“Thank you.”
Theo’s brow furrowed with concern. “Is she okay?”
I nodded as the phone rang. “Sounds minor. They were just letting me know. Her phone is ringing.”
“Hello?” she answered.
“Hi, Grandma. It’s Penelope.”
“Goodness, did they call you?”
“Yes, just now. Janine said you had a dizzy spell.”
“It was a bunch of nothing. I’m all right. They didn’t need to worry you over it.”
“Well, I’m glad they called anyway. How are you feeling?”
“Just fine. It didn’t last long. I felt a bit sick and clammy, then thought I might tumble out of my chair. Don’t worry, I didn’t. Felt a bit faint is all. My doctor says I’m fine. Made some medication adjustments and it shouldn’t happen again.”
“I’m so glad.”
“You’ll be stuck with me a while longer, I’m afraid.”
I laughed a little. “Let’s hope so. Can I come over?”
“What, now? That’s not necessary.”
“I want to anyway. It’ll make me feel better.”
“All right, if you insist. Have you eaten yet? I ate earlier, but it must be about time for you to have dinner.”
“Actually, I was just about to have some spaghetti.”
“Eat first, for goodness’ sake. No reason to rush.”
“Okay, quick dinner and then I’ll be over. Can I bring you anything?”
“Not that I can think of. See you later, Penny.”
“All right. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
With a sigh of relief, I ended the call and set down my phone. “She’s okay. She felt faint and sick, so she called for assistance. Her doctor thinks it was due to a medication change. It’s nothing serious, but I’m going to check on her after dinner to make sure.”
“Really glad she’s okay,” he said.
“Me too.” I glanced at the food on the stove. “Let’s eat.”
Piling pasta and sauce on two plates, we took our food to the table. While we ate, we chatted about school and the football team. That seemed to melt some of the tension. Then the conversation shifted to Morris and the mysterious notes.
The longer we talked, the easier it felt. The gap between us seemed to be closing. When he made a joke and we both laughed—just like usual—I took it as a good sign.
Maybe our friendship wasn’t ruined after all.
After we finished eating, he took our dishes to the kitchen to clean up. I gazed at him for a moment, and the longing I felt so deeply rose to the surface.
I let out a slow breath. I was going to have to learn to live with all those feelings, at least until he was gone.
