Miss Leona glanced over at her. Just the corner of her lip tipped up in the slightest grin, trapping Amanda’s voice in her throat. She was not going to cry in the middle of this woman’s kitchen. Miss Leona carefully slid the finished crepe on top of the small stack she’d started, then set the pan back on the stove. She turned toward Amanda and, as if in the most magical slow motion, held open her arms. With a gracious flick of her wrists and careful nod of “get your ass over here,” she beckoned Amanda into her warm embrace.

“This is like being hugged by Jesus,” Amanda whispered. “This is the hug I’ve been dreaming of my whole life.”

“I find the hugs help calm the excitement,” Miss Leona replied, her voice light and causal. Like she might in fact be our Lord God herself. Amanda soaked in her grandmotherly love just long enough for it to seep into her heart. She took in her light floral perfume and the softness of her flowing top. Who made thousand-thread-count tops? She logged it all deep within her mind so she could conjure it up in her darkest moment. When things got really bad, she usually turned to her mom, but from now on, she’d think of the time Leona Lovell took pity on her and gave her the best hug in the history of hugs.

She took the hint when Miss Leona started to release her and stepped back out of the elderly woman’s personal space.

“Isn’t that better?”

“Much. I still might ask you for an autograph for my mom before I leave. If that’s not too much. I know I am being rude. I am so sorry.”

Miss Leona patted her hand. “Oh, you’re fine, baby. We’ll make sure you get that autograph before the day is over. You want something to drink? Lilah, get her something to drink.”

Lilah was already hopping off her seat before Amanda could make up her mind. “Let’s see.” She opened the industrial-size fridge, revealing a wide variety of beverages. “What can I get for you?”

“Water is fine.”

“And you should try some of the pomegranate punch Lilah made. It is delicious,” Miss Leona added.

“And I will also have some of that punch,” Amanda added obediently.

Lilah grabbed a fancy glass pitcher out of the fridge, then whispered, “Don’t worry. She’s my grandma and I still think it’s all pretty cool.”

Normally Amanda wouldn’t have believed her, but it was Leona Lovell. She absolutely did.

* * *