Charlotte reached over and took hold of my hand, biting down on her lower lip for several seconds before speaking.
“Meg, would you like us to be there tomorrow... when Brian gets back?”
I gave her hand a squeeze. “For moral support?”
“Of course.”
“And seeing him squirm would be the icing on the cake, right?”
“Of course.” She tried to hide her pleasure. “Actually, that would be my main reason for being there with moral support coming in a close second.”
“Ahh... brutal candor with a side of compassion...” I balled up my napkin, leaving it on my empty plate. “I think I’m going to have to do this alone.”
“Well, don’t let him put you in slumper before the party.” Cory insisted.
“Not a chance.” I laid my hand gently on her shoulder as I rounded the table. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow at... what? Four?”
“Wearing party smiles and carrying umbrellas!” Cory laughed.
I offered an apprehensive smile as I waved a last goodbye.
I spent the twenty-minute ride to Willoughby rehearsing what I would say when Gram asked me about Brian. I thought it might be a good idea to test her reaction before I made my announcement to everyone we knew. Of course, Brian would make me out to be the villain in front of our mutual friends and a part of me feels as though I deserve that. As badly as I feel for him, I know that sympathy isn’t enough to sustain a lasting relationship and I would be doing him a greater injustice to go ahead with our plans. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make it any easier and won’t justify my decision in his mind.
As I put the car in park, I smiled through my envy. I watched as my grandparents slowly swayed back and forth on a glider, hand in hand, the picture of contentment. Like Nelda and Marco, not a word had to pass between them for their hearts to communicate. Why couldn’t I find that?
“Hey you two, just taking it easy today?”
Gram offered a slight wave with her free hand.
“Just a breather between chores, Sugar,” Gramp said. “But, this is a nice surprise. Thought you’d be too busy with your party and all to make it out here anytime soon.”
My voice took on a defensive tone even though I knew he wasn’t being sarcastic. “I’m never too busy for you.”
Gramp slowly stood. “Nothing wrong with keeping busy.”
He straightened himself with the help of a nearby railing and I instinctively grimaced as a jolt of pain contorted his face. Gram motioned me into the house as Gramp leaned in to place a kiss on my cheek.
“I’ll leave you ladies to your gossip and Cybil... you mind your tongue.”
She shooed him with her hand, and mumbled, “Oh, you mind your manners.”
Offering him a look of mock annoyance, she pressed a hand against my back, aiding me through the open door.
Once in the kitchen, she put away several dishes that had been sitting on the counter and poured us each a glass of ginger ale before finally joining me at the table. She sat staring at the glass she clutched with both hands, as her fingernail slowly tapped a rhythmic beat on its edge.
“Gram, is something wrong?”
She stood and took several small steps to the door. Seemingly assured that we would not be disturbed, she hurried back to her chair and held my attention with her eyes for several seconds before speaking.
“Gayle died.”
I knew that my next words were a mistake as I said them, but it wasn’t enough to stop them from making their way out.
“Gramp’s Gayle?”
“Sweet bejesus child, what’s that old fool been filling your head with? I told you before, she was never his...” Her words trailed off and she suddenly grew pensive. “Oh, I do wonder what Joker will do now.”
Her concern for a man my grandfather hated seemed a little unusual, but I didn’t have the nerve to ask about something that didn’t concern me directly.
“Is there anything I can do for either of you?”
She gave my question brief thought. “No child, let the chips fall where they may.” She took a sip of her soda, and said, “Speaking of Karen, I hear she entertained you during your last visit.”
I looked at her curiously. It was obvious she was too preoccupied to focus on the conversation we were having, her mind running off in another direction.
Ignoring her error, I answered, “Uh... I did... she did entertain me, but I have to tell you, I wasn’t expecting it and it scared me.”
“Yes, Norma said. I was elated to hear of her progress, but then we got the news...” She stood and headed toward the window. “Oh, would you look at me, dwelling on the negative.” She turned to face me and offered one, confident nod of her head. “I’m delighted for my little girl and I’m not going to let anything or anyone ruin that.”