Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“Yeah, it was a nice send-off.” My gaze darts around the rooms. “Why was Rosie here? Was she looking for me?”
Our final lunch together was nice. We talked more in-depth about Grandpa, and I realized how well she’d gotten to know him. I’m hoping to keep in touch with her after I leave.
“Not exactly. She said she changed her mind about keeping something you offered her?”
“Oh yeah. The angel collection. She really likes those figurines, and I’ll have no use for them.” Besides, it makes me feel good that she’ll cherish something of Grandpa’s.
“He collected angels?” Aaron asks, his gaze swinging to the leftover boxes in the foyer. I get why it surprises him. Most of the hoarding involved paper products, fishing gear, useless tools, and broken trinkets.
“Honestly? I think he did it for her.” Grandpa wasn’t religious in any way, shape, or form, not like Rosie is. “He must’ve known she liked them, so he kept amassing more, displaying them in different rooms so she could see them.”
Aaron smiles sadly. “That was so nice of him.”
“He had his moments.” I swallow roughly. “Well, I’m gonna—”
“Before you head upstairs, what do you think of this color?”
I glance at the wall he’s recently painted. It’s a cross between beige and tan.
“I like it fine.”
“Just fine, huh?”
Fuck, now I sound ungrateful. I’ve never been much for decor—not like I’ve ever owned a place of my own. Obviously, I’m perfectly fine renting a tiny room in LA.
“Sorry, have a lot on my mind. I’m totally grateful you know what you’re doing and can help me with these decisions.”
“Of course.” When he smiles, I blow out a breath. “Hey, have a drink with me later? I brought some bubbly and put it in the fridge.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“A toast to your grandfather, whom I’ve never met but feel like I have working in his house surrounded by his things.”
“Huh. I hadn’t thought about it that way.”
He waves a hand. “I get overly sentimental about these things. It’s just… He obviously enjoyed the architecture style and time period, given some of the things he collected.”
His insight catches me by surprise. “What do you mean?”
He dips his head as if embarrassed. “I know it’s silly, but I notice that a lot of the magazines and newspapers he held on to had articles depicting the Renaissance period or Gothic Revival.”
I blink, considering all the stuff we tossed that seemed like pure junk, but I suppose there was a method to the madness. “Holy shit. You’re right.” It also explains why he was so hooked on historical documentaries and shows. If only I’d connected the dots…
Aaron has only been here for a short time, but it’s as if he knows my grandfather better than I do. I suddenly feel guilty for not appreciating his interests or asking more questions to get to know him better.
“Architectural nerd here,” he calls after me as I excuse myself to head upstairs. “Just ignore me.”
I’m actually glad he pointed it out, and I’ll have to thank him again after I gather myself and my emotions. “I’ll be back down in a bit for that toast.”
17
JOHN
I sweep fallen twigs from the deck to prep for my family’s arrival. It’s our usual monthly get-together that we try hard not to miss. The tradition started with my parents, and thanks to Aunt Dina’s urging, we still carry it on without fail.
I’m still distracted by Micah’s invitation to accompany him to LA and continue to feel conflicted about my answer. I have a feeling that once Grandpa Malone’s house is sold, that’s it for Micah and the town of Aqua Vista. It’s possible I’ll never see him again.
Christ, will I ever get over this man?
Maybe not in this lifetime.
As I season the meat, I feel a yearning for a heart-to-heart with my mom. She would know what to do in this situation. Instead, maybe I’ll ask my siblings for advice before Micah arrives. I invited him this morning by text because he’s been part of this tradition, and I’d like him here for nostalgia’s sake. And for my sake. Besides, he’s alone and might appreciate the company.
I fire up the grill and think about LA. Struggling with the decision is about more than just leaving my business in other people’s hands. It’s not like I never disappear for a few hours for a hookup or to get supplies, but it’s true that I’m so damned tied to my bar that a road trip feels strange, let alone with Micah. I’ll admit I felt like a fish out of water the time I visited him in the city, so maybe it’s a good idea to experience that again, maybe gain a new perspective. It might help settle things once and for all.
Besides, if this is his big break and he gets his dream role, then the distance will feel even greater. And I’ll be happy for him because it’s what he wants. And probably what he needs.