“I mean, as much as Lisa and Dad would. Not all the time—she had nannies, too. But if she needed to be changed when she was with me, of course I did it.”

Never mind. I know nothing about this guy. “Talk like that and you could sell me on four kids,” I joke.

“Deal.”

I clear my throat. “I need to call my grandmother. I haven’t spoken to her since the weekend and she’s freaking out a bit. Would I disturb you if I did it here?”

“Go ahead.” He returns to his textbook.

I only have fifteen minutes left until dinner, which is perfect. I can tell her I have to go if she keeps nagging.

I call, and she answers almost immediately. “Finally!”

I ignore the jab, refusing to let her corner me into repeating the justifications I already texted her. “Hi, Grandma, how are you?”

“I’d be better if I knew you were alive and well, young lady. This is not how I raised you. You could have been kidnapped and killed! Someone could just be texting in your place.”

Four days. We talked four days ago.

“Sorry you worried. Maybe we could have a secret word to share so you know it’s me. Like porcupine.”

“I would rather you answer your phone.”

“Well, it’s not always possible, between my classes, social engagements, and the fact that you’re three hours ahead,” I reply reasonably. “But tell me about the surgery! It’s so exciting. Your doctor recommended it like, what, two years ago?”

As I speak, I glance to the man responsible for my grandmother’s luck. I don’t think I’ve thanked him for that properly yet. Or I tried, but he didn’t let me.

No thanks necessary. You paid for that, with interest, if I recall.

He’s looking at me over the edge of his book.

My grandmother drones on about the grant, everything it entails—a private room, weekly appointments with a professional for months after—and repeats her belief: “This proves good things come to good people, my darling. God blessed me.”

I manage not to laugh to her face.

“How about you, sweetheart?” she finally asks.

I glance at the screen. “Dinner starts in like, three minutes—with my housemates. I have to go soon. But I’m good. I just got a job—babysitting a lovely girl.”

I decide not to tell her it comes with a car. It’s not normal, and she’ll question that.

“And I’ll come next Friday, grandma.”

“Oh, I will be out of it for most of the day, you know. But if you insist. Let’s talk about your boyfriend, young lady. He told me you haven’t been in touch with him either. Sweetheart, just because you’re in another state doesn’t mean you should neglect the people who love you like that. It’s not fair to him.”