Edison lifted his face slightly and lowered his glasses so he could see his grandson's face clearly.
"Samuel? You hear me, don't you? What other excuse do you have now? Grandpa needs an answer today!"
Edison's firm, demanding voice made Sam squirm. He glanced at Kevin, hoping his cousin would provide an emergency excuse. But Kevin simply turned away and pretended to be busy with his phone.
"SHIT! Watch your back, Vin!" Sam cursed inwardly, glaring daggers at his cousin.
"Ahem!"
Edison set his newspaper on the table, folded his arms over his chest, and leaned back against the leopard-print velvet sofa.
"Relax, Grandpa. I already have someone in mind. I'll introduce her to you as soon as possible," Sam said confidently.
Kevin's eyes went wide as he glanced at Sam. He couldn't believe the man could speak with such confidence about something that didn't even exist.
"Is what Sam said true, Vin?"
Kevin jolted when his name was mentioned. He stared helplessly at Edison, then looked back at Sam. But the person he was looking at only gave him a sly smile.
"U-uh, yeah, Grandpa," Kevin stammered.
"What do you mean, yeah? If you're going to answer, do it firmly and confidently. If you help Sam lie to me, get ready to be punished. I'll take away all your privileges!"
"What? Why am I getting dragged into this, Grandpa? That's so not fair. Sam's the one getting married, so why do I have to deal with the trouble too?" Kevin protested.
Edison wagged his index finger. "No more complaining. That's my decision. You two have been together since you were children, so whatever happens between either of you is a shared responsibility!"
The old man, still dashing and handsome, rose from his seat. "So when are you going to bring your future wife to meet Grandpa?"
Edison fixed Sam with a sharp stare. Even those old eyes were still as keen as an eagle's.
"Uhhh, next week, Grandpa. She's out of town right now. I mean, she's in her hometown because her family is sick," Sam answered off the top of his head.
Edison nodded, then sauntered away, leaving his two grandsons behind.
Whack!
Kevin hurled a pillow straight into Sam's face. "You asshole! How did I get dragged into your matchmaking mess?" Kevin grumbled.
"You're so damn annoying! I'm already stressed, so don't make it worse!" Sam grabbed his own hair.
"Do you actually have someone in mind?" Kevin asked.
Sam shook his head vigorously.
"Oh my God, Sam. Are you crazy? How could you lie to Grandpa about this? Please, don't drag me into your lie. If all my privileges get taken away, I won't be able to spoil my angels anymore. You know they need money and shopping."
Sam let out a weary sigh. "I don't care. Those materialistic girls can just get out of your life for good!"
Sam rose from the sofa and sauntered away, leaving Kevin staring after him in disbelief.
"Sam ... who are you going to bring to meet Grandpa?" Kevin yelled.
Sam didn't answer. He climbed the stairs one by one toward his room on the upper floor.