“It’s okay, Grandma. It’ll get better. How was your therapy session today?”
“Fine, fine. He keeps telling me to recite my ABCs. Like I’m a toddler. I can spell him some words if he’d like to hear them.” She rolled her eyes, and I couldn’t help but bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud.
“Now, Nettie, are you giving people a hard time?”
With a saucy smile, she gave me a wink. “I would never. I’m the perfect patient.”
At that, all of us, Nettie included, broke out into laughter. I wiped my eyes. “You don’t expect me to believe that, do you?”
“Just because you’re in love with my grandson doesn’t mean you can criticize your elders.” She patted my knee. “Maybe there will be a wedding soon?”
Mutely, I stared at Roe, and he crossed his arms and raised a brow. I guess this was my you-made-your-bed-now-go-lie-in-it look. I thought for a moment. “I think Roe and I would rather travel and spend some time together first.”
“I was only kidding. You’re both babies. You have plenty of time.” She picked up her teacup. “Deborah, could you get me some more tea, please?”
“Of course.” She hopped to her feet, took the cup, and disappeared into the kitchen.
I met Roe’s gaze, and he shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, Grandma, why’d you get rid of my mother? What do you want to say to us that you can’t say in front of her?”
“That’s the problem with children these days. Too smart for their own good.” She huffed, pretending outrage. She fixed her bright-eyed gaze on Roe first, then me. “Your mother confided in me that she’s concerned you’re both too wrapped up in my health and that might hurt your relationship.”
“Grandma, are you telling me the truth? Because that sounds like something you’d say, not Mom. Ezra and I are fine.”
Ignoring him, she continued. “But you shouldn’t be spending your free time with me. When you finish with school and your homework, you need some time together. You don’t need to feel like you have to come see me.”
I’d hoped Nettie’s familiar surroundings would’ve jogged her memory, but she still persisted in thinking Roe and I were young. Nothing on that front had changed.
“Don’t worry, Grandma. It’s not a problem.”
Roe sounded so sad, I didn’t stop to think but went to his side and put my arms around him. He held himself stiffly at first, but I put my lips to his ear and whispered, “Loosen up. Act like you love me touching you.” I couldn’t resist placing a small kiss on his cheek and drawing in his orangey scent. I could drink him up like juice.
A slight shiver ran through him, and he sank into my arms.
Eyes gleaming, Nettie nodded with a bright smile. “Good. That’s what I like to see.”
Deborah returned with the tea. “Do either of you want anything? I have some leftover chicken if you want to eat.”
Before Roe could answer, I spoke up. “Can we take a rain check?”
“Let them be. They haven’t seen each other all day. I’m sure they’d like to be alone.” Nettie shook a finger at us. “Go ahead, but be good. We trust you, boys.”
“Mom.” Roe appealed to his mother.
“No, I understand. You and Ezra have things to discuss.”
I wondered how much she knew.
Before Roe could change his mind, I took his hand. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Good night.” I tugged him, and instead of digging his heels in, Roe allowed me to lead him to the door, take our coats, and leave. We walked down the hallway and stopped in front of his door.
“I assume you have plans. That’s why you couldn’t stay.” He pulled out his keys. “I’ll let you know when I’m going to see Grandma again.” The key slid in the lock, and I waited for him to open the door before I answered.
“For a smart guy, you aresodumb, Monroe Friedman.” I pushed him inside the dark apartment and dropped our coats on the floor. “My only plans are here with you.” He stood frozen, and I shut the door behind him. I hit the wall, looking for the light switch. I found it, and a soft glow illuminated Roe’s somber face. “I wanted some alone time together. To get to know one other again.” I caged him against the wall, bracing my arms on either side of his face. No escaping me this time.
“Oh.”
My heart rate kicked up as I watched his chest rise and fall at a rapidly increasing rate. “You said at your meeting that everyone carries regrets with them. You’ve already heard one of my biggest. What’s yours?” I leaned toward him, sinking into his scent. Our cheeks rasped together, my lips found his temple, and I wondered how I’d managed to live without this in my life. Without him.
“You,” he choked out. “Us, really. Not fighting harder for you.”
