by Leah Atwood
“Anytime.” Maureen smiled. “I think we deserve a piece of cake. What do you say?”
“I say you’re right.” She followed Maureen into the kitchen where they each indulged in a decadent, over-sized slice of double chocolate fudge cake.
Forget diamonds. In times of crisis, chocolate and sisters were most definitely a girl’s best friend.
Chapter 11
The parking lot of Sumner’s assisted living facility was full to the brim, not uncommon for a Saturday afternoon when many guests received visitors. Dominic parked in the grass, all the way in the back, only a few feet from the road. It was the only spot he could find.
He grabbed the bouquet of tiger lilies from the passenger side of the bench seat. Nana would be so happy to see her favorite flower. Finally, he had money to buy flowers from the florist instead of whatever the supermarket offered. Nana would beam at whatever he brought, but he wanted to give her something special.
A car sped through the parking lot as Dominic crossed an aisle. He jumped back, narrowly missing contact. Although annoyed, he lacked the same anger that would have overwhelmed him a week ago. His life had changed dramatically from a single prayer. He never could have believed it possible without experiencing it himself. That ever-elusive happiness had found him and contentment settled in his soul.
The only blight was Maisy. Conflicted about what to do, he’d avoided her since they’d been in North Carolina. Eventually, they’d have to sit down and talk about what they wanted. Too much energy sparked between them to ignore the possibility of moving forward. He’d forgiven her and he loved her—he’d never stopped—but trusting her was a different story. Every time he thought about it, his heart rebelled and insides coiled, sending stark reminders of the pain she’d caused him.
Roxy’s advice was to pray and he’d done that, even though he was a novice. So far he hadn’t received an answer and wasn’t sure he’d recognize it if he did.
He continued walking across the parking lot, the hot asphalt warming his feet even through the soles of his shoes. Today was a scorcher, much hotter than typical for the time of year. The digital sign outside the pharmacy had read eighty-eight degrees when he passed. Temps that high before May were in the running for breaking records.
Once inside the red brick building, he passed through the lobby and headed to the reception area.
A middle-aged woman in teal scrubs sat behind the desk. “Can I help you?”
“I’m here to see Edna Bixler.”
“Ahh.” A wide grin graced the lady’s face. “You must be Dominic.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“She’s excited to see you. In fact, she walked through a few minutes ago on her way to the cafeteria and asked if you’d arrived yet.”
Relief settled over him. “So she’s having a good day?”
“Yes.” Sympathy emanated from her. “I heard about the visit on Thursday.”
He tensed with the memory and frowned. “Does she have days like that often?”
“Not that I’m aware.” The nurse grabbed a stack of papers from the corner of the desk. “I’ve only been here a month but have gotten to know Edna well. She brings a smile to everyone she meets.”
“That’s Nana.”
“I’m glad you came back today.” Rebekah—he was able to read her name badge when she changed positions in her seat—tapped a pen against the desk. “A lot of families can’t handle seeing their loved ones in a confused and violent state. Too often after experiencing an incident like you did Thursday, they’ll stay away for long periods of time.”
“The doctor explained it’s natural for those suffering from dementia to have episodes of aggression.” An elderly couple walked down the hall and Dominic instinctively glanced at them then came back to the conversation. “I know Nana can’t help it, and I’m not going to abandon her.”
Rebekah nodded approvingly. “More people should think and act like you.”
“You said she’s in the cafeteria?”
“She should be there still.” She handed him a pen. “Make sure you sign in, then out when you leave.”
He took the pen and scribbled his name on the logbook. Carrying the flowers at his side, he turned left and strode down the long hall. The smell of cooked onions and gravy drifted into the open area, and Dominic followed his nostrils. A wide set of double doors was propped open. Walking through the entry, he scanned the room for Nana.
Her neon pink shirt set her apart from the other people sitting around a crescent-shaped table. A few men and women glanced at him as he crossed the room, but none paid him much attention. He sidled up to Nana and tapped her shoulder in a way least likely to startle her.
“Dominic, my favorite grandson!” Surprisingly agile and limber for a woman in her late seventies, Nana jumped from her seat and strangled him with a hug.
Enduring the discomfort, he focused on the fact that Nana appeared completely lucid today. When he couldn’t breathe any longer, he backed away and handed her the flowers. “These are for you.”
Nana took them and held them to her nose, taking a whiff. “My favorite. They’re beautiful.” Tears glistened in her eyes. “I was half afraid you wouldn’t come back.”
“Don’t ever worry about that Nana.” His arm found its way around her shoulder. “As long as you’re here, I’ll be coming to see you.”
“Let’s get out of here.” A smiled revealed her set of dentures. “The garden is lovely and it’s shaded. Can we take a walk?”
“Anything you want.” He stole a glance at the table and her half-full tray. “Did you want to finish eating first? I’m in no hurry.”
“No. The Salisbury steak wasn’t very good today.” Her dark eyelashes fluttered when she winked. “Besides, I’m holding out for dessert tonight.”
He chuckled. “Okay. I’ll take care of your trash.” He let go of her shoulder to pick up her tray. Holding it in one hand, he carried it to the receptacle and dumped the food before returning the dishes to the kitchen window. He swept an arm to the door. “Lead the way.”
They’d visited the garden many times in the six years she’d lived at the home. He could have walked to the garden blindfolded, but he’d learned that letting Nana take charge when she could kept her spirits high. Heat beat against them when they walked outside, but Nana didn’t seem affected as they walked so he didn’t say anything. He would pay close attention to her for any sign of distress, though. As they strolled through the paths, he took Nana’s arm and looped it through his bent elbow. She looked at him and grinned, then continued on, her face angled upward to greet the sun.
“I think I need to sit a spell,” Nana said after ten minutes.
“The gazebo is open.” He nodded down a path surrounded by pink and lavender petunias.
Nana headed down the cement walkway, jerking her arm away and becoming fidgety. “I owe you an apology.”
“For what?” He held out a hand to help her step into the gazebo even though she could have done it on her own. When she sat, he followed suit.
“The other day. I can’t remember it, but I’m told I threw a book at you and told you never to come back.” Her near-translucent skin turned whiter and she rubbed her hands together. “Is that true?”
“Yes, but I don’t hold it against you, Nana.” He squeezed her hands. “It was the disease talking, not you.”
“I hate it. Days like this are a treasure, but even my best days are often clouded.” She emitted a sigh of longing. “Getting old is no fun and soon no one will want to see me because I’m so grouchy.”
“That’s not true. I know for a fact that many people love you.” He let go of her, but not before giving her hand a final pat. “Rebekah, at the front desk today, told me you bring a smile to everyone you meet.”
Her eyes lit up. “That’s encouraging.”
“That’s right and don’t give up. Roxy and I need you.”
“How is Roxy? She brought the baby by on Tuesday, but couldn’t stay lo
ng.”
“She’s good. Coming to see you tomorrow for Sunday dinner.”
Nana clapped her hands. “I can’t wait. Will you also be joining her?”
“No, I have to leave for Nashville first thing in the morning.”
Her nose wrinkled. “I wish you didn’t have to, but I understand. Roxy told me you got a really nice job.”
“My dream one. I’m doing what I love and making good money for it.”
“I always believed you would.” Nana grinned, clearly over her disappointment he wouldn’t be there tomorrow. “Now if you would find a nice young woman and marry her, I could die a happy woman.”
“Don’t talk like that.” He gave her mock scowl. “You still have plenty of years left in you.”
“But I’m not getting any younger.”
“Maisy moved to Nashville.” Watching Nana, he gauged her reaction.
She didn’t seem surprised. “It’s about time.”
“What makes you say that?”
“That girl has loved you forever. I never did understand why she broke off your engagement.” Nana clucked her tongue. “She’s mentioned you in conversation every week for the last four years.”
Dominic’s head jerked backward. “You talk to Maisy?”
Nana laughed. “Boy, you really do miss a lot living so far away. She visits me every other week and calls the weeks she doesn’t come.”
He scratched his eyelid, absorbing the news. His new faith worked miracles in how he reacted. Unlike when Maisy and Roxy’s friendship was revealed, he wasn’t angry or feeling betrayed. Instead, he found himself grateful that Nana had an extra person who took a break from a busy life to spend time with her.
Tender emotions toward Maisy also crept into his heart. Not many people would go above and beyond to keep company with their ex-fiancé’s grandmother who lived in an assisted living facility. Even so, it didn’t make sense. The more he thought about it, the more things didn’t add up with the way Maisy had abruptly left him, but he couldn’t find the missing piece. To confuse him more, Maisy showed no interest in explaining further what happened. “She wants a friendship again, maybe even a relationship.”
“What do you want?” Nana looked at him with such comprehension, it was hard to believe she didn’t remember who she was some days.
“I don’t know.” He sighed. “That’s a lie. I want a life with Maisy, but I don’t know that I’d ever be able to trust her. Anyway, it’s been four years and we might not even like each other anymore. I’m sure we’ve both changed.”
“You were so young when you got engaged. Neither of you had the wisdom to work through complicated situations.”
“And now?”
“You’ve both grown up, but even after all this time apart, you each still love the other. That has to mean something.”
Dominic leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Nana.”
“As I do you.” She patted his knee. “Ready to walk again?”
“Ready if you are.”
Chapter 12
Maisy folded the last shirt and placed it inside her bag. Tomorrow’s outfit was draped across an armchair in the corner. Her phone rang and she crossed the room to retrieve it from the dresser top.
Dominic? It was about time. She’d already decided to call him if she hadn’t heard from him by seven o’clock—five minutes away. He’d narrowly beaten her to the task.
“Hi,” she answered. “I was about to call you and finalize times for tomorrow.”
“It’s been a crazy week. I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner.” He sounded different, less antagonistic.
“Same here.”
“How’d things go with your dad?”
She took a deep breath. “It’s a long story. Some good, some bad.”
“Have you eaten dinner yet?”
Well, that was a hasty change of topic. “No.”
“Want to grab dinner and you can tell me about it?”
Had she heard him correctly? He didn’t sound like he’d surprised himself with the question. It almost sounded like he’d planned it before he called. She hedged, caught off guard. “Eleven hours on the road tomorrow should be sufficient time to tell you.”
“So that’s a no?” Disappointment lingered in his voice.
“I didn’t say that.” I didn’t want you to feel obligated. “Ignore me. My brain isn’t functioning properly.”
“So it’s a yes?” His tone lightened.
“Yes.” She could do this. It was only dinner, and they’d shared meals on the way to Dillonton. This was what she wanted and was a step in the right direction. “Where’d you have in mind?”
“Is Ocean View Inn okay? I want fresh seafood before I go back to Nashville.”
“That’s fine.” She gulped. Ocean View Inn was the most romantic restaurant on the Crystal Coast. Nestled at the edge of sand dunes and pristine beaches, it was the only restaurant in the small community of Sandglass, located at the end of a twenty-mile long island. She couldn’t think about what his choice of eateries meant. He might really want seafood, and she was overthinking his invitation.
“Can you be ready in thirty minutes? I made a reservation for eight.”
She coughed into the phone and hurried to cover the mic. “A reservation?” The pitiful squeak would put a mouse to shame.
His chuckle was deep with a hint of nervousness. “I planned to go regardless but hoped you’d say yes.”
“Oh.” Good thing she hadn’t gotten too psyched about this invite. He simply didn’t want to eat alone. “Seven thirty then?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll see you then.” Her finger moved to end the call, but she realized he was about to say something else.
“Wear something comfortable for a walk on the beach after.” He hung up, not allowing her a response.
“Maureen,” she shouted, in need of her sister.
“Yes?” Maureen appeared in the bedroom doorway. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Yes. Maybe.”
“That’s not helping.”
“Dominic just called. He’s taking me to dinner tonight.” She made the mistake of looking in the mirror. Staring back at her was a haphazard ponytail, a face that had no makeup and wrinkled clothes she hadn’t bothered ironing.
“That’s good, right?” Arched eyebrows indicated Maureen’s confusion over Maisy’s scream.
“I think, but look at me.” Waving a hand over her outfit, she thought of what she’d brought. Nothing suitable. “I don’t have anything to wear, my hair’s a wreck and he’s picking me up in a half hour.”
Maureen grabbed her arm and dragged her from the bedroom. “That’s what sisters are for.”
“You’re the best.” Maisy sighed with relief. Maureen would dress her perfectly.
“Aaron will be home any minute so we have to work fast.” Maureen pulled her into the master bedroom and shut the door. She eyed her in a long, appraising stare. “You’re a bit curvier than I am and a few inches taller, but I have an idea.”
Maisy let the curvier comment slide. Maureen meant no insult, and Maisy was happy with her appearance. “Show me what you’ve got.”
“My makeup is on the vanity in the sitting room outside the bathroom. Put your face on while I put together an outfit or two.”
She would have gotten lost if she hadn’t been in Maureen’s house on previous occasions. The master suite alone had more rooms than the apartment she’d rented in Dillonton. The sitting room had two doors, one that led to the bathroom, and another that led to the closet. Maisy entered through the sink room. She sat down, filing through her cosmetic choices. Not knowing what clothes Maureen would choose, Maisy opted for neutral tones. She’d just traced color onto her lips when Maureen burst in.
“I found the perfect outfit. Try this on.” Maureen handed over a lightweight maxi skirt that was sheer at the bottom. Printed on the deep moss green material were large butterflies in pale pink, khaki, and black. The chosen blou
se was a black sleeveless number, ruched at the sides. “The dark colors will show off your naturally tan complexion, but the materials are light enough that they won’t draw heat.”
Standing up after appraising her face in the mirror, she took the clothes. “That skirt is gorgeous. Where’d you find it?”
“One of the Fifth Avenue stores on our last trip to New York.”
Maisy swallowed and gave the clothes right back to her sister. “I can’t wear them. This single outfit probably cost hundreds of dollars and Murphy’s Law dictates I’ll spill something on them or fall and rip a hole in the skirt.”
“Don’t be silly.” Maureen’s hands went up and refused the return. “Of course you can wear them. In fact, you can have them.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Seriously, the outfit looks ridiculous on me.” Wrinkles formed over Maureen’s nose when she scrunched it. “Serves me right for not trying it on, but I thought it would create the illusion of curves.” She laughed. “Turns out, it only enhances what you already have. I went from looking like a pencil to a toothpick.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.”
“Trust me.”
Accepting Maureen’s explanation, Maisy began to change. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and was stunned by the reflected image. “Wow.”
“I’d say. Imagine what Dominic will think when he sees you.”
“Shush. It’s not like it’s a date or anything.” She tore her gaze from the mirror, her heart skipping a beat because there was a small chance it was a date.
“Keep telling yourself that.” Maureen peered at Maisy’s bare feet. “Do you need shoes?”
She nodded. “Unless you think flip flops or tennis shoes would match.”
Clutching her chest, Maureen pretended to be affronted. “That would be a tragedy. Lucky for you, we wear the same size.”
Five minutes later, Maisy walked down the stairs in time to see Dominic walking through the door behind Aaron.
“Look who I found.” Aaron cast a wink at Maisy then greeted Maureen with a kiss.
