“Grandma—”
“No,” she says, not letting me brush it off. “You are. You’re looking at that store with new eyes, trying new things. You’re building something.”
Her hand settles over mine. “And I get to be here for it,” she adds. “At this point in my life. I get to watch you become who you’re meant to be.”
My throat tightens.
“Thank you for that,” she finishes quietly.
I swallow, nodding once because it’s all I can manage. My phone buzzes again in my hand. This time, I don’t hesitate before looking down.
Ty:
Is it weird that I’m already looking forward to the next time I see you?
I start to answer but the three dots appear, so I wait.
Ty:
You know, I’m free tomorrow. I know you like to protect your Mondays for your day off, but maybe we could do something together?
Are we talking early morning or a lady-like afternoon start?
Ty:
I can go either way, but a lady-like afternoon start is my preference.
I think I stop myself just shy of an actual swoon. A girl could get used to this.
I must take too long to answer on Ty-time, so he comes in with the big guns.
Ty:
You know, I have an idea. It involves ice…
Yes, this all sounds good. Let me know what time I shouldmeet you.
Ty:
I’m picking you up. It’s a date.
Okay, then let me know what time to be ready. I can’t wait.
Ty:
Same here. I’ll text you in the morning.
Sweet dreams, Vivian.
I read it again, thumb hovering over the screen like I need to make sure it says the same thing twice. It does, and I can’t help but laugh at how silly I feel when I observe myself.
Across the room, my grandmother lets out another cough, rustling through her bag like nothing in the world could slow her down.
Life keeps moving.
People leave.
People stay.
