My grandpa rarely puts me in my place, but he just did. I almost feelas if I was scolded. If there’s one thing I know is true, it’s my grandpa’s judgment.
Well, if I thought I was confused about Weston before, it’s now about a hundred times worse. There’s a part of me that wants to punch him, but I also want to hug him for keeping my grandpa company. I’ve always worried about him being alone out here, and knowing he has Weston to keep him company brings me a sense of peace and comfort. It makes me wonder why he’s visited with him all these years.
“Alright, well, fill me in. What are you guys up to when you’re hanging out weekly? I ask, still feeling a bit shell-shocked that they spend time together. “Did I ever tell you that your grandpa is the biggest cheater at Rummy I’ve ever met?” Rummy. They play rummy together. My heart swells at the thought of him sitting here week after week.
“Son, just because you can’t beat me doesn't make me a cheater. You calling me a cheater makes you a sore loser.” He points to him, and it’s hard to miss the mischief shining in his eyes. It’s cute, really. He turns back to me. “To answer your question, I kick his butt at cards, and then he mows my lawn.”
Weston snorts. “Oh, so you magically come up with the winning card every single time, huh?” He grabs a chair and takes a seat; he’s clearly just as comfortable here as I am. My grandpa spreads his arms wide. “What can I say, I’m a master of rummy and the cards love me.”
Listening to them bicker has me smiling. It’s cute. I look over at West, and he’s sporting a matching smile. His eyes are kind, and there’s a contentness behind them, like being here, the three of us, brings him the same joy it does me. I hate to take Wes’ side, but I happen to know my grandpa is the biggest cheat when it comes to card games and board games. He wouldn’t ever let me win a damn game of Monopoly.
“How about this? Why don’t we play a game of rummy right now? We’ll have Willow do the dealing so we can make sure you don’t cheat, and if you don’t win this time, we both know why.” Weston cocks his head and smiles so damn big. He knows he has my grandpa there.
“If it’ll shut the two of you up about me being a cheater, I’ll do it. But I don’t want to hear any whining when I whip both of you.” He swings his pointer finger at each of us.
Wes and I share a knowing look, and now we’re officially on the same team, take down Grandpa at whatever means necessary.
Three hands, and one brooding grandpa later, we have proof that Gramps is a cheater.
“So, old man, you have any words for yourself?” West says as he gathers the cards.
“The luck just wasn’t in the cards for me today. What can I say?”
West and I look at each other, eyebrows raised. The second our eyes meet, we burst into laughter.
I look at the clock hanging on the wall; I should probably get back. I need to get a few groceries from town and pick up some dinner from the diner. “Well, this has been great. I need to head back.” I gather my purse off the counter.
“I should get started on the lawn. You want me to edge today or wait until next week?”
“I think it can wait until next week, son. I don’t want you running late,” Grandpa says as he gets up from the table, gathering our coffee cups, and walking them to the sink.
“Sounds good, I can walk you out, Willow.” Nerves enter my system like a swarm of butterflies. “Okay, sounds good.” I walk over to Grandpa and open my arms for a hug. He wraps me in his warm embrace, and I take a deep breath, immediately feeling calmer. “Thanks for this afternoon. I had a great time.”“I’m here anytime you need, Lo.” He kisses the top of my head as he gives me one last loving squeeze.
“Okay, see you later.” I look up toward West, who walks over to the door and opens it up for me.
We walk out of the front steps side by side.
“Hey, so I wanted to say sorry. I hope you didn’t feel bombarded.” He walks forward just enough to get in front of me.
"No, actually, this was a really pleasant surprise. I appreciate you looking after him all these years."
“He looks over me just as much as I do him. He’s one of the best guys I know. I’ve learned a lot from him. I was in a bad place for a while, and I don’t think I would have made it through without him.”
“He’s saved me more times than I can count.” I nod, smiling at the thought.
“Yeah, well, I wanted to make sure we were okay.”
“We’re good, I’ll see you tomorrow.”We’re good. Maybe even friends. Something that didn’t seem possible before, but it’s getting harder to find reasons why I shouldn’t allow him a spot at that table.
Chapter 17
Willow
It’s been two weeks since the contractors started, and they’ve made quick work of demolition. There’s been a few hiccups. Like all the wiring is shot, but I anticipated that, so they’ve arranged for an electrician to come out and make sure everything’s up to code.
I’ve spent the last couple of weeks trying to find the best booking system that can integrate with other websites to make it as seamless as possible for them. Really, they need a property manager, but when I swung that idea by Weston, he shot it down. Just another problem for me to fix, but I love it. Having to do all the digging and research and scouring the internet to see reviews and get real-life experiences with problem-solving.
My phone starts vibrating on Weston’s desk, and I see the contractor calling. Every time he calls, it's bad news. Something isn’t quite right; more wood is rotten, the list goes on and on. While it’s not my money being forked out, it is the money of people I care about. I don’t want to see them go over budget. Poor Weston gets the nervous jitters anytime I bring up the budget or the cost of things.
