"I have a son, Mom. His name is Oliver. He's eight. He's… perfect."

Silence again.

"You're telling me…" her voice came out thin. "You've been a father for eight years and never told me?"

"It's a long story. A complicated one. But things are changing now. I'm with his mother. Oliver knows who I am. Everything is starting to fall into place. The only thing missing is… for him to meet you."

"Oh my God…" she breathed. Something thumped on her end, like she'd dropped onto a bed. "A grandson? I have a grandson? And you tell me like this, over the phone, as if you were announcing the weather?"

Grayson smiled with guilt, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I didn't know how to say it. It's not exactly the kind of thing you just drop casually."

"Not easy?! That's news you shout, Grayson! You celebrate that!" She paused. "Does he… know about me?"

"I talked to him today. His mom too. He's excited to meet you."

"Then tell me when and how. I'll pack my suitcase in five minutes."

He c