“You wouldn’t dare!” Grant raised an eyebrow at her.
“I guess you’ll be making an appointment to have that cavity filled and to come back for your six months checkup. Liz will help you out. Won’t you, Liz?” The dentist smirked at Grant as she removed her rubber gloves and dropped them in the trash on the way out.
Liz typed away on her computer. She stopped, twisted around, and smiled at Grant. “Charlotte Stephens is the woman you saw. I have an appointment on October 14 at 2 PM for your next cleaning. Will that work for you?”
“I guess so. I can call and change it if it doesn’t.”
“Better not cancel. She really will call your nana.”
“Don’t worry. I know she will. I haven’t been gone long enough to forget how this town works. What do you know about her?”
“Who?”
“Charlotte.”
“Oh. Well, I don’t know much other than her name. She always sees Kay. She’d know more if you wanna ask her. Monday work for your filling?”
“No, I’m starting my new job on Monday.”
“Don’t worry. I got you set up with the last appointment of the day. 4 PM. I know you can make that one.”
“Living in this town is like having a dozen mothers.”
“I know. But I’d have to be a sister. I’m clearly too young to be anyone’s mother. We’re all here to take care of you.” Liz handed Grant two appointment cards and his bag of goodies.
“Thanks.” He sat up and strolled out into the hallway, stopping for a moment to glance in at Kay, who was readying the room for her next patient. He shook his head before heading off to grab his coat and climb into his truck. Once behind the wheel, he lowered his head onto it. “She’d never want to know you now anyway,” he muttered before sitting up and starting the engine.
He headed toward Main Street and pulled into the parking lot of Happy Donuts, hopped out of his truck, and ran inside. He purchased a dozen and one special apple fritter. Pushing out through the door with his butt, he smiled and scooted out of the way of an old man scuttling through with a cane.
“Grant.” The man lifted his cane to tip his hat. “Good to see you back in town. You stayin’ a while?”
“Uh, yes, sir. I’m taking care of Nana.”
“Ya always was a good kid. That Nana of yours is a pistol.” He chuckled. “She’ll be all right in time. All us old cocks have learned to live without our hens.” He motioned to the group of old men sitting at the counter with their donuts and coffee.
“Yes, sir. Good to see ya.”
The old man grunted his approval as he waddled the rest of the way into the shop. Grant tucked the donut box under his arm as he pulled the car door open, careful not to let the precious fritter in the bag on top slide off onto the wet pavement.
Placing the parcels on the seat next to him, he buckled and threw the truck into the reverse. A horn beeped from behind. He slammed on the brakes. His eyes popped up to the rearview mirror to see one of the other salty, old widowers in town flipping him the bird. Grant shook his head, wondering just how much of the town’s population would be flashing him their middle fingers before the day was out.
Waving as the car pulled into the parking spot next to him, he eased his foot off the brake and onto the gas, careful to check for other old buzzards before backing out of the lot and turning onto the street. The familiar sound of one of his all-time favorite musicians came over the radio. Grant cranked it up.
He pulled into the driveway of his nana’s little yellow and brick house on Trail Drive. He’d remembered the yard so differently as a kid. It seemed so big, and the street to the playground—that could be seen from the front of the house—seemed to stretch on forever. Now, as he got out of the truck and looked on, it was just a short jaunt. Grant thought back to the way his papa and nana always walked him down to the park, holding hands. Papa Joe always had a way of looking at Nana as if she were the most precious treasure on earth. But Papa was gone now. And the life that had always danced inside Nana’s dazzling blue eyes had disappeared with him.
Tears welled in Grant’s eyes as he opened the passenger door to retrieve the donuts.
The last thing she needs is to see you upset and missing him, too.
As he slammed the car door shut with his hip, he sucked in a deep breath and painted on a wide grin.
Surprised to find the door already unlocked, he tucked his key into his front pocket and pushed his way in. “Nana, it’s me.” He stepped into the galley kitchen and set the box on the counter. Noticing there was no coffee made, he quickly set to making some. “Nana?”
The only noise that echoed back came from the television in the living room. Once the coffee machine began its work, Grant walked through the dining room and into the living room, where he found Nana Aileen staring blankly at the TV.
“There’s my girl.” Grant kissed her on the cheek. “Did you know your front door was unlocked? I’d feel much better if you’d start locking it when I’m gone.”
“What does it matter?” Nana slightly waved her hand.
“Don’t say that, Nana. You matter to me. Don’t I count for something?” Grant squatted beside her chair and met her eyes.
A smile curled at the corners of her lips, and a momentary spark re-entered her blank eyes. “You’re a dear boy, you know that?”
“And wanna guess what this dear boy brought you? An apple fritter from Happy Donuts.” Grant winked.
“An apple fritter? Oh, that’s my favorite. You know, Joe used to bring me one every Sunday.”
“I know, Nana. I remember picking it up with him a few times. Papa told me that he couldn’t resist the way you smiled when he brought you one.”
Nana Aileen broke down into sobs. She buried her face in her hands.
“Oh, Nana. I’m sorry.” Grant put his hand on her shoulder. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
With her face still buried in her hands, she shook her head. “It’s not you, sweetie. I just can’t bear the thought of going on without him.” She slowly lowered her hands and reached into the pocket of her pink housecoat, pulling out a white handkerchief with blue forget-me-nots in the corner. She dabbed her tears. “I know I was blessed more than most, Grant, but ya see, I’m greedy. I wanted more time with him. I lived my whole life being adored and spoiled by a wonderful man. He held my heart gently in his hand, fearful of hurting it. When they put him in the ground and threw dirt on top of him…” Nana returned her hands to her face and sobbed for a while before gathering herself to continue. “Well, he took my heart with him. It’s the worst kind of injury when someone else holds your heart and they leave. I guess a smart woman would never have handed it over. She’d be able to go on stronger at my age. I was blessed, and now I’m cursed.”
Grant took her hands from her face and held them. He didn’t know what to say or do. He almost felt a little jealous. He was sure he’d never have that kind of love and that no one would ever ache over his absence in such a way. Horrible and beautiful at the same time. He wished for it.
His thoughts momentarily flashed back to the events of the morning. There was no way Papa Joe would have made such an ass of himself. No, he was always calm and always a gentleman, not one to ride the rear end of a lady. Normally, he wouldn’t either, but he just couldn’t stand the thought of being late. Nothing bugged him more than people who were habitually late.
Nana Aileen squeezed Grant’s hand, shaking him free from his moment of self-loathing. “What’s say we eat? That coffee is calling me.” Grant could tell Nana was stretching a mask of fake strength over her face now.
“Sure thing, Nana.” Grant took her hands and helped ease her up from the chair.
“You know, it’s so weird. I’m an old woman, and my body is so fragile, but I still feel young inside. I knew I’d get old one day, and here I am, but I guess my mind is still in denial somehow.”
“You’re still the prettiest girl in Altus.” Grant kissed her on the cheek as she ease
d into the dining room chair.
“Oh, stop. You’re an old charmer like your Papa Joe. And you know you’re the spittin’ image of him.”
Grant ran his fingers through his dark blond hair. “More and more as my hairline runs away from my face.”
“Oh, pish. You still got a gorgeous head of hair. Exact same color as your papa’s. But you know, you got my eyes. We’re the only ones in the family with ice blue eyes.”
Grant raced around the corner into the kitchen to retrieve the box and the bag with the fritter. He placed it on a plate, grabbed a plate for himself, and a stack of napkins. “I know, Nana. Everyone tells me that I look like Papa. I’m gonna get us some coffee. Half and half, right?”
“That’s right, my sweet boy.”
Grant poured two cups of coffee, both with more than a splash of half and half, and returned to the dining room, taking the seat next to Nana Aileen.
“Mmm!” Nana clapped her hands once after taking the first bite of her fritter. She leaned over and kissed Grant on the cheek before licking the icing from her fingers.
Grant smiled, seeing the joy dance across her face. That was the reason that Papa Joe always got her a fritter.
“They don’t call ‘em Happy Donuts for nothin’.” Nana took another big bite.
Grant shoved his Bavarian cream donut into his mouth, coughing once on the powdered sugar that got sucked into this throat. He gave a thumbs up.
“Always did take too big a bite, just like your papa in that way too. Well, I bet you couldn’t find donuts this good in Tulsa. I guess I’d shove the whole thing in my mouth if it’d been such a long while since I’d had one. And Grant,” Nana Aileen reached out and wrapped her arm around his, leaning her head on his shoulder, “I appreciate you coming to live with your ol’ Nana. I know it’s not hip for a young man to live with an ol’ lady. But you never know, maybe you’ll find someone to marry and start a family with in this ol’ town. It’s where I found the love of my life, after all.”
“Actually, it feels good to be back. And you’re not an old lady. You’re a hip cat, and anyone would be lucky to get to live with you.”
“Oh, stop, you ol’ charmer.” Nana kissed Grant’s cheek again and took another bite of her apple fritter, dancing in her chair as she chewed. Grant looked at the wrinkles on her face and the dark spots resting on her paper-thin skin, but he could see her radiant beauty shining through from underneath. He smiled. She had the most beautiful heart of anyone he knew. She loved everyone just the way they were and never tried to change a hair on their head. If only he could be so lucky to meet a girl who could look beyond all his flaws the way Nana did, he’d be the luckiest man on earth.
After finishing her fritter and drinking her coffee, Nana leaned back in her chair and patted her flat stomach. “Well, I can’t believe I shoveled the whole thing in, but I guess I don’t have anyone to look good for anymore. May as well get good and fat. You’ll have to roll me down the hall to my room, Grant.”
“I don’t believe you could get fat if you wanted to, Nana.”
“Oh, stop.” Nana smiled. “Well, I think I’ll get my ol’ butt up and head to my room. I didn’t get much sleep last night, and with this full tummy, I just may be able to rest a little while.”
Grant stood and helped Nana out of her chair and to the bedroom. He helped her lay down on the bed and covered her with a blanket. “You got plans for today, honey? Gonna see any of your old buddies?”
“I promised I’d stop by a going away party for the teacher I’m replacing. I don’t think I’ll know anyone there but Dan.”
“Who’s Dan, now?”
“Dan Cooley. He’s the principal at Rivers, and he’s the reason I got the long-term sub job.”
“What?” Nana clapped her hands together and giggled. “That little rascal, Dan Cooley, is the principal of a school? Well, I don’t believe it.”
Grant chuckled. “Believe it, Nana. It’s true.”
“Well, I’ll be.” Nana clutched her sides as she giggled. “The only thing I ever saw him leading was a cell block riot.”
Grant shook his head, smiling. “Well, I’m glad that gave you a good laugh.” Grant kissed Nana on the cheek. “I hope you can get some rest whenever you finally stop giggling.”
“Ooooh, you need to tell him to come by for dinner. I’ve got to see how that rascal looks all grown up. I can’t believe I haven’t run into him.”
“Maybe you just don’t recognize him. Sounds like you expect to see him wearing prison stripes.”
“Ooooh.” Nana clutched her ribs even harder as she giggled, shaking the whole bed. “Grant, you little devil. I never said that.”
“You just did, Nana, not even a minute ago.”
“Oh, I guess I did. Well, I’m gettin’ old. I can get away with forgetting some shit from time to time.”
Grant’s mouth gaped open as he stared with smiling eyes at the old, giggling lady.
“Oh, honey, I’m gonna do what I wanna do and say what I wanna say from now on—even ‘shit.’”
“You’re a wild woman, Nana.” Grant smiled. “I’m glad to see you laughing and smiling again.”
Nana took Grant’s hand in hers. “It’s all because of you, my dear boy. I just don’t know how I would survive without you here to lift my spirits.”
“I’m really happy to be here. I love you.” Grant kissed her one more time before closing the blinds, turning off the light, and closing the door behind him.
He slipped out the back door and eased into the patio chair.
“Charlotte Stephens.” He sighed as he looked out over the little yard he once thought of as a grand play land.
Chapter Three
Lottie
Lottie stared at the clock. The red hand seemed to tick by as though the dial was stuck in molasses. The little third-graders’ whispers filled her ears. She couldn’t bring herself to remind them that class wasn’t over yet.
Tick. Tock. Come on. Come on.
The bell rang out, and Lottie jumped up and quick-stepped to the door, offering her “see you tomorrows” and “have a nice days” as the children rustled passed with their backpacks and sprinted down the halls.
Eh, let the other teachers remind them to “walk, not run” today.
Lottie’s energy and will to discipline for something she wanted to do herself were lacking.
Once the classroom was empty, she grabbed her purse and tote stuffed with papers that required grading and slipped down the back hallway, fumbling quietly inside for her car keys. She slid out the door and headed straight for the parking lot, only to find Beth, grinning from ear to ear, leaning against the driver’s side door of her car.
“Going somewhere?” Beth tilted her head. “I don’t know why you think you can get anything by me anymore.”
Lottie dropped her purse to the ground and threw her head back. “Ugh, well, it was worth a try, warden.”
Beth strutted over in a very George Jefferson manner and scooped Lottie’s purse from the ground, placed her hand on Lottie’s back, and turned her to face the school. “Now you get your little butt back in there, young lady. You’re not missing this going away party.”
“All right.” Lottie stopped in her tracks. “Let me just say this one thing. I’ve had a horrible day, and I’m never going to see her again. It’s not like we were close. What difference does it make if I go?”
Beth raised her brows and put her hand on her hip. “The difference it makes is that if you leave, I have to suffer in silence. Now get back in there and make this bearable for me.”
Lottie stomped her foot. “Fiiiiiiine. You’re a real selfish butt sometimes, you know that?”
“Yes, I know. But so are you. And that’s why we love each other so much.” Beth took Lottie’s hand and dragged her into the school.
When the pair walked into the break room, they noticed everyone was crowded in one corner of the room.
“Let’s go get in line to say our goodbyes.”
Beth pulled Lottie closer to the gaggle of elementary school teachers. She stopped when they reached the perimeter of the group. “I don’t even see Melissa.” She leaned from side to side to search around the group.
A tap on her shoulder caused Lottie to twist around. Melissa was standing behind her. Lottie hugged her. “Hey, Melissa. We were just waiting to see you.” She pulled back, smiling wide with her best “I’m so happy to be here” smile.
Beth hugged Melissa too and motioned to the group with her thumb. “If you’re right here, what the crap is going on over there?”
Melissa shrugged and shook her head. Beth took Melissa’s hand and shoved her way through the group. “Hey, everyone, our honored guest is here.”
The rumbling voices momentarily hushed before roaring up again with greetings to Melissa. Beth emerged from the crowd with a grin on her face.
“What’s that look for?” Lottie shook her head. She knew that look. Every time she saw it, Beth was either already up to no good or plotting to be. Lottie thought about sprinting for the door, but there was something about Beth’s shenanigans she never could quite resist.
“Melissa’s replacement is here.” Beth waggled both her eyebrows and her shoulders. Her tongue darted from her mouth like a snake. “Got a nice set of pheromones, that one.”
“Oh my god, Beth. You know he can probably hear you.” Lottie covered Beth’s mouth but quickly pulled her hand away when Beth’s wet tongue swiped the palm of her hand. She wiped her hand on her skirt. “Gross, what are you, five?”
“I learn the best tricks from my students.” Beth grinned. “Seriously, you’ve got to come see this guy. He’s a cutie. No wonder everyone’s crowded around him.” Beth grabbed Lottie’s arm, but she quickly pulled it back.
“There are people talking to him. Why don’t we just wait?”
“We’ll be waiting a long time then. We’ve got to get in there. Most of these ladies are married. They don’t need to be occupying his time. I didn’t see a ring on his finger.” Beth sang the last line.
“So what?” Lottie rolled her eyes. “I have one on mine.” Holding up her hand, she reminded Beth of the silver band on her finger.
Easy Love Page 2