“Good!” he said, nodding decisively. “Kick Sir Whatshisname like he kicked you. Besides, the MLS could use you here too. Not just Messi.”
“What about you, Walter?” Rio asked.
“I could use having him around. And seems that you could, too.”
Rio blushed and I gave Walter an acknowledging smile.
“You need help paying their fine?” he asked.
I laughed. “No, Grandpa.” As an IRS auditor, he’d probably lose sleep if he knew how much I made per season.
“Good. Because I can’t help you.”
“Walter!” Rio laughed, squeezing his hand, probably relieved that the topic changed.
We hadn’t managed more than a few words when someone entered the room. I only noticed because Walter’s posture shifted—he pushed himself upright, eyes widening. I turned to look.
An elderly woman stood at the foot of the bed, holding a bouquet of flowers. “Hello, Walter. Glad to see you’re still alive.”
“Not disappointed?” he asked.
Rio and I exchanged a glance, heads swiveling between them.
“I said ‘glad’. Why do you always have to be difficult?” She extended the flowers. “Here. These are for you. I hope you’re not one of those allergic types.” Her tone implied Rio wasn’t the only contender for outcranking Walter.
“I’m not,” he replied. Then, turning to Rio: “Can you take these?”
“Sure,” Rio said, taking the bouquet. “I’m Rio. And you’re Clarice, right?”
The woman smiled. “Yes. Did Walter mention me?”
“No,” Walter said at the same time Rio replied—louder—“Yes, he did.”
Clarice eyed the Scrabble board on the side table. “I see you brought the board.”
“We’ll go look for a vase,” Rio said quickly, grabbing my hand and tugging me out.
Once outside, she mumbled, “You Wheaton boys are hard nuts to crack.”
I gave her fingers a squeeze, then gently turned her toward me and kissed her. “Takes a strong woman.”
“Clarice seems to have it in her.”
“You can give her a few tips.”
After getting the nurse’s permission, we returned to place the vase on the bedside table. Clarice and Walter stopped talking the moment we stepped in.
“We’ll come back tomorrow,” Rio said. “Doctor said they’ll release you if you’re good tonight. So be good.” She shook Clarice’s hand. “Nice meeting you.”
“I’m Owen,” I added, offering my hand. “His grandson.”
“I know. He talks about you all the time,” Clarice said. “Always sending us articles.”
“Does he?” I shot Walter a grin. “Good to know. Now that I’m here full-time, let’s see if he regrets it.”
“I already do,” Walter muttered.
Outside, I opened the car door for Rio.
