts about what me moving out of Parker's penthouse in a few weeks will mean for us.

"You'd be proud of me. I did answer her call earlier," I offer with a shrug.

"I'm glad, love. How was the call?"

"Typical. She wished me a happy birthday and brought up letting them throw me a big party full of all their associates. I politely declined, said thank you, and that was that." Basically, she loves to use any excuse to show off all their money, even if that means using her daughter who she barely knows anymore.

She shakes her head. "I'm not sure where your grandfather and I went wrong with her. She was always shown affection as a child, but at some point, money replaced love, and the change in her was irrevocable."

I'll never understand either. It's hard to believe she and my aunt grew up in the same household. But I've come to terms with the fact I'll never get that type of unconditional love from my parents. I think deep down, they are okay with it too. Sometimes I wonder if they even wanted a child.

"Aunt Samantha called and screamed happy birthday at the top of her lungs." I think back to Parker's face when he heard that on the car ride over here. He was so upset with me that I hadn't told him today was my birthday.

Grandma chuckles. "Of course she did. I miss her so much. Did she tell you she's planning a trip home later this summer?"

"She did, and I can't wait," I beam.

"We better go save your friend. There is no telling what crazy stories your grandfather is telling him."

We both take a few steps, and I stop her. "Don't ask him about his family, okay?"

I see the sadness cast over her face as she takes in my words. "His parents both passed away years back. He's an only child."

She clutches her chest. "That breaks my heart." I nod because it breaks mine too, and I find myself constantly wanting to protect him from the hurt.

"But thank you for telling me. I would never want to bring up something that would cause him pain."

"I know," I say, squeezing her hand.

We find them both on the couch, legs spread, leaning toward the TV, watching as the Carolina Bulls play the Red Sox.

Boston's third baseman hits a double, and my grandfather, a die-hard Yankees' fan, cusses at the screen. When the Yankees aren't playing, he's an anybody-but-Boston fan. Especially when it's Eli's team.

You see a lot more Carolina Bulls jerseys roaming around Long Island these days.

"He wouldn't have gotten that hit on Eli," Parker says. "We played him in the college world series and Eli struck him out twice in game three… The guy's a prick. Next-level shit-talker."

My grandpa looks to him with wide eyes. "Wait, you played?"

"Yes, that's actually how I know Ava, through Eli."

I had explained all that to my grandma, but either she didn't tell him or, more than likely, he wasn't actually listening to her when she did.

"Oh, I thought you were her boss."

"He is." I speak up, making our presence known, walking around to sit on the opposite couch.

"Well shit, you should have started with him being Eli's friend, Av," he says to me before turning his attention back to Parker. "I've got a soft spot for that man's soon-to-be wife. Quinnie is my sweetheart. Love her like a granddaughter. Eli's sister, Sloan too. Those girls always look out for my Ava Marie."

I smile at his sentiment over my best friends. Just like I fell in love with their families, they bonded with my grandparents throughout college. Especially Quinn when she and I moved into their apartment after Sloan moved to Cali.

"Yes, that whole crew is one of a kind. And there is no doubt they all adore Ava. They are all lucky to have each other." My belly dips as he looks over to me with a soft smile.

"What position did you play?" my grandfather asks him.

"I played first base, but my senior year when I was rounding second, trying to beat the throw to third, my Achilles popped. A career-ending injury." I trace Parker's expressions as he tells my grandfather this. I think out of all the painful things in his life, this one seems to hurt the least. Maybe not physically, but definitely emotionally.

My grandfather's grimace turns into a smile. "Sorry to hear that, but sounds like you've found a successful career in the big city."

Parker nods before responding. "It's been a hell of a ride to get here, but I'm thankful for the success."

My grandfather isn't one to pry, but just in case, I interrupt the conversation before he proves me wrong. "Since the game's almost over and Eli isn't pitching, how about that walk?"

"Sure," Parker says, standing as I do.

"Parker, do you smoke cigars?" my grandpa asks.

"Of course. Cigars and whiskey are the way to my heart," he teases, and my grandpa smiles proudly.

"Well, meet me in the humidor after dinner. You'll fit right in."

"Speaking of dinner, what time are we eating?" I look to my grandma, who I'm sure has that all planned out.

"I was thinking seven. Sound good?"

Pssh, she was not thinking anything. She has all her i's dotted and all her t's crossed. My grandmother is a hostess extraordinaire. It may be for four people or four hundred, but she's got it handled either way.

"Perfect."

"Oh, and just so you know, I am having Chef Erika come out tonight. I just wanted everything to be perfect and these old hands aren't as quick anymore." See, planned to perfection.

I pull her in for a hug. "Anything is good with me. You know how much I love Chef Erika. But you will always be the yummiest cook in my eyes. So tonight, I get the best of both worlds since you baked me a cake." I give her a big kiss on the cheek.

"You guys enjoy your walk. Parker, be sure to bring me back a piece of sea glass. All my special guests have to leave one behind for me to remember them by." She points to the beautiful vases she has on display with lots of blues and greens…only one piece of sacred orange.

"I actually have some of these in storage that were my mom's. I'm sure she would love for someone to have them on display. I'll have to get them out and let Ava take a look." I wonder who helped him store all their belongings. I wonder if he has ever gone through everything. Did he keep only certain items? I want to know it all. I want to be the one sitting beside him as we sift through the items that bring him joy and he can tell me about all the happy memories.

My grandma smiles brightly. "I'd love that."

We step out onto their back patio, and he takes my hand, leading me down the steps onto the sand. Both of us are already dressed for a summer day outdoors.

I almost sputtered my coffee this morning when he walked out of his room, leg tat on full display in his shorts, navy linen shirt, and flip-flops. Something I didn't even think the man owned, but was utterly dreamy in, nonetheless.

To top it all off, right before we walked out the door, he ran his fingers through his hair, pushing the longer strands on the top back and slid a baseball hat on…backwards.

Parker's deep voice drags me from my thoughts. "They were exactly how you described them."

Wait, who? Oh yeah, my grandparents he just met. That damn backwards hat and leg tat.

"And how was that?" I manage to ask.

"Filthy rich, but so laid back they'd make a homeless man feel welcome at their table."

That honestly fits them to a tee.

I smile, nodding, thankful for them and the fact I'm more like them than my own parents. Money doesn't make you better, being a good human does.

"I can see why you have so many fond memories here. I'm really glad you convinced me to come out east with you, even though your tactics were completely unfair."

I giggle. "So you did or didn't enjoy the road head?"

He levels me with a stare. "You know I did."

Me too. Making him lose control is my new favorite thing.

It's hot out today, but the breeze coming off the ocean gives us the perfect summer temperature. We continue walking along in silence, meeting a few other beachcombers along the way. Parker picks up a few pieces of glass, examining them before tossing them back. Apparently, they aren't up to his standards.

We pass a couple with a beautiful German shepherd. "Aw, I wish Binx was here."

"Ava, you can't be serious, the cat would drown."

"Ugh! Don't say that," I say, smacking his arm. "He's come out to my grandparents for the weekend before with me."

"Please tell me you didn't try to bring him for a walk on the beach." He chuckles.

Parker tries to talk a lot of shit about my cat, but deep down, I think he loves him and just doesn't want to admit it. He even told me he'd have someone come check on Binx for the weekend, so I didn't have to pack him up and bring him out here, saying all these changes were probably stressful on him.

Now, does that sound like someone who hates my so-called demon cat?

"Of course not, but he did gain three pounds in one weekend from all the treats my grandma gave him."

"That will probably be me this weekend," he says, patting his sickening washboard abs. "That cake smelled delicious."

"I didn't say you could have any of my cake," I taunt, and his narrowed eyes flick to me.

"It's the least you can do since you didn't tell me today was your fucking birthday. I still can't believe that. I wouldn't have made you work so hard to get me out here. I was already going to say yes anyways."

"Well, I didn't want you to feel some type of weird obligation to get me something."

He stops, peering at me for a second with a look I can't decipher, and before I know it, he's tossing me over his shoulder. "I'll get you something, alright. I should throw your ass in this water for not telling me," Parker says, running ankle-deep into the water.

"No, Parker, please! No!"

I hate the feeling of wet clothes against my skin; it"s a major cringe of mine.

A deep chuckle leaves his chest. "Those are words I never thought I'd hear from you, Av."

"Oh, shut up and put me down," I say with a huff, smacking his ass.

"Okay," he says, and I let out a squeal as he pretends to let me slip from his grasp again.

Slapping my ass, he says, "And I'm the one who does the ass-smacking around here, brat."

"Yeah, yeah…"

"Holy shit, that's what I've been searching for." He stands me upright in the shallow water beside him.

"What, what?" I ask as I look around, confused by the sudden shift.

Parker bends down, grabbing something, and I see it right as the water washes the sand away from it again and he picks it up.

"Orange sea glass," he whispers, like he's truly respecting the holy grail of sea glass.

"It"s beautiful and unique." Stepping closer, I trace my finger across the slick surface. "Is that why all the others weren't good enough?"

Parker glances from me to the piece of glass in his hands and emotion passes over his features, like he's realizing something for the first time. The way he looks at me is enough to have my stomach fluttering every damn time.

He swallows thickly. "Yes, exactly." His voice sounds huskier than it should over sea glass, and now I'm wondering if this is about the shiny orange treasure at all.

Looking back to the glass, he clears his throat, regaining his footing. "I didn't want to be like all the others. I wanted my piece to stand out like the single orange piece in the vase with all the blues and greens."

I love that he wants this small token to always serve as a reminder of him in my grandparents' house. A little pang in my chest fires off at the fact it will also be a constant memento of my time with Parker, but in all reality, he won't be easy to forget, no matter how brief we are.

"My grandmother is going to be ecstatic with this find. You'll be her new favorite." I smile, remembering the day she added the first, and before now, the only piece of orange glass to her collection.

"I feel like I'm about to get brownie points." He smiles at me, and I love how carefree he appears right now, toes in the sand, linen shirt opened and blowing in the breeze. "Better yet, I bet she'll make you share your cake with me."

I reach up and twist his nipple. "We will see about that."

"You little brat," I hear him growl, and I take off running down the beach. He catches up to me way too easily. "You are lucky I have this prized possession in my hand, or I'd really toss you in that ocean."

"Whatever," I say playfully, rolling my eyes.

"Be glad their house is big; I'd hate for them to hear their sweet little granddaughter getting her ass spanked tonight…because it's guaranteed to happen."

"Promise?" I bite my lip as I smirk up at him.

He leans down, tugging my lip from between my teeth with his own. His bite sinks into me just slightly, but then his lips are on mine, kissing me thoroughly, making my body hotter than any summer sun ever could.

When we finally pull back for air, he whispers, "Is that promise enough?"

"Yeah, P," I whisper, and he takes my hand in his, interlocking our fingers. My toes tingle with the thought that he just full-on kissed me in public.

What would a life with Parker outside of closed doors be like?

Too good to be true.

"Parker,"my grandmother gasps. "You sweet, sweet man. You outdid yourself with this." Taking the orange sea glass into her hands gently, she examines its uniqueness.

"It's my new favorite!" she declares, shrugging her shoulders toward me. "Sorry, Ava. I'll always love yours too."

"Wait, you are the one who found the other piece of orange she has?" He grins, eyes searching mine as my lips twist to the side.

I'm not sure why I didn't tell him on the beach. Maybe my stupid little heart was whispering it was cosmic, and I was scared he would ruin that thought for me.

"I will admit, I have a few others in my bedroom, but they were all found by Frederick and I. Ava was the first person to ever find one and gift it to me for my vase," Grandma says, placing his in the vase next to mine. The bright orange pops against the turquoise beside it.

"She was about seventeen and had a rough week, so she came to spend some time with us. She took lots of walks that weekend. I assumed she was meeting up with one of the boys down the beach who she used to hang out with. Until she brought home that piece of orange sea glass with tears in her eyes."

I remember that day like it was yesterday. That was the week I truly realized my parents had no care in the world for my wants and dreams in life. At that time, I wasn't even sure they loved me. Now I know their love just comes with terms and conditions.

"Again, at first, I thought she was crying over the young boy she had spent some time with earlier that summer."

Ew, heck no. That only consisted of about three dates, which were beyond ick, and I haven't seen him since. I can't believe I am sitting here, letting her tell Parker all this.

"But that was the weekend I took my blinders off and came to terms with the fact my daughter wasn't the mother my sweet Ava needed," she says, pulling me in for a hug. "Ava has a huge heart, and she deserved so much more than she got from them growing up."

I swallow the emotion threatening to surface from how vulnerable I felt at that time of my life.

"Why did the sea glass make you cry?"

Parker's question surprises me, but I answer honestly. "That little piece of washed-up glass brought me so much happiness during a time of turmoil when I felt so unloved by two people who were supposed to love me always. And that's when it hit me. Money doesn't buy you love; it doesn't buy you happiness." And right then, at seventeen years old, I knew that was a motto I would live by. "So I came in, told my grandmother everything, even that I didn't care what my parents said; I was going to NYU when I graduated at the end of that year and I wasn't going to do what gave me prestige. I was going to do what made me happy."

Parker doesn't say anything as his eyes trace my face in wonder, almost like he is trying to imagine that upset seventeen-year-old girl having her teenage epiphany.

The doorbell rings, breaking the spell.

"Ahh, that must be Chef Erika. Parker, prepare to be wowed tonight."

His eyes stay locked on mine. "I've already been wowed," he says so low, I almost don't hear it. My stomach flips and I find myself hoping this isn't the last time he looks at me like this.

"Thank you both for dinner.The seafood pasta was phenomenal. She truly is a talent," I say to both my grandparents, who, as always, went above and beyond to make sure my birthday was very special.

"Erika is doing bigger events, even weddings now. I was so glad we were able to get her here tonight," Grandma says, just as she sets my strawberry cake in front of me.

It smells impeccable.

"That's awesome for her! And speaking of weddings, we will be out here in a few weeks for a wedding, so maybe I can twist Parker's arm to stop by and see you guys again."

"There will be no twisting. I'll be sad if we don't stop," he responds genuinely, and my chest warms at the smile he sends my way.

"So, you are going as Parker's date?" Of course, that's all she would focus on.

"Somehow I convinced her to take pity on me," Parker teases, squeezing my thigh under the table, and I rub my thumb over his hand.

"This is all so exciting. And you better stop by, or I will hunt both of you down," my grandma says, beaming at us.

"Yes, you two should stay with us. We have enjoyed having you both. Trust me, Parker, once I show you the humidor room, you'll want to come back. I have a special reserve I am going to pull out just for you," my grandpa says. I love how welcoming they have both been to Parker.

"We will definitely be back. Even if Ava doesn't invite me, I'll stop by." Parker laughs, but somehow, I believe him.

My grandmother starts lighting my candles. "Let's sing this birthday girl her song so you boys can get to your smokes and whiskey."

I blow out my candles, making a wish with one person in mind. One I'm not sure I knew I wanted so badly until today.