Grandpop clamped his lips, picked up the remote and turned the TV back on, effectively dismissing the conversation and Blake. His way of saying he wanted to be alone and think things out.
“Time for me to go—I have a meeting,” Blake said and stood. “See you again soon, Grandpop.”
Blake’s textarrived when Vi was pulling into the 709.Meeting with Grandpop didn’t go well. Text or call after you see Caroline.
Big help that was. When she signed in, she noted he’d left ten minutes earlier.
She called Gran with a quick, “Surprise! I’m on my way up to see you.” Quickly disconnecting, she headed up the elevator.
“Come in,” Gran called out when she knocked at the door. She was sitting on the couch with the Port Simms Weekly paper and greeted Vi with a touch of irritation. “You’re lucky I was here. What if I’d been out and missed you?” She patted the seat beside her. “Sit.”
“Sorry, Gran. I should’ve called earlier.” Would’ve, if she’d thought the woman wouldn’t try to put her off. She squinted at her. “Have you lost weight?”
“I don’t know. Why, do I look thinner?”
“Yes. Is something wrong with the food here?”
Gran shook her head. “I don’t have much appetite.”
Possible reasons for that skittered through Vi’s mind. Diabetes, maybe cancer, or any number of other illnesses. “I don’t like that, Gran.”
“Whatever you’re worried about, stop. I have plenty of padding. For your information, I had an early lunch today, and I ate very well.” Gran yawned. “What time does Rose get home?”
“Tonight. I don’t know exactly when. I’m sure she’ll be in touch tomorrow. Who’d you have lunch with?” Vi asked, wondering if Malcom felt well enough to sit in the dining room. Gran hadn’t said, and neither had the text from Blake.
“Two of my new friends, Suzanne and Karen. They’re easy to talk to and make me laugh. You’d like them. I’ll introduce you sometime.”
Not a word about Malcom. Hmm…
Gran eyed the box Vi had brought from Melissa Ann’s Bakery. “What’s in there?”
“Two banana cinnamon muffins with chocolate chips. I hope you still have room for one.”
“You know me better than that. Hand over that box. I’ll get plates and napkins for both of us.”
She felt well enough to eat her treat, a good sign. “None for me, Gran. I had a croissant earlier. These are for you.”
Her grandma took a generous bite. “This is so good. Thanks, Vi. You’ve always been a thoughtful girl—er woman.”
Another yawn followed. Come to think of it, she looked tired as well as thinner. Fatigue and the circles under her eyes added years to her. Vi was concerned. “Are you taking anything for the pain, Gran?”
“Don’t need to. I feel pretty good. My bruise is ugly, but it should begin to fade soon. I told you that when you phoned yesterday. Don’t you remember?”
“Of course, but I couldn’t see you then. It’s obvious you’re worn out. What’s keeping you up at night? Are you still traumatized about the car accident?”
Emotions Vi couldn’t read flitted across the weathered face. “The accident has nothing to do with it.” Gran set the muffin aside. “I’m too mad to sleep or eat.”
“Oh?” Vi asked, guessing things were still awry with Malcom. “What’s bothering you?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Glancing away, Gran sniffed and dabbed her eyes with her napkin.
Was she tearing up? Vi had only seen her cry once, shortly after Gramps had passed away years earlier. “Talk to me, Gran.”
Her face still averted, she shook her head. The misery likely had to do with Malcom. It seemed they were still mad at each other. Vi assumed Blake had met with the same headstrong refusal from his grandfather to discuss the problem. Knowing she couldn’t force the issue, she changed the subject. “You have two weeks left to decide about the 709. Are you planning to stay, and if not, where do you want to live? Carmie can help us find a nice apartment for you. But if you’re positive about staying here, will it be in this unit, or are you and Malcom going to share a place?”
At last, her grandma turned toward her. The sorrowful expression on her face made Vi’s chest ache.
“I have no idea what Malcom wants. He certainly hasn’t apologized for lying to me about paying my share of the down payment on the new unit. Honesty is very important to me. I don’t know if I can forgive him for that.” She rested her head in her hands and sniffled loudly.
