“It has a story.”
“Tell me now.”
“No. Tonight is your night.” She smoothed a curl off my forehead. “The story will keep.”
A car horn honked outside.
My friend Mia had arrived to pick me up.
“That’s my ride.”
Grandma Evelyn cupped my face in both her hands. “Promise me something.”
“Tell me now.”
“Anything.”
“Walk into that gym like you belong there. Because you do.”
“I promise.”
She kissed my forehead.
I picked up my small silver clutch and headed for the door, the blue skirt swishing softly around my ankles.
“I promise.”
At the doorway, I turned back.
She stood in the golden afternoon light, one hand resting on the sewing machine that had been her whole world.
“I love you, Grandma.”
“I love you more, my brave girl. Have the most beautiful night.”
I walked out the door feeling like a princess, completely unaware of the public humiliation waiting for me at the venue.
