Page 99 of Screwed
“Okay, whew. They’re not very impressed with my little business venture.”
Grandpa scowled. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Partly why I wanted to see what you’re up to.”
“Would you like a tour? It’s not a big place, but you can come see where I do the baking and my office.”
More customers entered the store, and Ginnie took care of them while Callie showed her grandparents her kitchen and office.
“Are those strawberry cookies?” Grandpa asked.
“Yes. Strawberry shortcake sandwiches.”
“I’d try one of those.”
“Bud, you need to watch your blood sugar,” Grandma gently reminded him.
“Bah. I’ll skip my dessert tonight.”
“You weren’t getting any dessert tonight.”
Callie smiled, uncertain if she should give her grandpa another cookie. “You two could share one,” she suggested.
“Great idea.”
Grandma sighed after taking a bite. “Sweet Lord, I didn’t think anything could be better than that last cookie.”
Callie beamed.
“So business is good?” Grandpa fixed a sharp gaze on her. “Or is this just a fun thing for you?”
“It is fun. I love doing it. But I intend this to be a successful business. I’m working hard at it. And so far, yes, business is good.”
“That’s my girl.” Grandpa nodded. “When your mama and daddy seemed so disapproving, I wanted to see what’s going on. They seem to think you shouldn’t have to dirty your little hands with menial work.”
“Well, actually, I have to keep my hands pretty clean. There are food-service regulations…”
Grandpa chuckled. “You know what I mean. But a little hard work never hurt anyone. I didn’t get where I am today by sitting around thinking about it.”
“I know that, Grandpa. I don’t mind working hard when it’s something I enjoy. And I’ll still give back. I have some ideas for working with different charities once I get a little more established.”
“Good for you.” Grandma nodded. “You’re a Sutherland.”
“Mama and Daddy don’t seem to understand this is my passion,” Callie added, a wistful note creeping into her voice. “I wish they… Well, never mind.”
“Callie.” She met her grandma’s warm, soft eyes. “You’re a strong woman. You’ve proved that over the last year or so. Kicking out that cheating husband of yours. Traveling the world. Now starting your own business. Don’t let anyone hold you back from doing what you want to do. From being the person you need to be. People who really love you will support you no matter what. People who don’t support you…you don’t need in your life.” Grandma shook her head. “It pains me to say that about family. On the other hand, I do believe your parents love you and want the best for you. It’s just that their idea of what’s best might not be the same as yours. You need to decide whatyouwant from life.”
Callie’d heard the stories about Grandma in her younger days, how she’d been a free spirit and that was what had attracted Grandpa to her. Grandpa was an oil man who’d worked his way up from the oil rigs to build the Sutherland Industries empire, and Grandma had been with him all the way, through some wild times. When they’d become wealthy and respected, Grandma had adopted a persona of a sweet Southern lady, but everyone knew that beneath the gentle exterior was a wise woman who knew what made people tick.
“Thank you, Grandma.” Her voice came out husky. “Your support means a lot to me.”
Grandma waved a hand. “Look around you. Look at what you created. You’re talented and smart and strong. Not to mention cute as a bug’s ear. Of course we support you.”
“Well, not if you were really doing something stupid here and setting money on fire,” Grandpa added. “But it looks like you’ve got a handle on things, Callie my girl. I’m impressed.”
“Thank you,” she said again, her chest filling with warmth. “Do you want some cupcakes to take home?”
Grandma and Grandpa argued for a moment over that, Grandpa wanting to buy a dozen of everything, Grandma trying to rein him in. In the end they left with a dozen cupcakes, insisting on paying for them.
“Let’s get out of here before someone sees me carrying this girly box,” Grandpa growled, picking up the glossy white box of cupcakes tied with a pale-pink-and-white polka-dotted bow. He bent and kissed Callie’s cheek. “Bye, sweet thing. Proud of you.”
