by Stacey Wilk
“Mom.” Chloe’s voice echoed in the barren room. “You can’t leave me here.”
Grace searched for her purse and car keys. “You’ll be fine. Beau will tell you what to do. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Where are you going?”
If Grace didn’t know better, she’d swear Chloe sounded three again.
“Your momma said not to worry. First thing is go change into something more suitable for work. The whole neighborhood is going to get a show they didn’t pay for with you dressed like that.”
Chloe glared at Beau, and Grace bit her lip not to laugh. She wanted to kiss the man. Chloe spun on her heel and tramped down the hall. She accented her departure with the bang of her door. Beau shook his head and laughed.
“Do you have children?” She suddenly wanted to know because he handled Chloe better than she did.
“Wasn’t in the plan. Now go and come back. We’re already shorthanded.”
She didn’t waste another second, but she did glance back at Blaise’s. Cash had gone inside, which she was glad for, yet a part of her hoped to see Blaise. The crazy part, she was sure, the part of her that was anticipating dinner later, but a part of her nonetheless.
She hit the brakes at the end of the road. She hadn’t thought about what she was doing, and that realization stunned her. She didn’t know where she was going and had no idea what she would do when she got there.
A car behind her beeped. She threw on the blinker and headed toward town. The library parking lot offered a spot to gather her thoughts and come up with a plan. She fished the letter from the assisted living place out of her back pocket and opened the windows to let in the morning warmth. It was going to be another hot one, but the heat relaxed her. She wished it were warm in Jersey year round. What was it like in Heritage River in the winter? Did it snow? Did the neighbors decorate their houses in white lights for Christmas?
Grace punched the address into the GPS. It would take her an hour to get where she was going. That wasn’t terrible, and if the traffic was light, hopefully, not much longer than that. She could be there and back by lunchtime.
Whom had Nancy Templeton sold the house to? That’s all she wanted to know. Simple. Easy. And that would be the end of it. Her curiosity satisfied. No one would have to know where she went, so there would be no violation of the sales agreement. She wanted to know who cared enough to gift her the house. Was it really so much to ask? She’d spent her life afraid to ask for help because it always came with a price tag, and now a total stranger had helped her in a way she could never have imagined. Why the anonymity? If Nancy Templeton refused to say or threatened to rat her out, that would be another story, one she would have to deal with when she got there.
Going to see Nancy was the most impulsive thing she’d done since agreeing to fix up the house. Two things in one summer. She was starting to feel like a new person.
She dropped the car into reverse. A car pulled in alongside her. The driver waved frantically. Grace squinted to get a better look through the glare against the glass.
“Grace.” The woman jumped from her car. “I’m so glad you’re here. I was just thinking about you and wanted some input on the fundraiser.”
“Savannah.” Grace let out a long sigh. If she didn’t leave now, she’d never be back before lunch, and possibly the whole day would go by with just Beau and Jud working on the house. Chloe wouldn’t be much help, no matter what Beau threatened her with. She plastered a smile on her face. “It’s nice to see you.”
Savannah dipped her head into the back seat of her car and came out holding a folder. “What a morning. The sun’s barely up, and I feel like I’ve put in a full day.” She yanked her dark hair away from her face. “I need some input on the seating arrangements.” She flipped through the pages in her folder. “We have to accommodate a stage and seating area, or we could make it standing room only and then I want to set up tables for people to eat at. This is what I was thinking.” She handed Grace a diagram.
“Could I take this with me? I’m about to head to an appointment. Sorry.”
Savannah looked up from her folder, and her eyes grew to the size of coffee mugs. “Oh, my. I didn’t even realize. I’m so sorry. I’ve been running on all cylinders. I’m not thinking you might have somewhere to be. Please forgive me. Adam is always complaining about me doing that.”
“It’s not a problem. I will look this over and give you any ideas I have. Maybe tomorrow?” She hoped Savannah didn’t ask her to meet later. She didn’t want to explain about the dinner.
“Tomorrow’s fine.” Savannah looked back at the library, then at Grace. “You weren’t coming to the library?” She checked her watch.
Heat filled Grace’s cheeks. “Uh, no. I just pulled over to check directions.”
“Where are you headed? I can probably give you some landmarks.”
Her tongue tripped over the lie she was about to tell. She had to swallow hard to keep from spilling like an oil tanker on its side. “It wasn’t really an appointment. Beau wants me to choose a countertop. I’m headed to the big stores to compare prices.”
Savannah wrinkled up her nose. “Beau is letting you buy from a box store?”
“He doesn’t know I’m going. It’s just to check prices. Please don’t tell him. I’m trying to cut corners wherever I can. I don’t mean any disrespect to anyone local. I just don’t know how far I can stretch the renovation budget.” As far as Grace knew, Savannah didn’t know the house was a gift or that money had been put aside for the renovations, and she wasn’t going to pick now to explain it.
“I can certainly understand staying in the budget. My lips are sealed. Okay, then.” Savannah turned and waved her hand. She glanced back over her shoulder. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Good luck with the counters.”
Grace let out the breath she was holding. She checked the time on the dashboard. If she hurried, she might still be back in Heritage River before the end of the day.
****
Grace gobbled up the last of the granola bar she kept in her purse. She’d left without eating breakfast, and her stomach growled louder than a rabid dog, and she didn’t want to stop anywhere and waste time. Thankfully, she always had a snack with her.
Finding Shadow Lawn Assisted Living wasn’t as bad as she thought it might be. The main building, a Victorian-style house with gabled roofs and a wraparound porch, sat at the end of a long tree-lined driveway looking down on the property surrounding it. Behind it were smaller buildings, some resembling cottages sitting semicircle to an open grassy area. The website boasted a pond and walking trails for their more mobile guests.
She closed the screen on her phone and took a deep breath. What was she going to say to Nancy Templeton, if she even found her here? Maybe it would’ve been better to call first instead of taking an hour-long drive and lying to Savannah of all people. Planning did have its advantages.
She was here now. No point in turning back. She pushed herself from the car and marched up to the front door. Potted plants adorned the porch; a wind chime played its soft, sweet music. Wicker chairs offered places to sit and take in the rolling property.
The door swung open against her touch, and she found herself in the grand foyer. A staircase swooped down into the center of the room. Victorian sofas in soft-colored damask created a sitting area in front of a fireplace. A large rectangular wool rug with matching muted colors added the perfect cozy touch. A flower arrangement of white lilies in a crystal-cut vase decorated a marble-topped table made of birch. A reception area was on her left. The place smelled of flowers and antiseptic.
She approached the opening. A young woman with thick black eyeliner and blonde hair pulled back in a tight ponytail greeted her with a wide smile. “Welcome. How can I help you today?”
Grace smoothed down her blouse to keep her hands from shaking. “I’m looking for someone.”
The smile dropped off the blonde’s face. “One of our residents?”
Gr
ace forced a smile on hers. “Yes. Nancy Templeton. I was hoping to visit with her.” She hadn’t considered whether a place like this had visiting hours. Probably not for the healthier residents. Did healthy resident even apply to Nancy Templeton? Boy, she really hadn’t thought this through.
“Oh, Nancy. Sure.” The smile returned. The woman punched something into the computer in front of her. Her brow creased, and she leaned closer to the screen. “Looks like she’s been moved.”
Grace’s heart filled with dread. “Is the new assisted living close by?” She’d have to take the chance and drive to wherever she needed to. She’d come this far.
“Excuse me? Oh no.” The blonde woman laughed. Her top canine tooth was yellowed, and Grace tried not to stare. “Nancy’s been moved to our Rolling Hills section. You can follow the hall to the end and make a left. Go through those doors. Someone there can direct you.”
“Thank you.” She smoothed her blouse again and followed the directions. She should turn right around and go back to Heritage River. This was crazy. She was invading some stranger’s space. Did it really matter who Nancy Templeton sold that house to?
It did matter. To Grace anyway. No one had ever given her anything that didn’t cost her in some way. If she could figure out who gave her the house, she could prepare for whatever that price tag would be. And there would be one. There was always one. No one gave anything away for free.
She pushed through the double doors. Rooms were lined up on either side of the doorway. Patient names were posted alongside each door. Some patients had cards and pictures drawn by young hands and reading “I love Grandma” and “Happy Birthday, Noni” taped to their doors. Grace found a nurse’s station and approached a young man with thinning hair, who was scribbling notes into a binder.
“Excuse me.” Her voice came out garbled and rough. She tried again. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Nancy Templeton.”
“She’s outside on the patio. Go through the dayroom.” He pointed at the end of the hall.
Grace hurried through the dayroom. Patients sat in chairs, their chins pressed against their chests, some staring off into space. A woman with a shock of white hair sat alone at a table, speaking to someone only she could see. The Rolling Hills section appeared to be for the patient with more advanced needs.
She pushed through another door, and the warm sun and fresh air greeted her. She took a deep breath. She stood on a paver patio. Several tables and chairs were scattered around for patients to gather, but the only person out here was a woman, sitting in a chair with her face to the sun. Her long, white hair brushed her shoulders. Her arms stuck out of her shirtsleeves like curtain rods. Her bony knees poked against her blue pants.
Grace took a tentative step. “Nancy?”
The woman turned from the sun. Her face was lined with years of experience. She glanced at Grace with confusion etched in her blue eyes. Nancy turned to look at the door, then back at Grace. “Hi,” she said, but the look remained. “Thanks for coming by.”
“My name is Grace Starr.” She stuck out a hand, but Nancy ignored it. “May I sit down?”
“Sure. We’re having lunch soon. You came in time for lunch. I’ll tell them to set another place for you.” She rose, but Grace placed a hand on her arm.
“Thank you, but please don’t go to the trouble. I won’t be staying that long. I was hoping I could ask you a question.”
“I don’t know where that book is. I put it down, but I can’t remember where. You’re going to have to find it yourself.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I’m not here about the book.” Grace sank back in the chair and yanked her hair away from her face. This whole escapade had been foolish. But she was here, so she might as well try. “Nancy, do you remember your house on Dogwood Drive?”
Nancy’s face lit up. Her eyes brightened, and the lines on her face smoothed. For a second Grace could see a glimpse of the woman Nancy was a long time ago. “I love that house. I carved my initials in the tree in the backyard. My mother was mad because I used her good knives.”
Was she talking about the house on Dogwood or another house? “Do you remember who you sold the house to?”
A darkness passed across Nancy’s blue eyes. “My mother sold the house? She didn’t tell me.” Tears filled her eyes. “I have to stop her. She can’t sell the house. I’m going home tomorrow.” She began to get up, but Grace stopped her. Nancy stared at her as if she’d just noticed Grace for the first time. “Do I know you?”
“No.” Telling this woman she lived in her house would be a bad idea. “I didn’t mean to upset you. Your mother won’t sell the house without discussing it with you.”
Nancy eased back in the chair and clutched her shirt in a fist. “Thank goodness. But I should call her.” She looked around the outside area. “I don’t remember the number. Do you know her number?”
Grace’s heart broke for this woman, and she’d come here and made things worse. “I’ll get someone to help you. I’m sorry to bother you.”
Nancy smiled at her. “It was nice to see you again.” She turned her face back toward the sun.
Grace returned to the nurse’s station. “I’m sorry. I might’ve upset her. I didn’t mean to. But could you check on her? She seemed determined to make a phone call.” She wrapped her purse strap around her shaking hands.
The young man stood and offered a warm smile. “She wants to call her mother. She always does. I’ll go out and check on her, but she’s probably forgotten all about it by now.”
Grace forced her legs forward and made her way back to her car. She rested her head on the steering wheel. “Well, that was a bust.” Just when she thought she might have a lead. But it bothered her more that the sweet woman was ill and she’d upset her.
She pulled back onto the road and turned up the radio to clear her head and keep the tears from running down her face. She didn’t want to think about Nancy Templeton again because she was afraid that was how she would end up. Alone. Forgetful. Who would visit her? She had no one. No siblings, no cousins, no parents. Chloe had one foot out the door already, and Grace was certain when the other foot followed, she’d see very little of her daughter. That was Grace’s biggest fear. The more the real world drew Chloe in, the further she’d go from Grace. Children growing up and moving on was supposed to be the cycle of life, but losing her daughter to adulthood still tore her soul out. The fact they hardly got along didn’t make Chloe’s leaving any easier.
She swiped at the tears rolling down her cheeks. The real reason Chloe left Larry’s was she knew somewhere deep down she could never outrank Annie. Two women in the same house fought for the alpha spot. So she hopped on a plane to be with her mother. The one woman she could push around.
The car sputtered and jerked. She glanced at the dash. In all the rush and emotions, she hadn’t noticed the low fuel light. How long had it been on? She hit the signal and pulled onto the shoulder. The car coasted to a stop. She turned off the engine, and when she tried to restart, the engine coughed and stopped. She tried again. More coughing and no going.
She growled. Never in her life had she run out of gas. Where was the nearest gas station? The GPS could probably tell her, but she didn’t have one of those red cans to hold the gas. Can one be bought at a gas station? She shoved her way out of the car and kicked the wheel, hurting her toe in the process. That’s what I get for kicking in sandals.
Cars flew by in a flurry. Her car shook, and her hair blew up around her ears. Standing on the side of a major highway while cars passed was probably not a good idea. She hopped back in and checked the GPS for the gas station. Eight miles away. How long would it take to walk eight miles and back? By the time she got home, she wouldn’t be able to help with the house. She’d have to call Blaise and cancel dinner. He’d think she was making it up. Who runs out of gas?
It would be faster if someone could bring the gas to her, but how would she manage that? Who could she call? And she didn’t have AAA because Larry made he
r cancel it once she got a new car. “Bastard.” Cursing made her feel better for about two seconds.
No point in calling Chloe, so Grace searched her contacts for the one person she could call.
“What?” was the response when the call was answered.
“Hi, Beau. It’s Grace.”
“I know who it is. Where are you? You’ve been gone a long time. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and this crew isn’t getting much done. If you want to make that deadline, you’ve got to pitch in.”
She wanted to roll down the windows to get some air, but she’d never be able to hear with the cars going by. “I’m sorry. I’m having car trouble. Is there any way you can bring me some gas?”
“I don’t have the time to bring you gasoline. I can’t leave the job. Call a tow truck.”
She had to pull the phone away from her ear to keep his response from busting an eardrum, and she could still hear him just fine. She sat up straighter in the seat. “I don’t know who to call. And don’t yell at me. It was an accident.” She would never have called if she wasn’t desperate. She couldn’t stay at the side of the road. Should she call nine-one-one? It wasn’t exactly an emergency. Better leave the police to the real problems. Her face was impossibly hot.
“Where are you?” Beau’s voice softened.
She told him.
“For land’s sake. I’ll call over to Lewis’s garage and have old Pete send his truck.” He ended the call.
Grace leaned her head against the seat and closed her eyes. “Dumb ass.” Her stomach growled. It would be hours before she could eat. Something knocked on the window, and she jumped. She bit her lip to keep from screaming.
A tall man with sunglasses leaned close to the window. “Do you need help?”
“I’m fine. Thanks,” she said through the closed window. Thankfully, the doors were locked.
“Can I call someone for you?”
“No. I’m fine, really. Thanks, but you can go.” She made a shooing motion with her hand.