Page 30 of Here Comes Santa Paws

The faux innocence in Gramps’s voice had me narrowing my eyes at him. Then I aimed my glare at Roman.

“Did you know he was my grandfather?”

His nod was small but visible.

“And why didn’t you say anything?”

“I figured there was a reason he hadn’t told you, so I didn’t. Medical confidentiality.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Are you using HIPAA to try and get yourself out of this?”

“Maybe?” The playful glint in his eye and teasing smile melted my annoyance.

“Come in.” I stood back and gestured for him to enter.

He complied and eyed my dogs warily. To keep them out of his hair, I pulled their special bones off the table next to the door and tossed them to the other side of the living room.

“Dinner smells good.” Roman eyed my plate.

“Tastes good too. Want some? There’s lots extra.”

He shook his head. “Just ate, but thanks.”

“I told you my grandson was a great cook. Speaking of dinner, you should join us for Thanksgiving tomorrow.” Gramps dropped the bomb without any warning.

“Thanksgiving?” Roman asked after a prolonged silence.

“You know, lots of food, football, great desserts. We’ll be here. Come over if you don’t have plans.” Gramps dropped the invitation casually, which, I had to admit, was probably the best way to approach it with Roman.

It left me wondering about their dynamic during Gramps’s PT appointments.

“I don’t have any plans.” Roman glanced at me.

“You should come,” I said, meaning it.

“Maybe.”

I sent Gramps a warning glare to not pressure him, then looked back at Roman. “You came over to ask me something?”

“Right. I bought a few things to take Carol on walks and wanted your thoughts on them.”

I glanced at Gramps, who seemed to be fighting a smile as hard as I was.

“Sure, let’s go. Gramps, be right back.” I pulled on my shoes and followed Roman out.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt dinner,” he said as we walked to his place.

“Not an interruption. I already ate the best part. The salad will keep.” I gave him my best attempt at a withering look, which made his lips twitch. “I finally learned that the two of you have been keeping a secret from me.” I kept my tone playful, even if I was still a bit peeved. More at Gramps than Roman. I didn’t appreciate Gramps trying to pull our puppet strings.

Roman opened his door and moved to the side to let me in. Carol, cozy on her fancy bed, opened one eye, stared at me for several beats, then closed it.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about working with Jim.”

“Don’t worry. He’s the one who should’ve said something. It’s not your place as his PT. What’s it like?”

Roman chuckled. “The appointments with him are always interesting.”

“I can imagine. He’s a handful at the best of times.”

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