“Why not just mark the bed?” Destiny challenged with a mock eyebrow raise.
“Because they can easily move the beds in another room. You can’t change the walls.” Mike barked in laughter at that. Damn, this woman was feisty. Destiny shared some of the same fire. Life was never dull with these two.
“You got me there.” Destiny chuckled.
“How are you feeling, Grandma Carol?” Mike asked. Calling her that felt foreign on his tongue, but he liked calling her that. He didn’t have much family anymore. Both of his grandparents had passed years ago. His parents had divorced and lived in different states, both having new families and kids. Mike had been an only child between them. Being with Grandma Carol was like having a family again.
Don’t get him wrong, he loved his teammates like family, but it wasn’t the same thing. It was hard to explain. Nothing beat the love of a grandparent. Their easy advice and letting you sneak into the cookie jar before dinner.
“I’m fine. I wish we stopped running to the hospital every time I get an upset stomach.” Carol rolled her eyes and threw her hands up.
Destiny’s features pinched. “Grandma you shouldn’t be getting sick so much. I’m worried about you.”
Carol’s features softened and held out a hand for Destiny to take. She took it without hesitation. “You have enough to worry about without adding me to your burden.”
“You are far from a burden, Grandma.”
Carol gave her a smile that didn’t quiet reach her eyes. “I feel like one. I only planned to be here a couple weeks, get away from the city. Instead I’m in a hospital all the time. I should be home running my company.”
Company?
Carol ran a company? He could see that. The way she spoke to the staff it was like talking to a boardroom full of people. She spoke and expected everyone to listen.
“I didn’t know you ran a company.”
“Run it, own it.” She shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal. “Though over the past few years I’ve been delegating more duties to others. My mind and heart may still be young, but the body is not.” She waved over it with her free hand, a look of disgust on her face.
If she was an owner of a company he could see why sitting idle all day drove her crazy. He didn’t like sitting still for very long either. None of the guys did. That’s why so many of them had hobbies.
“Maybe this is a sign it’s time to retire for good.” Destiny suggested.
Doctors blamed her sickness on fatigue. That her body just couldn’t keep up with the routine anymore. Now that they both suspected foul play, that might not be the case. But it was a good way for someone to cover their tracks and erase suspicion.
“And do what, garden?” Carol made a puckered face like she sucked on a lemon.
“There are other things you can do.”
Carol seemed to ponder it for a moment. “Maybe I’ll join a biker gang. I could be an old lady.” She chuckled at her own joke. Destiny didn’t seem amused.
“No biker gangs for you.”
“You’re no fun. What’s the point of living if you can’tlive?” She hmphed, crossing her arms over her chest. Mike just sat back amused, watching these two bicker. Anyone could see how close their bond was. It was much more than just grandma and granddaughter. They were friends. Confidants. Just like he and Destiny were.
“Let’s get you better before you decide to hit the open road, Grandma.” Destiny shook her head. Her eyes alite with laughter.
Carol’s face was alit with a grin as well, highlighting her wrinkles. This was a woman who had laughed a lot in her life. Her sharp green eyes that reminded him of Destiny landed on him. “I’m sorry, Mike. We’re leaving you out of the conversation. How are you, dear?”
He hadn’t felt left out. Even if he wasn’t part of the conversation, he still felt part of their group.
“I’m good. Staying busy with work.” Had Destiny told her grandma what he did for a living? She didn’t look at him, waiting for him to reveal something. He should have known better than to assume Destiny would say anything. She dealt with secrets for a living. She wouldn’t reveal his.
“Well, I’m glad you can take time out to visit with us and keep Destiny company. I know Destiny does.” She said with a smirk on her face.
“Grandma.” Destiny hissed in a low warning.
“What?” She blinked big owl eyes in innocence.
Mike felt there was something more to the statement but didn’t know what. He enjoyed spending time with both Destiny and Carol. More so with Destiny, but he wouldn’t say that out loud and offend her. “I enjoy spending time with Destiny, too.” She was like a drug. Every time he was with her, he wanted more.
