“The night Tony killed himself, he had called Jase, and Jase ignored the call. Jase found Tony the next day.” She glanced at Denise, who averted her gaze.
“Well now I wish I had given him a hug,” Gran said. “He must feel so guilty.”
“He does. This year was really bad.”
“Why?” Denise asked.
“He forgot. Because of me.”
“What the fuck?”
“Denise. Language,” Gran admonished. “Why does he blame you, dear?”
“He doesn’t really blame me. He’s happy. Because of me. But that makes him feel even more guilty.”
“What happened last night?” Denise asked.
She rubbed Polly’s ear, who licked the inside of Bree’s upper arm. “Quit licking.” She pushed Polly’s muzzle down and wiped her arm against her shirt. “I went by his house after talking to Ms. Carol.”
“Who’s Ms. Carol?” Gran asked.
“Tony’s mom. She’s also Jase’s receptionist.”
Gran nodded.
“I went by his house, and he was drunk. Said I wouldn’t understand what he was going through and told me to leave.”
“What did you do?” Denise asked.
Bree gave her a baleful stare. “I lost my shit. Then I came here.” Gran let that one go.
Denise assessed her. “How’re you really doing?”
“I’m raw.” Bree shrugged. “More emotional than I like to be.”
Gran rose from her chair and sat on the other side of Polly. Bree put her feet on the ground and Gran leaned in as close as she could, clasping Bree’s hands between hers. She stared at their hands before looking at Bree. “You remind me so much of your grandfather. When he came back from the war, he was different. Back then it was calledshell-shocked. He’d retreat to his office for days, working on ideas. I worried for years. In much the same way, I worry about you.”
Bree dropped her head on her Gran’s shoulder, tears welling up in her eyes again. Polly licked at the underside of her chin. Gran’s simple, unfailing love washed over her. “You don’t need to worry about me, Gran.”
Grans cool hand, smelling faintly of her citrus lotion, rested on Bree’s cheek. “I will always worry about you, my darling girl. No matter what.” She kissed her forehead and rose from the couch. “Just promise me you’re talking to someone.” She looked between Bree and Denise.
“I am. I promise.”
“Denise?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She nodded. “I’m going to Bingo. They’re giving away an e-reader tonight. Are you girls staying for dinner?”
“I’m going over to Sarah’s,” Denise said.
Bree tilted her head back. “I’m going home.”
“Alright. Make time next week to come for dinner. Bring Sarah and the kids.” Gran leaned down and kissed Denise on the cheek. A few, short steps took her to Bree, and she repeated the gesture. “I love you girls. Lock up behind you.”
“Love you too, Gran,” Bree said. She and Denise stared at each other for a few beats.
“The truth?” Denise asked after Gran had closed the door behind her.
