Lex didn’t know if she should get up or stay on the couch. She could hear Mary talk in the hallway, but couldn’t make out what she was saying. She assumed that was the point.

“Fuck,” she thought, “What am I going to do if that’s her grandmother and she steps inside?!”

Lex wasn’t sure how much more she could handle. She had been super nervous all day after Mary’s invitation. She’d been convinced Mary would cancel. On her way over, she had kept checking her phone for a last-minute message.

But Mary hadn’t canceled. She had invited Lex into her apartment. They were talking and it was going well. Mary had even touched Lex’s hand. Lex’s spirits had been soaring until that damned knock on the door had startled them both.

Lex was terrified of meeting Mary’s grandmother. She sounded like a lady who could smell bullshit from a mile away. What if Mary’s grandma hated her and told Mary as much?

“Hey, Lex,” Mary squeaked as she stuck her head back in the room. “I’d like you to meet my grandma, Elza.”

She flashed Lex a quick, apologetic smile before stepping inside and holding open the door. Lex’s ears starting ringing. She jumped up and nearly stumbled over her own feet.

A surprisingly energetic woman stepped into the room. She was wearing sweatpants and a fleece sweater. Her grey hair was long and she had tucked it behind her ears.

“Hello there,” Elza said, adjusting a pair of red reading glasses on the tip of her nose.

Lex stepped forward, stretching out her hand. “I’m Lex. I’m very pleased to meet you, ma’am.”

Elza’s eyebrows shot up. Her green eyes sparkled with amusement. She waved dismissively and said, “Elza, please.” She shook Lex’s hand surprisingly hard.

“Grandma’s out of milk,” Mary said, pointing at a door at the other end of the living room. “I have some in the kitchen.”

Lex’s eyes flicked to the kitchen door. She fidgeted nervously with the seam of her sweater. How long would it take Mary to get the milk? And was she leaving her alone with Elza in the meantime?

“Grandma, come and have a look? I have several flavors,” Mary asked.

Lex threw her a grateful glance.

But Elza shook her head. “No, honey, anything you have will do.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back then,” Mary said, her eyes drifting from Elza to Lex.