Sidequest for Love by L.H. Cosway

“So, remind me, how did you and my Neil meet again?” she asked, directing her question at me. Something in her smile told me she already knew the answer to this. Perhaps she was fishing for extra details her grandson might’ve purposefully left out.

“His co-worker, Michaela, is one of my closest friends. We used to live together before she moved in with her boyfriend, James,” I explained. “I was meeting her for lunch one day, and Neil tagged along. Let’s just say, we didn’t hit it off right away. He wasn’t too fond of me that first time we met. I have a bad habit of teasing people who I find interesting.”

“If you grew up in our family, you’d know that teasing is practically an Olympic sport,” Billy put in.

“Obviously,” I went on. “It’s my fault that Neil was unimpressed with me that first time. Then our paths crossed again a few weeks later, and it went a little better. I think he realised I wasn’t as bad as he first thought. Anyway, we’ve been pals ever since.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear you two found a way to get along,” Phil said. “I must admit I have seen a bit of a change in Neil since you two became friends. He can be somewhat uptight.”

“Grandma!” Rosie exclaimed. “That’s not fair. You know Neil feels responsible for taking care of us. It’s why he works so hard.”

“Yes, and I love him for that,” Phil agreed. “All I’m saying is that Neil has been acting like a thirty-year-old since he was only a boy. Lately, I’ve noticed him be a little less strict with himself, and I suspect it might be your doing, Afric.”

“Well, I’m not sure if it’s all down to me, but Neil’s been a good influence on me, too. He’s certainly taught me how to be more responsible, especially with my finances.”

“Oh, yes, he did mention something about assisting you with your accounts.”

“He’s an absolute whizz,” I said. “I’d have been lost without him.”

“Then I’m glad you both managed to make your friendship work,” Phil said. “I think we often avoid those who aren’t the same as us, but if we just gave those people a chance, we’d realise how inconsequential the differences are in comparison to how much they can improve our lives.”

“Here, here,” Billy said. “My life has certainly been improved by this gravy. What on earth do you put in it to make it taste so good?”

Phil tapped the side of her nose. “It’s a secret family recipe. I’m afraid I can’t reveal it. Though, you are welcome to come back for dinner any time. Rosie and I love having guests. It’s always just the two of us when Neil travels for work.”

“Doesn’t he have his own flat in the city, though?” I asked.

“Oh, yes, he does, but he comes here most evenings for dinner. He doesn’t like eating alone.”

Right. I remembered him mentioning something about that. “Well, I can’t blame him. Your cooking is delicious.”

“At my age, I’ve certainly had time to perfect it,” Phil said.

“Very true,” I replied. “A woman in her, what, late-forties could definitely gain the experience to be an excellent cook.”

Phil gave a hoot of laughter as she nudged Rosie. “She’s a charmer, this one. I can see why Neil is so fond.”

Her statement ignited a warm glow inside me. It started as a tiny flicker but quickly spread to encapsulate my entire body. Neil often acted like he reluctantly put up with my friendship, but he’d obviously spoken highly of me to his grandma if she thought he was fond of me.

While Billy, Rosie, and Phil chatted about how the book club had gone, I pulled out my phone again and found another text from Neil.

Neil: What’s happening? You haven’t said anything weird to my grandmother, have you?

Afric: Would you stop. Phil loves me already. She said I was a charmer.

Neil: She’s obviously getting on in years and losing her sense of proper judgement.

Afric: The cheek! The insolence! The gall! Your grandma’s judgement is perfectly fine. I am incredibly charming. She also mentioned understanding why YOU are so fond of ME. I’m feeling rather touched, to be honest.

Neil: Again, her judgement is declining. Poor woman. She’s clearly mistaking reluctant friendship for fondness.

Afric: If you don’t admit you’re fond of me right this moment I’m going to show these texts to Phil.

Neil: FINE! I’m fond of you. Now shut up about it.

Afric: Don’t be so embarrassed. I’m fond of you, too … Kind of how a person gets fond of the mangey dog that follows them around every day :-P

Neil: Funny.

Afric: Phil’s cooking is amazing, btw. She’s also given Billy and me an open invitation to come for dinner anytime, so get ready for me gate-crashing your nightly dinners when you get back from New York.

Neil: You will not. I’ll barricade the door … out of curiosity, what did she cook today?

Afric: Chicken, homemade gravy, roast potatoes, carrots, and green beans. I’m happily stuffed to the gills.

Neil: God, I’m jealous. I’ve been getting really sick of room service and eating out.

Afric: Aw, poor baby, having to tolerate living in a five-star hotel with freshly prepared meals just a phone call away.