by Grady, D. R.
He hated that cliche. And this left him living with Leo, the current owner of one barely working toilet, sink, and decaying shower.
“I’m in a hurry, Louise. I really need to find something.”
If things got bad, he could go live with his parents, but as a grown man, every cell of his being resisted the notion. Ditto on living with his grandparents, who were retired. That meant extra time to devote to running his life. He shuddered.
“I’m aware of your living situation. I’ll look through every single listing and then arrange for us to visit the most suitable.” A slight edge of desperation colored Louise’s tone now.
“Thank you.” He rubbed a hand over his face. His future housing situation loomed with a big fat question mark and it wasn’t nice.
For some reason the image of concerned silvery-blue eyes mollified him. They snuck into his thoughts on a regular basis. Trixi Duvall crept into his brain and ruined his concentration more often than he was comfortable with.
He was a neurosurgeon. They needed the ability to focus.
Still, he smiled a little as he thanked Louise and disconnected the call.
It was a little disconcerting to be homeless though.
Absently, Rylan answered the phone late in the afternoon a couple of days later. “You can pick me up at six o’clock darling,” Chrissy twittered.
Rylan looked at the receiver in his hand in disbelief. “Chrissy, I think you have the wrong number. This is Rylan.”
“I know. You’re who I’m dating.”
“No, I’m not. We broke up on Tuesday. Remember? We were standing in the foyer of your house.” A decision he didn’t regret as he had discreetly poked into the identity of her male guest.
His suspicions were confirmed, as a few people knew about the man. They had continued to be seen together throughout Rylan’s involvement with her.
“You said we weren’t engaged any longer.”
“I said we don’t love one another. Meaning I have no intention of dating you either.” He began to suspect Chrissy truly didn’t understand.
“This is about your daughter, isn’t it?”
“What are you talking about? It has nothing to do with either of my daughters.”
“You have more than one?” she yelped.
“Yes. Trixi has a college roommate without much family, who I informally adopted. Katy is always included in all family functions and calls me Dad.”
“Oh, Katy.” Rylan pictured her waving away his other daughter with casual elegance, as though unimportant. “I was speaking of Trixi. This is because of the house, isn’t it?”
He had no idea what she was getting at, but decided to end it all here and now. “It has to do with the fact I don’t love you and you don’t love me, so there is no reason for a relationship. You need to move on, Chrissy. As I plan to do.”
Not that she needed to move on, since she was entertaining the man who had been at her house, but anyway, he didn’t plan to see her again.
As she sputtered, he said, “Goodbye Chrissy. I have three more calls blinking at me and I need to take them.” Then he disconnected with her and picked up the first one flashing at him.
He forgot her as his mind turned to business.
Chapter 11
“No, Leo. Remember I’m going to supper tonight with Trixi and Dad?” Katy reminded him as they loped toward the door after work on Friday.
“Oh yeah, I forgot.” His glance was quick but assessing. “You know these people?”
It was a legitimate question, if a bit silly. “Of course I know them. I’ve celebrated every holiday with them since college. I’ve lived with them off and on for years.”
“You have a house.”
“Yes, I bought it while I lived with them. Rylan, Trixi’s biological father—and my adopted one—helped me pull it all together, especially settlement.”
Trixi converged on them from a bisecting hallway. “He wanted to help her pay for it too. They had about five fights, but Katy won.”
Leo’s eyebrow rose. “You turned down financial help from your dad?”
“Yes, I didn’t need the money. Another inheritance had kicked in by then, and it was plenty to buy my house outright.” People brushed past them, eager to start the weekend.
“He caught on after Katy finally showed him her bank statement.” A couple passed them, talking animatedly. In the packed lobby the woman tipped into Trixi, who knocked into Katy.
Leo caught them both and waved off their thanks. “That’s how you won the fight?”
“Correct. She had to prove to him she really didn’t need him to help her because she had enough in the bank to cover it.”
“You used your entire inheritance to finance your house?” Leo questioned.
“No. I asked Dad to help me invest the remainder after I bought the house.”
Trixi sighed as she skirted a chair someone left in the middle of the floor. “Her place is a respite for me when mine gets overwhelming.”
“I don’t know how it couldn’t be.”
The doctor Trixi worked with stopped to ask her a question so Leo leaned down to whisper, “You bought a smaller house so you could help Trixi out if needed.”
Since he was close to the truth, Katy tweaked his nose. “Know-it-alls are annoying.”
He laughed and playfully tried to bite her fingers. She snatched them out of reach. Trixi returned to their conversation. “Supper at Gran’s is at six-thirty tonight.”
“I’ll be ready.”
“You’re on our way. Do you want us to pick you up?”
Katy nodded. Riding together sounded nice. It would give her more time with them. “Yes. I’ll be ready.”
“Did Katy tell me you also have a family function tonight?” Trix peeped up at Leo.
He grinned. “We have family functions a lot.”
“Is Mark going with you?”
“I imagine he’ll show up at some point.”
“Don’t you two live together?”
“We do, but he’s got appointments to look at some houses tonight, so I expect he’ll be late.”
“I have appointments all weekend,” Mark intoned as he joined them. “Let’s get out of here before they ask me to look at more brains.”
“Overworked?” Amusement lit Leo’s eyes and tone.
“I know I’m not the only neurosurgeon on staff.” Mark cleared a path to the door. “Let’s leave before I miss my appointments.”
“I thought you already bought a house?” Trixi’s head tilted as she transferred her gaze from Leo to Mark.
“The people took the place off the market.” He sounded glum.
“Now you have to start all over again.” Katy shuddered at the thought of starting that process again. “Yuck.”
They reached the parking lot where Mark and Leo headed toward Leo’s SUV while she and Trixi hurried toward their vehicles.
“We’ll pick you up a little after six.” Trixi’s reminder was helpful.
“I’ll be ready.” She hoped. Sometimes time got away from her.
Trixi laughed. “Yeah, I doubt it.”
Lips twitching, Katy tried to swat her friend, who knew her all too well.
“You’d think after all these years of schooling and playing doctor, you’d have a better sense of time, but I think it’s gotten worse.” Trixi’s giggles were infectious.
“I don’t play doctor. I’m a surgeon,” Katy refuted, since her medical career was the only thing she could.
“Does Leo know how bad you are about time?”
“I don’t know. Should he?”
“Well, you’re probably going to make him late a lot into the discernible future. I imagine he should be made aware of your unfortunate tendency.”
“You can tell him next time you see him.”
Trixi’s tinkling laughter rang after her as she waved and climbed into her car to head home. If she had to be ready by six, she had better move along.
Chances were good she still wouldn’t b
e presentable.
It didn’t take Trixi long after she got home to clean up and climb back in the car with her father. They pulled into Katy’s driveway at six. Katy met them in a robe. While their dad caught the game scores and drank some iced tea he found in Katy’s fridge, Trixi helped her slow friend along.
“You are the world’s most scatterbrained person alive. You do know that, right?”
“Yes.” Katy pursed her lips and glanced around her room for the third time since Trixi had joined her. “I also have no idea where my shirt is.”
“Did you take it out of the closet?”
“Yes, I laid it on the bed before I went in to shower.”
With long familiarity of Katy’s brain, Trixi entered the bathroom and checked the back of the door. Sure enough, a cute top hung there. She took it down and waved the shirt at her friend.
“Oh, yeah, right. I hoped the shower would steam out the wrinkles.”
“Maybe the problem isn’t that you’re scatterbrained, but you’re just too efficient for your own good.” Trixi delivered this whopper with barely a smile.
Katy just rolled her eyes as she took the top. “Very funny. Now go find my shoes, or we’ll never get out of here.”
“At least you do have your skirt on.”
“Yeah, I laid it on the bed, so no problems.” Katy tugged a sweater on over her shirt after checking the weather forecast. Trixi found the cute boots that went well with the outfit. It was chilly, rainy, and blustery so boots were the best defense. Since it was nearly October, Trixi was resigned to fall’s imminent arrival.
After Katy dressed, they hurried back to the car and still made it on time. The clock struck six-thirty on the dot as they entered Gran’s house.
If you could call the estate a house—it was a well-maintained, gorgeous manor.
Miriam and Johnny greeted them. “Gran’s arthritis is acting up,” Trixi said. It wasn’t a question because they all knew the cold, damp weather caused her pain.
“Yes, she’s already sitting at the table.” Johnny hugged her and Katy and shook her father’s hand. He must have caught her chagrin or Katy’s because he shook his head. “We seated her a moment before you arrived.”
He did dart an amused look at Katy who hung her head. “Of course it was me who made us late.”
Miriam laughed. “What did you lose, love?”
“My shirt.” Katy was long used to this gentle teasing; she took it well.
They all hurried into the dining room where they greeted Gran and then took their places. Bernadette, Gran’s housekeeper for as long as Trixi could remember, served the first course. She tousled Trixi and Katy’s hair and kissed Rylan. He was a special favorite of hers.
They were partway through the meal when Gran clarified about Chrissy. “You’ve broken off your relationship with her?”
Rylan nodded. “Yes, we’re done, and thank goodness.” Her dad said this with heartfelt relief and while they all laughed, it was obvious he was grateful to be free.
“Congratulations. I didn’t plan to announce this before, but I feel free to do so now.” Gran set her fork down. “Now that Miriam and Johnny have bought a place nearby and Trixi is in her house, I thought it was time.”
“Time for what, Gran?” Katy picked up her water goblet.
“With everyone settled it’s time for Rylan to become the owner of this house.”
Miriam and Katy both gasped while Trixi gaped at her grandmother.
“Mom, have you thought this through?” Her father met his mother’s eyes.
“Of course I have. You’ve slowly taken on more and more of the financial responsibility of Wintermyer. I’m ready for a change and you belong here.” She took a swallow of tea before she peered around the table at all of them. “It’s time, Rylan.”
Trixi was pleased for her father. It did make sense for him to live here. She shared a quick look with Katy. They were both thinking Nina would look perfect in this setting. She would be a gracious, warm hostess and the manor would glow under her tutelage.
“Wait,” Trixi said suddenly. “Gran where are you planning to live?”
That lady smiled. “I thought I’d move in with you, if you’ll have me.”
Utter joy washed over her so she laughed. “Yes, absolutely. I would love to have you live with me.”
“Hey, what about me?” Katy declared. “Gran, you can come and live with me.”
“I know, love. Believe me, it’s nice to have two wonderful granddaughters and my daughter to choose from. What decided me on Trixi was she has that downstairs suite where her maternal grandmother lived. It’s perfect for me.”
Katy backed down. “Actually, it is.”
“If Trixi throws me out, I’ll come live with you. Or if she has to be away on business or something.”
“That works. But I do want you to come visit me.”
“Never fear, love. You can make me dinner sometimes.”
“I’m holding you to that,” Katy warned, her eyes shining. “I might move back in with Trixi now I know you’re going to be there. The fun you two will get up to is going to be indescribable.”
“I agree,” Miriam exclaimed. “It’s perfect. Of course, Mom, you know you’re welcome to live with us, as well.”
“I know, and again, it’s wonderful you all want me. But I think living with Trixi is the best solution.”
Trixi was so happy she probably glowed as bright as the chandelier. It was perfect to have Gran come live with her. Now she wouldn’t be alone and her Gran was great company. Hopefully the wind was moving the trash can and there was nothing to worry about. She didn’t want anything to thwart Gran’s move.
When they were ready to leave, she hugged her grandmother and whispered, “I’m so happy you’re coming to live with me.”
Gran patted her cheek. “I know, pet. I knew you’d hate to see your father go, and it occurred to me he and I could just swap houses. It suits me well and he needs to be in his ancestral home.”
“Right.” Trixi offered an impish grin.
“Go home now, girl, and get my space ready. I plan to start moving this weekend.”
As soon as they were in the car, Trixi announced Gran’s plans.
“This weekend?” Katy piped up from where she sat beside their dad in the front seat.
Beside Katy, her father was quiet, but he was humming with happy energy. “Dad, are you okay with this?”
“Actually, baby, I am. It does feel right to take over the manse now. Your grandmother’s heart isn’t in it these days.”
Katy winked at her over her shoulder. “And Nina sure would look gorgeous as the lady of Wintermyer.”
“Yes, she would,” her dad agreed with a very satisfied smile.
Trixi leaned forward. “You know, before you can set her up in your new house, you should probably ask her out on a date.”
Katy had discovered Nina and Dr. Calhoun were no longer dating. “You haven’t asked her out on a date yet?”
He sent them both a scowl. “I’ve only been free of Chrissy for three days. I can’t jump right into a relationship with another woman so fast. It’s not done.”
“Maybe, but you’re only feeling relief now. There’s no heartache involved,” Trixi pointed out.
“Right. I think it’s different if you’re mourning the end of a relationship. You’re not. You’re happy.”
“True. I’ll see Nina after the dust settles. I’ve got a big business trip coming up next week.” He glanced at them. “We’re going to be really busy this weekend if I’m moving and so is your Gran.”
Oh yeah, Trixi forgot about the impending moves. “You haven’t packed a thing yet.”
“I’m guessing Gran already has all her stuff ready.” Katy tapped her lips. “You better take me to my place so I can pack a bag and come home with you. You’re going to need all hands on deck.”
Chapter 12
Despite their fears, the moves were uneventful. By Sunday evening, Gran was safely
installed in her new rooms with Trixi while Rylan had taken possession of his ancestral home. It was nice to see her dad in the place.
“Are you happy, Daddy?” she asked him after she helped him load the last of his things that evening.
“I am.” He looked content, even though he faced more unpacking and additional work when he finally tackled the house itself. There was some required updating at Wintermyer.
“Do you think Gran is?” she asked hesitantly.
He smiled. “Yes, she is. I’d feel guilty taking over her house, but I do believe this is what she wants. You two are going to be good for each other.”
Her spine relaxed. “We’re going to have great times together.”
“Come for supper Thursday, ten days from now. I should have things in order by then and be back from the latest business trip.”
“Sounds good, Dad.”
He hugged her and then climbed into his car and drove off. She could tell by his jaunty wave that he was pleased with his life. Trixi should be happy with hers, too...
Lurking somewhere in the darkest corner was a little niggle of doubt, though. Maybe not doubt, just the understanding that something was missing. She had a great family, great home, great friends, and a great job. But a great boyfriend sure would go a long way toward improving her lot.
Her life was fine, really. Gran was here and it was going to be fun.
Oh, Gran.
Trixi hurried back into the house. It didn’t take her long to locate her grandmother in her suite of rooms.
“Ah, Trixi, girl, there you are.”
“I’m here, what can I do to help?”
Gran gestured toward the empty suitcases lining the bed. “Those can go on the highest shelf in the closet.”
Retrieving her step stool from the kitchen, Trixi climbed aboard to stow the cases on the tallest shelf. They were still accessible but would be out of the way.
“You have everything unpacked?” Trixi slid the last one into place.
Gran gestured to the closet. “It’s finished. I still have to put the clothes away on the bed,” and she indicated the chest of drawers near the closet with a casual wave, “and then I’m finished.”