Friend Zoned (Barnett Bulldogs #2) by Jennifer Sucevic Read Free Book Online

entire time.”  Not waiting for a reply, which is good because I don’t exactly have one, she hooks her arm through mine before patting my hand affectionately. “You mark my words, Violet, some girl is going to snag his interest one of these days and will thank her lucky stars that she did.”
    Ignoring everything she just said, I snort with all the derision I can muster before muttering under my breath, “Old woman, my ass.”
    Not bothering to chastise me for my language, she simply chuckles.  “Let’s go make some lunch for when that strapping young man of yours is finished fixing the toilet.”
    I give her a big dramatic sigh before following her into the warm sunny kitchen.
    Thirty minutes later, the four of us are sitting around my grandparent’s small round table enjoying the BLT’s she just whipped up because they’re Sam’s absolute favorite. Extra mayo, heavy on the lettuce, one thick slice of tomato, and bread lightly toasted- just the way he likes it. He must have really worked up an appetite fixing that leaky pipe, because Sam has already wolfed down two sandwiches and is starting to devour a third. And we just sat down not more than ten minutes ago.  Naturally my grandmother continues fussing over him the entire time.
    Turning my attention to my grandfather, I can’t help but notice that he looks tired.  Maybe even a little pale. And nowhere near as animated as he usually is.  Seeing him like this has concern once again flaring to life within me.  “How are you feeling, gramps?”
    His face creases with soft wrinkles as he flashes me a smile.  “Just trying to shake this bug I’ve picked up.  Other than that, right as rain.”  He takes a small bite of his his sandwich before chewing it rather methodically.  When he’s finally finished, he asks, “And how’s my favorite girl doing?  Classes going well?”
    I tear off a hunk of sandwich before popping it into my mouth and nodding.  “Everything’s fine. Classes are good.”
    “Have you thought about submitting applications at any other law schools?”
    My grandfather was a district attorney for about twenty years and then a circuit court judge for another fifteen.  I think he’s proud that I’ve decided to follow in his footsteps just as my father had before me.
    Because I know exactly the kind of response my answer will elicit, I say somewhat offhandedly, “No, I think three schools are enough.”  I’m leaning towards Barnett for obvious reasons.
    In all fairness, Barnett really does have a top notch law program.  I know he’d like me to look further away than I have, but the idea of being more than a two hour drive from them is tough for me to consider.
    Just as expected, he levels me with a look as if he knows exactly why I’m set on continuing my education at Barnett.  “You don’t need to stick around here, Violet.  Your grandmother and I are perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves.  We want you to branch out.  Experience life somewhere else.  Maybe look at UCLA, or Berkeley, or even Columbia in New York.  This is a wonderful chance for you to live somewhere you’ve always dreamed of.  Don’t squander an opportunity like this by not considering all the possibilities.”  His eyes skewer mine.  “You’ll only regret it in the end.”
    You know what I’ll end up regretting?
    Not being there for them when they need me.  Not spending time with them when I could because I know all too well just how short life can be.  So… no, it’s highly doubtful I’ll regret not moving further away at this point.  I have my entire life for that.  And honestly, I like living here.  This is my home.  And my grandparents are all the family I have left.
    Glancing down at the half eaten sandwich on my plate, I give a tiny little shrug in response.  This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve had this conversation.  And, because my grandfather is stubborn and only wants what’s best for me, it won’t be