Chapter 81

"Come on, Alvin's not an outsider. What's there to be shy about?" Tom's tone was casual and just a touch cocky, his expression radiating the energy of someone deliberately showing off his relationship. "Exactly, Grace! Don't mind me. I'm blind and deaf over here. I can't see or hear a thing, so you two do whatever you want." Alvin's grin stretched so wide that it looked like his mouth might reach his ears. I hadn't expected Tom to stray so far from the script with his antics, and for a moment, I was unsure how to respond. My only reaction was to squeeze his fingers tightly in protest. Tom, of course, didn't seem the least bit bothered by the strength of my grip. He just smirked, letting the moment pass without pushing me further. Then, with a casual shift in tone, he turned to Alvin. "How's Grandma doing lately?" "Don't worry, she's in great shape!" Alvin replied, glancing at the rearview mirror with a cheerful ease. "Ever since she heard you were bringing a woman home, she's