“Where is Grant?” I asked.
“He’s not here yet.”
Jason frowned. “He said he’d be here by seven. He was supposed to pick you up.”
Sarah quickly turned toward Mark. “He’s late.”
Mark checked his phone, his jaw tense. “He’s not answering.”
I faced the officer again, my voice rising. “You gave me a note from my son. You brought me here. Where is he?” Another police cruiser rolled into the lot.
The officer started to speak, then stopped.
My hands tightened into fists. “Where is my son?”
Headlights moved across the windows. Another police cruiser pulled into the lot. The room became silent so quickly that I felt pressure in my ears.
The cruiser came to a stop. A door opened. Footsteps followed. Then Grant entered. He was wearing a police uniform, a badge displayed on his chest.
Jason said, “No way.”
“What are you wearing?”
Sarah whispered, “Grant.”
Eliza made a quiet, broken sound. Caleb simply stared.
Grant raised both hands like he was stepping into a storm. “Okay. Before anyone murders me. Happy birthday, Mom.”
My mouth finally moved.
“What are you wearing?” I demanded.
“Are you out of your mind?”
He swallowed. “A uniform.”
Mark choked out, “You’re a cop.”
“Yeah.”
Sarah exploded. “Are you out of your mind? She thought you were dead.”
Grant flinched.
His eyes immediately went to me. “Mom, I’m sorry. I didn’t think. I just wanted to surprise you by showing up here in my uniform. I thought it would be funny.”
“You’re the only one who didn’t.”
“You didn’t think,” I repeated, and the words came out like a slap.
He nodded, shame written across his face. “I thought it would be a quick scare. Then surprise. I didn’t know you were sitting at home for hours.”
“I was. I was sitting at the table.”
That hit like a heavy weight dropping. Mark looked down. Eliza quietly began to cry.
“I didn’t tell you about the academy because I didn’t want people to treat me like I was going to fail.”
My laugh sounded bitter. “And you thought I would.” “I didn’t want you to end up like your father.”
“No,” he said quickly. “You’re the only one who didn’t.”
