“Oh no.” Hailey touched her cheek. “What does that mean?”
“They had to give her some blood and they’re watching her closely. She’ll be fine, but she’ll need some extra time at the hospital. Which means I’ll need to stay here longer.”
Hailey felt torn between taking care of her grandparents and going to see her sister. “What should I do?”
“Tell me how Harry is doing,” her mom said.
“Much better.” Gratitude surged through Hailey.
“Is he talking again?”
“A little.” Hailey wished he were saying more, but she was willing to be patient for his full recovery.
“I think you need to stay there. Maybe after Brit goes home and gets settled, you can come see her.”
“Tell her congratulations. I can’t wait to hold my nephew.”
Hailey ended the call.
“Brit had the baby?” Gran asked with bright eyes.
“Yeah. They named him Thomas.”
Gran’s eyes moistened. “That makes me happy.” She turned to her husband. “Did you hear that, Harry? We have a new great-grandson. And his name is Thomas.”
Hailey considered telling her grandparents about Brit’s complication but decided against it. She didn’t want to worry them, especially because her mom said Brit would be fine.
Gramps stood, walked over to Gran, and kissed her on the cheek. He patted her on the shoulder and then slowly walked into the kitchen. He returned with a glass of lemonade for Gran and one for Hailey.
“You read my mind,” Gran said. “Thank you, dear.”
“Thanks, Gramps,” Hailey said. “You’re the best.”
Gramps sat back in his recliner.
Hailey spent the next hour sitting next to Gran on the couch. As much as she wanted to see her nephew, she knew that she was where she needed to be. Once Gramps had recuperated enough, she’d go back to Colorado to see her sister and the new baby.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Laura had successfully talked Peter into coming back to her apartment after dinner. “Do you want something to drink?” she asked as she walked into the kitchen.
“No, thanks.” Peter sat on the couch and gazed out the window while conflicting emotions whirled around inside him.
“Can I get you something else?” Laura peeked around the wall.
“I’m fine.” He wanted to sit and stare at nothing. He probably should’ve just gone back to his place, but sometimes it was too empty there.
Laura sat on the couch next to him. “Thanks again for getting Benji.”
“Sure.” Peter watched the last few shards of dusk disappear.
Laura popped the tab on her soda can and the carbonation bubbled out. She wiped her hand on her pant leg. “I still say you should ask her out.”
Peter knew exactly who she meant, but he wasn’t interested in a long discussion with his sister about his love life, or lack thereof. He needed to set her straight. Again. “Look, I already told you she’s a patient’s granddaughter.”
“Who cares?” Laura crossed her ankles and leaned back.
“I’m not going to ask her out. It wouldn’t be professional. Besides, she was with a guy.” The memory of her with that man sent a jab of irritation through Peter, but he knew it was irrational for him to feel annoyed, or anything else for that matter. Hailey was Harry’s granddaughter. There was nothing between them.
“Oh.”
He could tell by the tone of Laura’s voice that she was trying to imply something, but he hesitated to ask. Finally, he said, “Okay, what?”
Laura sipped her drink. “This is the first time I’ve seen you remotely interested in a woman since Sara.”
He didn’t say anything, because it was true. After Sara left him, he was broken, and he wasn’t about to allow another woman to hurt him that deeply, so he’d withdrawn and thrown himself into his career to avoid a social life.
“Are you going to be a bachelor forever?” Laura poked him in the leg.
He scratched his throat. “Maybe.”
“That isn’t a solution, and you know it.”
“I think it is.” Not having a woman in his life meant no chance of another broken heart. His life was his own. He could do what he wanted, when he wanted, without interference. Peter liked the way he lived and didn’t need a woman to complicate it. He was happy and content.
Laura shook her head. “You are so difficult.”
“I appreciate your concern for my love life, but I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m happy. Besides, I need to focus on my career and opening my own therapy practice.” He had his eye set on his goal and he wasn’t going to let anyone distract him.
“You’re going to be a lonely old man.” Laura let out a loud burp, then covered her mouth. “Excuse me.”
“I have you and Benji,” Peter said. “I’m not lonely.”
“It’s not the same as having a relationship.” Laura set her can on the table.
Peter decided to turn the conversation back on his sister. “What about you? It’s been almost three years since Sam passed.”
She adjusted her weight and leaned back against the couch. “That’s different.”
“How?” He genuinely wanted to know.
“I have a son to worry about, and I was already married to the love of my life.” She put her feet up on the coffee table. “I’m not looking for another one.”
“Same.” He’d thought he’d married the woman he’d spend his life with, but he’d been wrong—very wrong—and he didn’t want to take that chance again.
“Fine.” Laura stood up and walked to the kitchen. “This conversation is going nowhere.”
“Mom,” Benji said as he rushed into the room wearing a Spiderman costume. “Can we go get a movie at Redbox?”
“School night, remember?” Laura said. “It’s time for bed.”
Benji collapsed to the floor. “Aww, Mom,” Benji wailed.
“I better get home myself.” Peter stood.
“What if your uncle reads to you before bed?” Laura said, casting Peter a hopeful glance.
Benji lifted his mask and eyed Peter.
“Only one book. That’s all.” Peter reached out his hand to Benji.
Benji reluctantly placed his hand in Peter’s and stood. “Okay.”
“Let’s hear some enthusiasm,” Peter said as he took off Benji’s mask and rumpled his hair.
“I get to pick the story?” Benji asked with wide eyes.
“Sure.”
Peter and Benji walked down the hallway together.
After he’d read a much longer book than he anticipated, Peter said goodbye to his sister and left. He drove back to his place. His thoughts centered on running into Hailey at the restaurant. She’d only come to town recently, so he guessed her date wasn’t too serious.
Something about her grabbed him. A part of him wanted to explore it, but the sensible part reminded him that her grandfather was under his care and any kind of attempt to ask her out would be awkward at best.
Besides, he was still convinced that one broken heart was enough. He didn’t need, or want, to risk that pain again. Better to remain a bachelor and keep control of his life and his heart. Even if that meant no bedtime stories with children of his own.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The early morning sun rays peeked through the blinds in Hailey’s room. Was today Thursday or Friday? She wasn’t sure. Since coming to Florida, she’d lost track of time. She’d need to check her email and do some work this morning, but first she’d go for a run. It’d help clear her head.
Since Gran and Gramps weren’t up yet, she dressed in her shorts and tank top and then slipped outside to begin her swim through the air. It took less than five minutes for her shirt to become soaked with perspiration.
Hailey had come to Florida to help her grandparents, not to find a man. She had to admit, though, Darren was handsome. He was fun and easy to talk to. He wasn’t permanent, and she could
enjoy a few dates with him—no attachment or entanglements.
Her mind shifted to Peter. For some reason, he made her heart pound, her nerves tingle, and her knees wobble. Seeing him in the restaurant made her mouth forget to work and her brain go on hiatus. Then there was the incident at the salad bar and the laugh that fell out of her mouth when he told her that woman was his sister. His sister. Yep, being around him made her into a ninny, as Gran would say.
Hailey picked up her pace and fell into a nice run. She would for sure have to shower before taking Gramps to his appointment. She’d have to get Gran to come with them so she could avoid talking to Peter. She didn’t want things to be any more awkward than they already were. Admittedly, she was attracted to him, but it wouldn’t—couldn’t—go anywhere. It was much better to go on dates with Darren. He was safe.
After forty minutes, she returned to her grandparents’ house, breathing hard, but happy she’d exercised and cleared the muddy waters in her mind. She would go on some fun dates with Darren, if he asked. And she’d forget about Peter. It was simple.
Hailey showered, then spent some time going through expenses for Crandall Automotive. She ran the report that showed where the budget for the previous month had been exceeded and emailed it directly to Mr. Crandall. She answered a couple of emails and updated the spreadsheet for Renee Thompson’s hair salons. She also sent a new bio to Mr. Michaels for the company website that was being overhauled.
After finishing her work, Hailey dressed in her black shorts and a turquoise shirt. She walked out into the living room.
“You look lovely today, dear,” Gran said. “That shirt really brings out the blue in your eyes.”
“Thanks.” Hailey adjusted her shirt and convinced herself she wasn’t wearing it to impress anyone. “You’re coming with us today, right?”
Gran rummaged through her purse. “I need to run some errands.”
“Great. I’m happy to take you after the appointment. You can learn more of what to do so you can help Gramps after I go back home.” Seemed reasonable and made perfect sense to her.
Gran frowned. “I don’t want to think about that. I’m enjoying having you here too much.”
“I plan to stay a while longer, but, eventually, I have to go back to my life. What’s left of it anyway. And I have a new nephew.”
“Your mom called while you were gone and gave me all the details.” Gran applied some red lipstick. “I’m sure he’s adorable.”
“I can’t wait to see him.” A part of Hailey was disappointed that she wasn’t there with her sister, but she knew Gran and Gramps needed her, and it was nice to feel needed.
Gran wrote a few things down on a piece of paper and put it in her large flowered bag. “I have to write myself notes so I don’t forget what errands I need to run.”
Hailey glanced around. “I haven’t seen Regina today.”
“She left while you were out exercising. Said she was going to do some things. I don’t know what that means.” Gran gazed at Hailey with melancholy eyes. “I don’t think I want to know.”
Hailey gave her grandmother a slight smile. “I’m going to fill my water bottle before we leave.” She made her way over to the refrigerator. While she was filling her bottle, she noticed a binder on the counter next to the refrigerator and started thumbing through it. Her eyes widened as she saw photos and what appeared to be biographies of men and women of all ages in page protectors. What in the world? She finished filling her bottle and looked through more of the binder. She found a page about her. In the back was what looked like a chart, with names and dates, check marks, stars, and big Xs next to some of the names. What is going on? When she found her name and Roger’s name intersected with a big red X, she sang out, “Gran!”
Her grandmother turned, and when she saw that Hailey held the binder, the color drained from her face and she dropped her purse.
“What is this?” Hailey suspected what it was, but wanted to hear it from Gran’s own lips.
Gran rushed over and grabbed the binder. “Never mind. It has nothing to do with you.”
“Uh, I beg to differ. There’s a photo of me from a few years ago and a page about me with lots of details.” Hailey wasn’t sure if she should be angry or what.
“Oh.” Gran pursed her lips. “I . . . uh . . . this is just a collection of memories. That’s all. I thought I put that away.” Gran went to grab the binder, but Hailey moved it out of her grasp.
Hailey stared at her grandmother. “I don’t believe you. I want you to tell me what this is.”
“It’s really nothing.” Gran waved her hand.
“You’re lying to me. You want to know what I think it is?” Hailey said, holding the binder with one hand and her other hand perched on her hip.
“Not really.” Gran grabbed the binder from Hailey and cradled it to her chest.
“I think you and your friends are running an escort service.” It sounded outlandish, but it seemed like the obvious answer.
An indignant expression crossed Gran’s face. “My lands, girl, we certainly are not madams, if that’s what you think. This is all perfectly innocent.”
“Why don’t you explain it to me then?” Hailey tapped her foot.
“Fine.” Gran sat on the sofa and set the binder on her lap. “Lila and I, with a few others, help our friends find dates for their kids and grandkids. And sometimes we help others in our community find dates. It’s all very innocent, I assure you.”
Hailey rubbed her forehead. Gran was running a dating service out of her retirement community? When Hailey had accused her grandmother of matchmaking, she didn’t actually think it was a real thing. But the binder said otherwise. Hailey couldn’t even wrap her mind around Gran being a professional matchmaker. “This is a business?”
“Not technically a business. We don’t charge any money.”
Hailey sat next to Gran. “So you fix people up and keep track of it in your binder?”
Gran nodded. “We have regular meetings to discuss possible matches.”
A realization hit Hailey. “That’s why you were acting so weird at bingo. And that woman handed you a photo. It was for this.”
Gran nodded. “It’s harmless.”
“I’m not sure that messing with people’s hearts is harmless, Gran.”
“We only introduce people. That’s all.” Gran opened the binder. “People are lonely or they have family members who are.” She pointed at a photo. “This is Amelia’s granddaughter, Kirsten. She was engaged but her fiancé was killed in a motorcycle accident.”
Hailey laid her hand across her chest. “That’s so sad.”
“Kirsten hadn’t dated for a couple of years. We introduced her to Wanda’s nephew and they liked each other.” Gran flipped through pages to the end of the book where there were photos of couples. She pointed to a picture of a red-haired woman whose arms were wrapped around a man with curly black hair. “Got married last year.”
Hailey studied Gran. “How long have you been doing this?”
“About eight years now.”
“Wow.” Hailey raised her eyebrows. “And you thought Roger and I would be a good match?”
Gran laughed. “Oh, goodness, no. But Dee was insistent. Poor Roger.”
“I guess it’s not a big deal. Except for me. I do not want to be included in this.” She raised her index finger. “And I don’t want you to try to pair me up with anyone. At all.”
“But—”
“No buts. Seriously. I am off limits.” She gave Gran her stern face.
Gran let out a long breath. “I suppose. But I worry about you being alone.”
Gramps shuffled into the living room and gave Hailey a smile. She stepped over to him and kissed him on the cheek. “Are you ready to work today?” she asked.
Gramps shot her a do-I-have-a-choice look. He went over to the kitchen table and grabbed something, but Hailey couldn’t see what it was.
“The therapist says you need to keep working hard
to regain your speech. The world needs your corny jokes,” she said, trying to be cheery.
Gramps shrugged as if dismissing the idea.
“Harry, you have to listen. You can’t be so bullheaded if you want to be able to talk again,” Gran said.
Gramps nodded, then walked over to Gran and extended his hand, exposing the carnation he’d taken from the vase on the kitchen table. “F-f-for . . . you.”
“The flower?” she asked.
“All . . . of . . . it.”
Gran stood then hugged him. She looked directly into his eyes. “I know this is hard for you.”
He gave her a tight smile. It didn’t take words to understand his meaning. He was doing his best and working hard to please Gran because he loved her.
Hailey swung her arm around him. “Let’s get you into the car.”
The three of them arrived at the clinic. The apprehension of seeing Peter intensified with each step Hailey took, and her stomach roiled in anticipation. “Maybe you should go in with Gramps this time, and I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”
Gramps frowned at her.
“I’m sure we’d be fine,” Gran said. “But I’d feel better if you went in with us. Then you can hear what he says and help me understand it all.”
Hailey let out a breath. She was being ridiculous anyway. Peter probably wouldn’t even remember running into her—actually, she’d literally run into him—and the high-pitched laugh that escaped her lips when he introduced his sister. “Okay, I’ll come with you.”
After a few minutes in the waiting room, a nurse showed them to a back room. While they waited, the room seemed to shrink around them, making it hard for Hailey to breathe. The door swung open and Peter stepped inside. Hailey’s heartbeat kicked up a hundred notches, and the back of her neck warmed.
“Good to see you again,” he said as he looked at Hailey.
She gave him a forced smile.
He turned to Gran. “And you too. I’m glad you came today.”
“Harry has really started to improve.” Gran paused and glanced at Hailey, then back at Peter. “You are a wonderful therapist.”
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