"And I think he's starting to feel the same way."
Her grandmother stared at her steadily until she looked away.
"What are you going to do about this mess? Because believe me baby girl, it's a mess. That man is a multi-billionaire. I've watched the news and I read the papers. His family is an old one, with hotels and apartments all over the world. We're not just talking about a simple guy here. And when he finds out..."
"I know!" She surged from her seat and went to close the door. "I know. I wanted to tell him tonight, but the thought of him despising me is more than I can bear." She spun around and went to the window. "Is it wrong for me to want more? I've been struggling all my life, and I just wanted to see what it feels like to be someone."
"You are someone. And I ask you kindly not to take that tone with me."
Melanie collapsed against the faded wallpaper and closed her eyes.
"I'm sorry grams. I know you must be so disappointed in me."
"Stop that nonsense." Her grandmother held up an imperious hand. "I am anything but disappointed. I'm proud of you. You discovered you were pregnant by that worthless piece of trash, while grieving for your parents and you stood up and did the right thing. You brought that boy up well, while dealing with an impossible work situation." She held out a hand and waited until Melanie came forward to take it.
Going on her knees, Melanie bent her head to her grandmother's knees the way she had when she was a little girl.
"I just need to see him again grams. I know what I'm doing is wrong, deceiving him like this, but for now, I cannot stop. I don't expect you to understand."
"Why?" the old woman demanded. "Because I'm not young anymore?" Putting aside the basket, she lifted Melanie's face. "I understand about love and how strong the pull can be. You're playing a dangerous game, one which has no happy ending."
"He wants to take me to Paris."
"Oh, honey." Bending her head, she brushed her lips against the damp cheeks and wished fervently that she had not outlived her son and daughter-in-law. Surely they would know the right thing to say at a time like this.
"When?"
"I just need to say the word."
"And I'll keep David for you." She rubbed the moisture off Melanie's face. "I hope you know what you're doing."
*****
"Mom! Are you listening to me?"
Shaking her head, she gathered her thoughts and focused on her son.
"You told me you had to write a science project, and you need to do some research." She was preparing for tomorrow with little enthusiasm. The idea of going back to that place where she had had so many miserable hours was depressing her. And she was feeling guilty about the time she was spending away from her son.
And she was trying to make up for it.
She was in her room, trying to figure out what to wear for work and wishing she could just call in sick or take the damn day off.
"Mom."
Picking up a thin green sweater and black dress pants, she turned to face him.
"Yes?"
"Are you sad?" His belligerent expression had changed to one of concern.
"Why would you ask that?"
Mindful that she did not tolerate anyone sitting on the bed she had so scrupulously tidied, he took the chair by the window.
"It's just that you look like you're about to cry. Is it about that guy you're seeing?"
His bluntness almost had her bobbling the outfit in her hands. Putting them down carefully on the sofa, she came and sat next to him.
