Speak to My Heart

by Rebecca Talley

  The therapist looked at her with a confused expression and Gramps chuckled.

  “Wait, what?” Her face felt like it caught on fire. “Did I say attractive?” She did her hyena laugh again. “I didn’t mean that. At all. I assure you.” She cleared her throat. “I meant to say, sounds perfect. Yes, perfect is what I meant. About that plan. Your plan to, uh, help Gramps sounds perfect.” Wow. Hit me over the head. How could I have said attractive? And perfect isn’t much better. I sound like a babbling idiot.

  Mr. Stafford focused back on Gramps, who wore a grin like that silly Cheshire Cat, and Hailey wished she could evaporate. “I’d also like to set a time to come to your home and evaluate your surroundings so I can create a therapy plan that will be most effective for you.”

  Hailey nodded, then swallowed. Did he say he’d be coming to the house? Like as in where I’m staying? Therapists do that?

  He turned to Hailey. “It will be most important that he practice the exercises at home. What we do here won’t be nearly as effective unless he’s practicing at home.” He glanced at Gramps, then inclined his head toward Hailey. “You’ll need to make her practice with you.”

  Trying not to be overwhelmed with the daunting task ahead, she said, “Okay. I’ll do my best.”

  Peter studied her. “Don’t worry. I’ll give you detailed instructions and show you exactly what you need to do. Together we’ll help him regain his verbal communication skills.”

  Hailey drew in a quick breath. “I’m here to help with whatever he needs.”

  The therapist looked at her, making her nerves misfire. “He’s lucky to have you.”

  “Thanks.” She wanted to explain that she was actually an intelligent woman with a successful career, but worried she’d trip all over her words again and prove herself to be nothing more than a bumbling ditz.

  After some questions and a few speech exercises, Mr. Stafford finished his evaluation. “I’ll work on a treatment plan for you, Mr. Baker.”

  Gramps nodded and gave him a lopsided smile.

  “Thank you,” Hailey said, sending him mental commands to forget what she’d said.

  “I’ll see you soon.” Mr. Stafford opened the door and left, his cologne trailing behind him.

  ***

  Peter sat in his office logging notes about his last patient, Harry Baker. He paused when thoughts of Mr. Baker’s granddaughter suddenly filled his mind. Sounds attractive. That’s what she’d said. He smiled as he replayed it in his mind. Did she think he was attractive? That seemed to be the most logical explanation. Then again, maybe she was thinking about someone else or maybe it was merely a slip of the tongue, as she’d explained. He leaned back in his chair and glanced out the window.

  From the moment he shook her hand, it took an unusual amount of energy to focus on the appointment and on Mr. Baker. Sure, she was beautiful with her long brown hair, trim waist, and smooth skin. But her eyes grabbed at him. What color were they? Blue. But what kind of blue? Almost like the color of the ocean when a wave is about to break and the sun hits it just right.

  “Excuse me,” a high-pitched voice jolted him out of his thoughts.

  Peter turned. “Yes, Joyce?”

  “You were pretty deep in thought. Care to share?” she said with a nauseating smirk.

  “Thinking about my last patient, that’s all,” he said. Joyce was about ten years older and divorced—four times—and made it no secret she was interested in him. He’d used the excuse that office romances were inappropriate, but the truth was she was a little scary with her fiery red hair and matching temperament. He was more than happy to keep his distance.

  “Maybe you were thinking about a moonlit cruise around the bay. With me.” She gave him a come-hither look.

  He ignored her attempt to flirt and asked, “What did you need?”

  Joyce handed him a file. “Here’s the info you requested on Mrs. Johnson. The hospital sent it over.”

  Peter opened the folder and glanced over the paperwork. “Thanks, Joyce. I appreciate it.”

  “How much?” She leaned against the wall and subtly eyed him up and down.

  Peter shook his head. Joyce was nothing, if not persistent. But he still had zero interest. Ze-ro.

  Joyce gave him a wink and walked away.

  Peter looked down at his notes on Mr. Baker, which sent his thoughts back to the granddaughter. Hailey, she said her name was. He chuckled at the way she seemed to be so nervous. Was that because of him? And what was it about her that drew him in? On the one hand, he didn’t want her to distract him from her grandfather, but on the other, he hoped he would see her again.

  His phone vibrated so he pulled it out.

  Don’t forget about our lunch date tomorrow. I have the afternoon off and Benji is super excited.

  Looking forward to it. He texted back.

  ***

  As they left the therapist’s office, Hailey motioned Gran over from a waiting area.

  “How was the appointment?” she asked as she approached them.

  “Everything went well.” Except for when I laughed like a hyena, couldn’t say anything intelligent, and then blurted out the word attractive. Who does that?

  “It did?” Gran seemed surprised.

  “Yeah. The therapist seems nice.” Her cheeks were still warm. “And Gramps did great.”

  Gramps elbowed Hailey, but she paid no attention to him.

  Gran looked at Gramps, then at Hailey. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing,” Hailey said, blinking a few times.

  “Harry?” Gran said.

  They both looked at him. He wore a wide grin.

  “Gramps really liked the therapist, that’s all.” She threw him a glare. “How about we get some ice cream?”

  Gramps nodded and Gran said, “Can you drop me off at the grocery store? I need to get a few things.”

  “Sure. Gramps and I will eat ice cream while you shop.” Sounded like a fair trade.

  After they dropped off Gran, Hailey drove Gramps to the ice cream parlor that was in the same strip mall as the grocery store.

  She helped Gramps inside the cheery shop that exuded the scent of thousands of delectable calories and sat him at a small white table.

  “Hello, Harry. Your usual?” said an older woman with bleach-blonde hair and a diamond stud in her nose.

  Gramps smiled at her, then winked.

  “He’s one of my regulars. Always a flirt that Harry.” The lady gazed at Hailey. “You are?”

  “His granddaughter, Hailey. I came to help because he had a stroke.”

  “Nice to meet you. I heard about the stroke, but I’m sure with his spunk he’ll be fine.” She handed Hailey a sugar cone topped with pink ice cream. “Peppermint for my best customer.”

  Hailey took the cone to Gramps.

  “Can I get something for you?”

  Hailey glanced over the menu. “I’d like a scoop of Cookies and Cream, please.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Hailey glanced around the room decorated in blue and white striped wallpaper and white lace curtains. “This reminds me of when I was a little girl.”

  “My parents started the shop years and years ago,” the woman said. “They’ve both passed now. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my customers, especially my regulars like Harry. Where’s June today?”

  “She’s at the grocery store.”

  “June was born to bake. Brought me a delicious angel food cake dripping with strawberry sauce when I had surgery on my foot.”

  “Gran loves to share her strawberry cake.” Hailey laughed.

  “I’m glad they have you to help them out.”

  Hailey sat at the table and let the cold, creamy mixture slide across her tongue. “Nothing better than Cookies and Cream,” she said.

  Gramps nodded.

  Hailey pointed at him. “You and me, we need to get something straight.”

  Gramps peered at her with raised eyebrows.

&nbs
p; “I will admit that your therapist is handsome. Maybe even attractive.” Gramps let out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah. I literally can’t believe I said that. I’m so embarrassed. I hope he’ll forget it.”

  Gramps gestured with his hand in a way that implied Hailey should pursue this man.

  “That right there is what we need to get straight. Obviously, he’s good looking. And has kind eyes and a warm smile and he smells divine. But,” she straightened in her seat, “I’m not the least bit interested in anything romantic with him or anyone else.”

  Gramps questioned her with his eyes.

  “I’ll tell you why. First of all, Kevin broke my heart. I was planning to marry him while he was planning who else he could cheat on me with.” The memory of seeing him with the other women felt like an ice pick in her chest. “We’d been dating for over a year. Over a year, Gramps. I thought he was going to propose, but he was only lying.” She balled her fist while the anger and hurt bubbled up. “He’s a cheat and a liar and I’m not interested at all in repeating that experience ever again. If I can’t have what you and Gran have, I’d rather be single the rest of my life.”

  Extending his hand, Gramps stroked her arm.

  “And secondly, I’m only here until you recover, and then I need to go back to my life in Colorado. I don’t want any complications. Besides, Mr. Stafford is only interested in being your speech therapist.” She placed her hand on his. “And I’m here to help you. That’s all. Nothing else.”

  Hailey finished her ice cream and so did Gramps. “Are we ready to go?” she said.

  He held up his hand.

  “Not yet?”

  He pointed at the counter.

  Hailey looked over. “You want to get another ice cream?”

  Gramps stood and made his way over to the counter. Hailey followed him.

  “June’s regular?” the lady said with a metal scoop in her hand.

  Gramps nodded with a smile.

  “Two scoops of Pistachio Almond coming right up.” She grabbed a cup and began filling it.

  “That’s so sweet of you to get ice cream for Gran.” Hailey hoped someday she’d find a man who loved her the way Gramps loved Gran, but she was pretty convinced that was impossible.

  The woman handed the cup to Gramps and he gave her some bills. She rang up the sale and said, “Here’s your change.”

  Gramps pointed at her.

  “My tip?”

  He gave her a wave and they walked out of the ice cream shop.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  After Hailey picked Gran up from the grocery store, she helped Gramps into the house and got him settled in his favorite, well-worn brown recliner, then brought in the groceries while Gran enjoyed her ice cream with Gramps. Hailey snuck glances at the two of them together while she put everything away in the kitchen.

  About thirty minutes later, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” Hailey said.

  She opened the door to a pretty woman with wavy white hair, bright red lipstick, and blue eye shadow.

  “Hello, you must be Hailey,” the woman said as she stepped into the house, a fruity scent trailing behind her.

  “Yes, I am.” Hailey suspected she’d been the subject of at least a few conversations.

  “I’m Lila.”

  “Nice to meet you.” At least she thought it was nice to meet her. For some reason, it seemed like Lila was sizing her up and down.

  Gran rounded the corner. “Hi, Lila, dear.”

  The women hugged each other.

  “June hasn’t stopped talking about you.” Lila turned to Gran. “You’re right. She is adorable,” she said with a wide smile. “Darren would love to meet her.”

  “Excuse me?” Hailey said. What was Gran up to?

  “Oh, don’t mind Lila, she’s only talking to herself.” Gran slipped her friend a sharp look.

  Lila cleared her throat. “Oh, uh, yes, I came by to see if you’re coming to bingo on Thursday.”

  “I don’t know—”

  “Yes, she is,” Hailey said. “I’m here to keep Gramps company. We’re planning to watch a basketball game that night so, Gran, you might as well go with your friends and play bingo.” Hailey wanted Gran to keep up with her normal activities.

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Of course not. That’s why I’m here.” A night with her friends would do Gran a lot of good. And it wouldn’t hurt Gramps to have a little relief from Gran’s worrying.

  “Thursday night then?” Lila said.

  Gran nodded. “Yes, yes, dear. That’ll be quite fine.” Gran looked at her watch. “I’m so sorry you need to get back home, but it was nice to see you.”

  “I . . . uh . . . oh, yes, I do need to get home.”

  Gran walked Lila to the door and stepped outside with her. Hailey could hear them speaking in hushed voices, but couldn’t make out what they were saying.

  After Lila left, Gran came back inside.

  “What were you talking about out there, Gran?” Hailey asked.

  “Us? Oh, nothing.” She shrugged. “Nothing at all.”

  “Why are you acting so strange?” It seemed like Gran had a secret or something.

  “I’m not.” Gran sat on the couch and said, “Tell me more about the therapy session.”

  Realizing she wouldn’t get any information out of her grandmother, Hailey said, “It was good. His therapist seems to be a nice man and committed to helping Gramps. He seems quite sincere. And certain that Gramps will speak again.” An image of the appealing Mr. Stafford flashed through her mind followed by the prickly memory of her monumental failure to speak coherent sentences in front of him.

  Gran stared at her.

  “What?” Hailey shifted her weight.

  “Why are your cheeks so flushed? Did something happen with the therapist you aren’t telling me?” Gran sat up and perched on the edge of the sofa as if expecting some juicy story.

  “It’s the heat, I guess.” Or the fact that I totally embarrassed myself.

  Gran lifted an accusatory eyebrow.

  Hailey held up her hands. “Gran, nothing happened that you need to know. Really. And remember, I am not interested in dating anyone. Not Lila’s Darren, not Gramps’s therapist. No one. So, you can put away your matchmaker’s hat.”

  Gran placed her hand on her hip. “Why don’t you want to date anyone?” She gazed at Hailey with a perplexed expression.

  “Because.”

  “That explains it.” Gran widened her eyes in the same way she always did when she thought someone was being ridiculous. But Hailey wasn’t being ridiculous. At all.

  “Gran,” Hailey said, letting out a long breath. “I’m still trying to recover from a long relationship that didn’t end well.” That was putting it mildly.

  “What happened with Kevin? You dated him for what, a year?”

  Hailey slumped. “Thirteen months, two weeks, and four days.” She raked her fingers through her hair.

  Gran gazed at her with sympathetic eyes. “Your mom said you were going to marry him.”

  “I thought I was.” Another piece of Hailey’s heart broke off. She’d invested so much into her relationship with Kevin and now that it was over, she wasn’t sure where to go from here to put the pieces back together.

  Gran put her arm around Hailey’s shoulder. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

  Hailey chewed her lip. Maybe talking to Gran would help put things into perspective. After a minute or so of silence, she said, “He was working a lot—staying late at his office, working weekends—I was really proud of him for being such a hard worker.” A tear edged out of her eye. “The night before Valentine’s Day, I decided I’d take him some Chinese food. I had it all in my hands when I walked up to his office building and there he was.” She paused. “With a woman.” She let out a long, painful breath from lungs that squeezed tight at the memory. “He was hugging her and then he kissed her—really kissed her. Like there was no doubt it had happened before.”

  G
ran stroked her hair. “What did you do?”

  “I dropped all the food and ran back to my car. After I ugly-cried for a while, I went back to my apartment and stared at the ceiling most of the night trying to figure out what to do. I thought maybe I’d misinterpreted what I’d seen. Or maybe I’d imagined it. I couldn’t believe the man who’d talked about marrying me would do something like that. We had plans for a life together, even talked about the names for our kids. I thought we’d be getting engaged on Valentine’s. I made a down payment on this gorgeous satin wedding dress because that’s what he led me to believe.”

  “What a two-timing rat.” Gran narrowed her eyes.

  “That’s not even all.” Hailey sniffed. “The next morning I wanted to confront him. I drove over to his condo, still hoping I was somehow wrong.” She wiped at her eyes. “I sat in my car trying to build up my courage when I saw his door open.”

  “Oh no.” Gran shook her head.

  A tear trickled down her cheek. “I couldn’t believe it.”

  “That woman from the office came out?” Gran’s tone was filled with indignation.

  “Worse.”

  Gran gasped. “What?”

  “He wasn’t two-timing me. He was three-timing me. Maybe more.” Hailey threw her hands up. “I don’t even know.”

  “My poor girl.” Gran hugged her close.

  “How could I have been so stupid? So oblivious? He said I was the only one and I believed him.” Hailey closed her eyes, the deep sense of betrayal still gnawing at her. “He said he wanted to marry me, and I believed him.”

  “You weren’t stupid. You trusted him. That’s what people do when they love someone.”

  “I really thought he was working and going on business trips. It never occurred to me that he was seeing other women.” Hailey clenched her jaw. “I was such a fool.”

  “Not a fool.” Gran rubbed her arm. “Just in love.”

  “I suppose there were signs, especially the last couple of months, but I was completely head over heels. I was sure he was going to propose, and the whole time he had a revolving front door. Who knows how many women he was seeing besides me.” Hailey let the tears tumble down her cheeks, not holding anything back. She and Gran sat there for several minutes while Hailey cried. This was the first time she’d talked about it in such depth, and the emotional release made her feel light and free, as if she’d dropped a thousand pounds of dead weight.