She covered her face with trembling hands and gave vent to the agony of her loss.
What if she’d messed up? She had been so forgetful lately.
Leon and Charles walked over to discuss the damage in full. She gave them her full attention.
When everyone left, she sat down in the café area with her laptop.
“What in the world...” Stunned, Eleanor stared at her bank account. She had no memory of some of the transactions or the cash withdrawals. Worse, she couldn’t find proof of payments that were made to the insurance company. Eleanor had been told that her policy had lapsed, but as far as she was concerned, they were wrong.
“Why didn’t I make the payments?” she whispered.
Eleanor knew that she’d been a little forgetful, but mostly small things. Thankfully there was no mortgage on the bakery or on her house. However, if her insurance had truly lapsed, how was she going to pay for the repairs on the bakery?
She looked back at the computer monitor. Could someone be stealing from her? Eleanor wasn’t ready to accept that her memory issues were greater than she had assumed.
“Miss Eleanor...”
She glanced up to find Misty standing there. “C’mon in, sugar.”
“Are you okay? Is there anything I can do for you?”
Eleanor checked her watch, then glanced around. “We need to get moving. The lunch crowd will be arriving within the hour.”
Misty eyed her. “I put a sign on the door.”
“Why?”
“The fire... Miss Eleanor, the kitchen is a disaster.”
She looked confused. “It is?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Eleanor stood up and went to the kitchen. “Oh, Lawd, there’s so much damage...” she uttered. Tears sprang into her eyes once more. “Noooo.”
Misty embraced her. “There’s damage but Leon feels like it can easily be repaired. He said it looks worse than it really is—it’s going to be okay.”
Eleanor nodded. “You’re right. I just need to call the insurance company.”
“Josh and I will start cleaning up the debris. Silas said he’d come by when he returned from Charleston.”
“I guess there’s nothing for me to do but go home, but I might need your help, Misty. I need to find the insurance paperwork.”
“Let me finish here and make sure Josh is okay. I’ll be there shortly.”
“Thanks, sugar.” Right now, Eleanor was filled with nothing more than nervous energy.
Polk Island Bakery & Café was her baby—her lifeblood. The thought that it had nearly been destroyed by fire brought tears to her eyes.
CHAPTER TWELVE
MISTY RANG THE doorbell and waited for Eleanor to open the door. Her eyes landed on the large Boston ferns framing the entry. They were a vivid green, luscious and full. Eleanor’s yard was a beautiful landscape of rosebushes in red, pink and white blooms. Misty wished she possessed a green thumb. She didn’t have a gift for taking care of plants or flowers, which was why all the arrangements in her house were artificial.
Eleanor opened the door and released a sigh of relief. “I’m so glad you’re here. I need to find my insurance documents. Maybe you can help me.”
“Sure.” Misty noted how Eleanor was repeating herself. Maybe it was because she was still upset over the fire. That was enough to stress anyone.
She found the insurance cancellation notice amid the stack of paperwork on Eleanor’s desk. Bewildered, Misty knew Eleanor was too responsible to just let the policy lapse for nonpayment. Something was definitely going on with her.
“Did you find anything?” Eleanor asked.
“Just a letter of cancellation.”
The spark of hope in the older woman’s gaze was quickly extinguished. “I’ve really made a mess of things.”
“Miss Eleanor, you don’t need to blame yourself,” Misty said. “It was just an accident.”
Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t understand how I let things get so out of control. I’ve always been good about paying my bills. I’m never late on them.”
“I know that.”
“I really can’t figure out how I missed paying the insurance company, but they’re telling me that’s what happened. I know I’ve been forgetful...”
“Miss Eleanor, I’d like to help with the repairs,” Misty offered. “We were both outside talking and weren’t paying attention to what was going on in the kitchen. I feel just as responsible.”
“Sugar, you don’t have to worry about this. I’ll figure something out.”
“Have you considered seeing a doctor?” Misty asked. “I’ve noticed that you seem a bit more forgetful lately, but it’s not just that. A couple of times you had some confusion at the cash register. I know you’ve had a lot on your mind, so it might just be that, but it won’t hurt to get checked out by a doctor.”
“I’m just getting older,” Eleanor stated. “Just wait and see... It will happen to you eventually.”
“I’m not trying to upset you. You’ve been so good to me and my daughter. I’m just worried about you.”
“There are times when I do feel confused,” Eleanor confessed. “I forget to take my keys out of the door... One time, I even left my car door open after I got out. Someone could’ve stolen it. The more I talk about this... Misty, you might be right. This isn’t me and I’m scared.”
“You don’t have to be afraid, Miss Eleanor. I’m here for you and so is Leon.”
“I don’t want Leon to know anything about this. He doesn’t need to worry about me.” Eleanor paused a moment, then said, “Please don’t tell him about the insurance.”
“Let me help you,” she insisted.
“I can’t take your money, Misty. I have some money saved. This is all my fault, so I’ll have to deal with the fallout.”
“Miss Eleanor,” she pleaded, “when I needed help, you came to my aid. We will keep this between us. No one has to know.”
“You are such a dear. Thank you, Misty, but it’ll be fine. I’ll take care of everything somehow.”
* * *
“IS MY AUNT HERE?” Leon asked the next morning. He left the station and went straight to the shop to check on her. He knew Eleanor was upset. He also wanted to make sure that an insurance claim had been filed. The sooner they received payment, the sooner the bakery and café would be back up and running.
Misty shook her head. “She’s at home. I told her I’d come in and help Josh and Silas with moving some stuff around.”
A timeless moment stretched while she stared at him, absorbing the warmth of his gaze above smooth high cheekbones, appreciating the fullness of his mouth. A pulse of uneasy heat flickered in the pit of her stomach. Misty cleared her throat noisily.
Leon pointed to the mop in the corner. “You need some help?”
Misty snatched in a quick breath to regain her flustered wits.
“Oh, no... We got it covered, Leon. Thank you, but I think it’s best you go check on your aunt. Miss Eleanor tried to hide it, but I could tell she was really shaken by the fire. It took a lot for me to convince her to go home.”
Leon was instantly concerned. “I’ll head over there now.”
“Call me if she needs anything.”
He smiled. “I will.”
Misty stood at the window watching Leon as he strode to his truck. He climbed inside, turned the ignition and drove away.
She found it strange that she already missed him.
* * *
LEON BROKE INTO a grin when Eleanor opened the front door. “I see you finally took some time off.”
“I was actually ordered to stay home by my staff,” she responded. “They told me they would take care of everything. I decided to let them.”
“It was a good call,” Leon said. “I went by there. They have everything
under control. Now all we need to do is let the insurance company do their part. I came by to see if you need any help with filling out the claims paperwork.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that,” Eleanor stated. “Everything’s done.”
The doorbell sounded.
Leon followed Eleanor to the foyer.
She broke into a smile when she opened the door. “Rusty, hello. C’mon in. I guess everybody’s checking on me today. I’m a lucky woman.”
“That’s because we love you,” he said, closing the door behind him.
“Rusty’s right,” Leon interjected. “You’re loved by this community.”
“I feel it and I’m grateful.” Making her way into the living room, she said, “We might as well make ourselves comfortable.”
Leon chose the love seat while Rusty sat down beside Eleanor on the floral-printed sofa.
“How long do you think the shop will have to be closed?”
“I stopped by there before I came here,” Rusty said. “I’d say you’re going to be closed two weeks to a month. Shouldn’t be any longer than that. Josh and Silas can work at my store in the meantime. I doubt Misty will have any interest in building supplies.”
Eleanor smiled. “That’s so sweet of you, Rusty. Josh and Silas will appreciate that. Misty, I think, will be all right.”
“Don’t worry, Auntie. We’re going to have the shop back up and running as quickly as we can. We have the whole community behind us.” Leon rose to his feet. “I need to leave but I’ll give you a call later.”
“Thanks for coming by, son,” Eleanor stated.
She waited until Leon walked out of the house and said, “Rusty, thank you for coming by. I was planning to call you. I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sounds important.”
“Hopefully, it’s nothing.” Eleanor didn’t know quite how to begin, so she opened up with, “We’ve been friends for a long time, Rusty.”
He nodded. “We have.”
“I’ve always been able to count on you. Right now, I need to unburden myself.” Eleanor got up and stood in front of the fireplace.
“What’s wrong, Ladybug?”
“I let my insurance lapse. It was not intentional. I just don’t know what happened. I’ve been forgetting a lot of stuff lately. I’m getting scared because I’m missing important things like locking my car, leaving the keys in the front door and not paying my insurance premium.”
Rusty stood up, walked over and embraced her. “I think that comes with age. I walk into a room, then forget why I went in there the first place.”
“That’s what I thought at first, but now...I think something might be wrong with me.”
“One way to find out for sure,” he responded. “If you want, I’ll go with you to see your doctor. I think you should get a professional opinion.”
Eleanor smiled. “I knew I could count on you. But I need you to keep this just between you and me, Rusty. I don’t want to worry Leon.”
“I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Thank you, Rusty.” Eleanor picked up her phone. “I’d better call the doctor now while it’s on my mind.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
RUSTY DROVE ELEANOR to her doctor’s appointment.
While seated in the waiting area, she confided, “I have to admit that I’m scared. What if I have a tumor on my brain or cancer?”
He reached over and gave her hand a light squeeze. “Don’t be afraid, Ladybug. It’s gonna be alright. I feel it in my spirit.”
She smiled. “You’re just saying that.”
“Is it working?” Rusty teased.
His words had the desired effect. Eleanor chuckled. “You’re right. I have to remain positive.”
“That’s my girl.”
“Thank you so much for coming with me.”
Eleanor was called to the back where the examination rooms were located while Rusty stayed in the waiting room.
After seeing the doctor, she walked out and said, “Dr. Brown wants me to have an MRI done. They took some blood work. He mentioned Alzheimer’s disease.” Eleanor glanced at Rusty. “What if he’s right and I have that disease? What will happen to the café? Or to me if I lose my memory?”
“Whoa... Let’s not worry until we have a reason to do so, Ladybug.”
She couldn’t stop herself from pondering aloud, “But what if that’s what is wrong with me, Rusty?”
“You won’t be alone. I’ll be here to take care of you, and you have your family.”
“I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You won’t be—none of us would ever consider you a burden.”
Eleanor met his gaze. “There’s something I want to know. Why didn’t you ever get married?”
“Because the only woman I ever loved chose someone else to spend her life with.”
“You’re talking about me,” Eleanor said with complete clarity.
“I am,” he confirmed. “You have owned my heart since I saw you walk into the classroom when we were in first grade in the red-and-black polka-dot dress. You reminded me of a ladybug.”
“Rusty, you never said anything in all these years. Why are you telling me now?”
“This is the first time I ever thought you’d take me seriously.” He took her hand in his own. “Eleanor, I love you and I want to marry you.”
She gasped in surprise.
“We’ve known each other a long time. We have no idea what the future holds, but we can face it together.”
“I used to have the biggest crush on you, Rusty, but I never thought you were interested.”
“I didn’t think I was good enough for you,” he confessed. “You’re a Rothchild. I don’t feel that way anymore. I need to know how you feel about me.”
Eleanor placed a hand to his face. “I’ve always cared for you—you know that. You’re a very dear friend and if I were to marry again, you would be the man I’d choose.”
“So, you’re turning down my proposal?”
“No, I’m not. I’d just like to take some time to think about it,” Eleanor responded. “Until this moment, I honestly never considered marrying anyone. To be honest, I thought that part of my life was over.”
“I’m tired of being alone. Aren’t you?” Rusty asked. “I want to share whatever life I have left with the only woman I’ve ever loved.”
She nodded. “I get lonely.”
“Then consider spending the rest of your life with me as my wife, my best friend and my ladybug.”
“I will,” Eleanor said. “I’m going to give it a lot of serious thought.”
“I hope you do,” Rusty responded. “Because I want you to marry me.”
* * *
MISTY HELPED TALEI out of the vehicle. She stood there surveying the charming one-level brick house. They had come to Atlanta for a visit with Waverly Taylor, the grandmother she hadn’t seen in years. A wave of apprehension washed over her, but she pushed through it. She had come too far. There was no turning back now.
Talei grabbed her hand. “Mommy, I scared.”
“Sweetie, there’s no reason to be afraid,” Misty assured her. “We’re just visiting my grandmother.”
“Ganmother.”
“That’s right.” Misty rang the doorbell.
She swallowed her nervousness as she waited for someone to answer the door. She took Talei’s hand with her right. In her left, Misty carried a box.
Her grandmother suddenly appeared in the doorway. Misty’s gaze swept over the woman’s sturdy frame, her hair a stunning platinum-gray color and pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck. Her beautiful cocoa-tinted complexion bore few wrinkles—it was as if time had stood still for Waverly Taylor. She looked just as Misty remembered.
“Oh, my goodness, I’m so happy to
see y’all.” Waverly glimpsed Talei and exclaimed, “Look at this little angel right here. She’s downright gorgeous, Misty.”
She ushered them inside.
The inside looked nothing like Misty remembered. The main living area boasted high ceilings with a skylight. A crystal chandelier in the living room doubled as a fan.
“Grandmother, the house is beautiful.”
“Thank you. Mike had it completely renovated last year for my birthday. He put this luxury tile in the kitchen. I got granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and all new carpet in the bedrooms.”
“That was really nice of him.” Misty swallowed the sour taste of bitterness that threatened to rise up. She remembered the huge argument her parents had when her mother wanted a new washing machine. Misty reminded herself that he was supposed to be a different man now. And Waverly was his mother and not his wife.
“How was the drive?”
“Not too bad,” Misty responded. “Talei slept most of the trip.”
“I’m so glad you decided to come. I really wanted to see you and the baby.” Waverly paused a moment, then said, “I have to confess that I told your daddy about our phone conversation.”
Misty shrugged in nonchalance. “It’s fine, Grandmother. I don’t care if he knows.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that. I don’t want no secrets. I just want my family to come together. I don’t know how many more days I have on this earth—we’re blood, and we need to start acting like it.”
She led them to the family room at the back of the house. Waverly eased down in an olive-green recliner while Misty and Talei sat down on a matching sofa.
“I’m not ready for a conversation with Mike. I hope you’ll respect my decision.”
Waverly nodded. “I hope one day you’ll change your mind about that.”
Misty didn’t respond.
Waverly didn’t push her. “How is your mother doing, Misty?”
“She’s good. Mama’s always on the go—she travels, volunteers...anything to keep busy.”
“Good for her,” Waverly said. “Does she still sew? She used to make the most beautiful blankets and quilts.”
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 57