Mom looks startled at Olivia’s challenge and steps away from us like she’s embarrassed. But Gram nods to him, waiting for his proof. He reaches into his pocket, takes out an ID card, and gives it to her.

“I usually wear it around my neck, but the string broke,” he says. “I’m really sorry if I scared your little girls.”

Olivia clenches her fists. I grab her arm before she can do anything stupid. “I think he’s really who he says he is,” I whisper.

“Still doesn’t mean he can get away with calling me a little girl,” she hisses.

Gram frowns at us before addressing the photographer. “We are sorry for the misunderstanding. Perhaps you might consider getting your ID fixed before following two young girls around?”

Olivia turns to me with a grin. Go, Gram, she mouths.

The man frowns. “Look, I said I was sorry. If you’d like, I can give you some of these pictures for free.”

“You frightened all of us,” Gram says, pulling Clay and me closer. “That’s unprofessional at the very least. I think you owe us more than free pictures.”

“Lady, I don’t owe you nothing.” The man’s face goes from pink to red.

“I’ll be speaking to your manager.” Gram pockets his ID.

The man’s mouth hangs open. He looks over his shoulder at the crowd gathering.

“Sue, maybe we should just go,” Mom whispers.

“He threatened my grandchildren,” Gram says, not even trying to keep her voice down.

“Look, lady. I’m sorry.” The man holds out his camera. “Please, look at the pictures. You can have them all.”

Gram sniffs. “No, thank you. My daughter-in-law is a wonderful artist. Her pictures are far superior, I’m sure.”

“Fine. Whatever. What can I do to make it up to you?” The man starts to look desperate. He shifts uncomfortably as Gram stares at him.

“Apologize and promise not to do it again,” she says with a sigh.

“Sorry,” he mutters. “I won’t do it again.”

Gram shakes her head and puts her hand to her ear like she couldn’t hear him. Olivia snickers.

“I’m sorry,” he says, this time in a clear voice. “I won’t do it again.”

“Very well.” Gram nods and hands his ID back to him. “You may go.”

I hug her arm tight as we watch him leave. The crowd begins to scatter.

“Gram,” I say, my eyes wide with admiration. “You were amazing!”

“You’re a total superhero,” Olivia declares. “I wouldn’t want to fight you.”

“Superman!” Clay reaches for Gram.

Mom stands quietly off to the side. “You were very brave, Sue,” she finally says, but there’s something to her tone that doesn’t ring true.

“You were the best.” I kiss Gram’s cheek. Mom’s silent judgment makes me want to reassure Gram even more.