Page 42 of An Engagement for Erica

“The confusion that my grandfather’s having. How long do you think something like that will last and what should I do about it?”

“It could last a few days or a few months,” Dr. James said. “If you can play along with things to not aggravate him, that is my best advice. It’s not always possible, I understand. You’re a smart man and will figure it out.”

“Thanks,” he said. “Maybe tomorrow will be better. I’ll come first thing.”

“It will most likely relieve your mind to see him in the morning,” Dr. James said. “He’ll be stronger after having had a good night’s rest.”

He nodded, thanked the doctor again and left.

Tucker got to his car and sent Alice an email to cancel everything scheduled for him the next morning.

Then he emailed Erica to say he’d be in later and if she needed anything to text, but he was going to visit his grandfather.

He wasn’t surprised when his phone went off with a reply before he even pulled out of the parking lot.

He glanced at it quickly. Erica said she had it covered and to spend the time with his grandfather. To let her know if there was anything she could do.

He didn’t want to think about what he might have to ask her and hoped to hell tomorrow would be different.

15

MESSED UP IN THE HEAD

“You want me to do what?” Erica asked on Friday afternoon. There is no way she heard him correctly.

“I’m sorry,” Tucker said. “I know it’s unorthodox, but I don’t want to upset him. He thinks you’re my fiancée. He said it’s what he’s looking forward to to give him the energy to fight. I talked to your father today and he said my grandfather isn’t progressing as well as he’d hoped.”

“I’m sorry for that,” she said. “But you’re asking me to lie about us getting married when we’ve never even been on a date.”

This was crazy in her eyes.

“I get it,” he said. “No one has to know about it. It’s only a little lie. He asked to see you. I thought maybe after work today, we could go visit. I could introduce you. I don’t even have to say you’re my fiancée. Just introduce yourself. He’ll think what he wants in his head.”

“Tucker,” she said. “My father is his doctor. How do you think that is going to work?”

“We won’t say that to my grandfather. Do you think your father is going to say anything?”

“No,” she said. “I might not even see him.”

“That’s right. With any luck he’ll be discharged this weekend. I’ve got nurses lined up to stay at his house and then we’ll figure out physical therapy after. If I can have it all done at the house, that is my goal.”

“Everyone has a price,” she said. A price they were willing to pay and Tucker obviously didn’t have a limit of care for his grandfather.

“Does that mean you’ll do it?” he asked.

“I didn’t sayIhad a price,” she rushed out to say. “I meant help for your grandfather. I’d never take money for that. What do you take me for?”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m messed up in the head. I’m trying to run this company that is already struggling. I thought we were on the right track with you here and then this happened and there is massive chaos.”

She knew things had been rough at work this week.

She was hearing it during her interviews.

She’d even stepped in to talk with some of the senior level managers at Tucker’s urging using her expertise from her past projects.

“I’m plugging gaps where I can,” she said. “Offering encouragement and getting them to remain focused.”

“I appreciate it more than I can say,” he said. “I’d be so lost without you.”

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