"I don't think so." She was still annoyed after the past four hours of silence.
"Kaia, please. I need to talk to you. I promise to tell you everything."
She debated for a moment, seeing what appeared to be sincerity in his eyes, then said, "Get in."
He went around to the passenger side and got into his seat. "I'm sorry that I didn't call you. I didn't realize what time it was."
"Well, I'm sure Wren was distracting," she said coldly, because that was the only way she was holding it together.
"Wren left shortly after you did."
She was surprised to hear that, but the news didn't make her feel better because he could have talked to her hours ago. With her emotions swirling around in complete and utter turmoil, she knew only one thing for sure.
"I can't do this right now," she said. "We need to pick up Walter in the next ten minutes, and this trip is about him and Reina. It's not about us, and I don't want their reunion tarnished." She stopped at the first light. "Maybe you should get out here and go home. We can talk later."
"No. I'm going with you. I'm in this. I want to see what happens," he said firmly.
"You weren't even sure this should happen."
"I've changed my mind. And after hearing Reina sing about love and possibilities, I feel like their love story needs to be resolved. So for now, we'll focus on that."
She shot him a quick look, not wanting to agree with him because she was still upset that he'd left her hanging with no explanation of what was going on. But she'd already said she didn't want to start that conversation, so she just looked at the road in front of her and drove.
When they arrived at Walter's apartment, he looked as good as she'd ever seen him. There was a sparkle in his eyes and an energy to his movements that had been lacking before they'd found the red door, the love song, and now Reina. He wore slacks and a button-down shirt, his hair neatly combed.
"I'm ready. I just need to get my hat and use the bathroom," he said as he moved down the hall to his bedroom.
"He's excited," Jax commented.
"I hope this is going to turn out good. The last thing I want to do is crush him."
"Whatever happens isn't on you."
Before she could tell him she would feel responsible no matter what, the door opened, and Catherine walked in.
"Hello," Kaia said tentatively.
Catherine gave her a concerned look, but she didn't appear to be angry or ready to fight about what was happening. "I understand you're taking my grandfather to meet the woman he used to know."
"Yes," she said. "We found Reina's niece, who helped set up the meeting. It's in the old Coronado Hotel on the island."
"I haven't seen him this happy since he got here, and to be honest, even years before. It's like he's a new person, the man he used to be. He's been taking his medication, checking his blood sugar all the time, telling me he needs to stay in shape so nothing can stop him from seeing her again." Catherine gave her an apologetic look. "I was wrong to tell you to butt out. Clearly, you've made a huge difference. I'm just worried about what happens next."
"Me, too."
"None of you has to worry," Walter said, interrupting their conversation. His sharper-than-usual gaze swept across the three of them. "I appreciate you all for setting this up, and I'm thankful to you, Catherine, for caring enough to take me in. Whatever happens is between me and Reina. If all she wants is a conversation, I'm good with that. I just want to see her again. Just one more time."
Even though he was saying all the right things, she wondered if it would really be that easy for him to talk to Reina and then say goodbye again, this time forever.
"Let's go," Walter said. "We don't want to be late."
"Good luck, Grandpa," Catherine said. "I can't wait to hear about it."
They ushered Walter down the stairs and out to the car. Jax offered him the front passenger seat, while he took the back, which made it easier for her to focus on Walter and not on Jax.
The drive to San Diego's Coronado Island was quick since it was afternoon and the day after the Fourth of July. A lot of people were probably still off work. Along the way, Walter was happy to talk about Reina, the Starlight Lounge, and his days being stationed at Camp Pendleton, giving them an even deeper look at his relationship with the stunning singer who had stolen his heart with her angelic voice.
When they got closer to Coronado, Walter grew more anxious, and as they entered the majestic hotel and made their way to a patio overlooking the ocean, his steps slowed. His gaze swept the tables on the patio, and then his breath caught.
