“That’s why I started to call you. I’m heading to the 709 this afternoon. If you’re free, we should meet there and strategize how to get our grandparents unstuck. Then at the very least, they might agree to be friends. They don’t seem able to fix their problems by themselves.”
Nothing about wanting to see him again in a more personal sense. It bothered him that she didn’t respond to his comment. When he saw her, they’d talk about that first and then the grandparents. “You know how well strategizing worked last time, but it’s worth another try. I can’t reach Grandpop on the phone and haven’t spoken to him since last weekend. Time for another surprise visit. Why don’t we meet outside near the entrance.”
CHAPTER 21
Vi didn’t see Blake’s car when she arrived at the 709, but with the lot nearly full—why was that?—he could already be there. The day had warmed considerably, enough that she’d left her jacket behind and changed into a springtime outfit. Wearing a sun hat and shades, she headed for their agreed meeting place outside the entrance. On a day like this, she was happy simply to be outdoors.
That and seeing Blake. Helping the grandparents, too, of course. Carmie’s words about building self-confidence stuck with her. She straightened her back in a pose that radiated confidence and silently reminded herself that she was a warm person with a bright spirit. Beautiful too, even if she wasn’t.
He was waiting for her this time in jeans and a teal-color, short-sleeve shirt similar to the one last night. In Aviator sunglasses, he could easily pass as a celebrity under cover, especially with his shaggy hair. Her heart lifted and she let out an admiring sigh. She couldn’t help but remember the feel of his arms around her and his lips on hers.
As she drew closer to him, he flashed the genuine smile that filled her with both joy and fear. Being warm with a bright spirit didn’t mean she wasn’t afraid of her feelings.
“You look like spring incarnate in that dress,” he said.
So sweet. “Thanks. It’s that kind of day.”
“Let’s walk and talk.”
“For another strategy session, right? Other than a quick glance around, I haven’t explored the grounds,” she said as they started along the cement pathway in the back. “Any idea why the parking lot is so full?”
“My guess is, it’s a mixture of the weather and people wanting to visit friends and family who live here.”
That made sense. Adults and kids walking the opposite direction nodded and smiled as they crossed paths. Vi loved that. “Everyone is friendly and the landscaping is so beautiful. Even the artificial lake and fountain. And look at the flowers! I had no idea there were so many here. Another reason why Gran likes this place so much. There are the tennis courts she and Malcom mentioned. This feels like a park with outdoor activities. So, what’s our goal with the grandparents?”
“We’ll get to that after we talk about last night.”
“I thought we already did. We both enjoyed it. What else is there to say?”
Due to his shades, she couldn’t see his eyes. He wasn’t smiling. “Do you want to see me again?”
“Isn’t that what we’re doing now?”
He made a sound of disgust. “This avoidance thing you have is getting old. Every time I mention you and me—us—you either ignore me or change the subject. What’s with that?”
Caught off-guard, she frowned. “Nothing, because I don’t do it.”
“You just did. I asked if you want to see me again and your answer is we’re seeing each other now when you know I mean in the future. Going out together, talking and getting to know more about each other, either with friends or alone like last night. Do you want that or not?”
Talk about an ambush. She flipped her sunglasses up and eyed him. “You bring that up here, around a bunch of people? For all you know, someone who recognizes us could tell Malcom or Gran. I don’t want them knowing anything about us together.”
“Gossip doesn’t bother me. You won’t talk about us when we’re alone, so why not here? I can’t read your mind, Vi. Let me in.”
He sounded like Carmie and Rose, darn him. “I thought I did on the patio last night.”
“We fooled around some, but I want to know what you’re thinking.”
“I, um…” Unsure what to say, she went silent.
She wanted him to let her off the hook, but he grasped her arm and steered her to an empty bench under a flowering tree. “You can’t weasel out this time. Talk to me and no tricks.”
By the set of his jaw, he meant business. “All right. Yes, I want to see more of you, and yes, I want to continue where we left off last night.” Which was the truth. She wasn’t about to share her fear that she’d end up broken-hearted, didn’t want him to know she was half in love with him. “But I don’t want to rush into having sex,” she added, remembering another piece of wisdom from Carmie to slow down.
“Which is why we—I—stopped last night,” he said.
“And a good thing. I got a little carried away.”
“An easy thing to do when were alone together.”
