Lily White Lies(104)

“Joker you old son-of-a-bitch, I thought you’d be bald by now.”

Joker ran a hand through his hair and replied, “Hell, I thought you’d be dead.”

As Gramp motioned him in, he rallied back, “I’ll piss on your grave...”

“I’ll dance on yours.” Joker said with a laugh.

Joker hesitated briefly before accepting Gramp’s extended hand.

“I was real sorry to hear about Gayle. She was a good woman,” Gramp said in his most sincere voice.

“The best...” Shaking his head, he repeated in a whisper, “The best.”

As Gram made her way from the table, Joker released Gramp from their grip and said, “With the exception of your lovely wife that is. I hope you’re smart enough to thank the good Lord every goddam day of your life for giving her to you.”

Gramp looked devotedly at Gram and replied, “I certainly do.”

“Cybil, I’ve never seen you look lovelier.”

Leaning in for a hug, Gram replied, “Smooth as ever, you are.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. I began the evening praying they could be civil to each other long enough to make it through the entire party but got more than I hoped for watching their playful banter. They reminded me of the young boys they had each described, even after so many years and tragedies.

Gramp poured Joker a drink while Gram tried to talk him into eating. Joker declined and then called my grandparents, Con and me into an adjoining room.

With all of us in the room, he closed the door and took a minute to organize his thoughts.

“I have something I’d like to say and I’d appreciate it if you all could keep your commentary and opinions—which I’m sure you’ll have—to yourselves until I’m finished.” When no one opposed his request, he continued, “Stewart, I don’t know if you’re my oldest living friend or my oldest living enemy, but either way, you were there for me when I needed someone most and had no one else to turn to and for that, I am forever grateful. You gave me the one thing in the world that all my money couldn’t buy and for that, thank you isn’t enough.” He lowered his head briefly. “I have decided that it’s time for old Joker to retire and unfortunately, that leaves my very loyal housekeeper out of work. I was thinking that if your Karen were to come live here... just maybe Ivory could come live with you... to take care of your daughter, of course. I’ll see to it that she’s well compensated for her work here, you just provide the bed.”

Gramp cut in, “Now don’t you go being all nice, you’re scaring me,” with a laugh.

Bent slightly and holding his stomach as if it hurt from laughter, Joker said, “Hell, I’m scaring myself here.”

His expression becoming more serious, he turned toward Con. “Connor, my boy. You’ve always been a grandson to be proud of even if I didn’t say it enough. Hell, even if I didn’t say it at all, I was always proud. You’ve never taken a goddam thing from me and I don’t know if that makes you stupid or truly commendable, but it’s high time that changed.” Pulling several sheets of folded paper from the inside of his lapel, he handed them to Con, and said, “This here is a contract I had drawn up today. It simply states that Willoughby Manor, including Wisteria Falls will become yours on the day you marry,” casting his eyes in my direction, he added, “and I’m hoping that day will come soon.”

“Grandpa...”

“Don’t grandpa me boy. You are my only heir and the most deserving person I know. Say thank you and leave it at that.”

Con replied, “Thank you.”

Joker offered a short nod and turned his attention to me, his eyes glistening in the light.

“You’re getting a fine man in my grandson; you hear what I’m saying?” I nodded and he continued. “But... he’s getting a fine gal in you. If the two of you truly love each other, let nothing come between you... ever... you hear what I’m saying. I’ve let things come between me and most of the people I cared about,” casting his glance toward Gramp, he continued, “and that’s one of my biggest regrets in life.” Composing himself, he added, “You keep the journal I gave you. Between the pages you’ll find the answer to what love really is.”

He gave my arm a squeeze and turned toward my grandmother. “Cybil, I don’t’ think he’ll ever realize just how goddamn lucky he was. You keep reminding him, you hear. Don’t let him forget for a day.”

Gram nodded and gave him a hug before he turned his attention to Gramp.

“We’ve been through the mill, haven’t we? What do you say... time to hang up the shotguns and let the man upstairs decide?”