Page 63 of Always Be True: Tino
Chapter 17
Early Tuesday morning, Tino followed her into her grandfather’s driveway. They’d come in separate cars. She had to head directly back to the office after their visit with her grandfather, and Tino needed to meet up with his brother.
She took a deep breath before getting out. Funny, but she was more nervous about introducing Tino to her grandfather than having him meet her parents. She’d never admit it to them, but Cyrus’s opinion carried more weight. Yes, she’d hoped they would like the new man in her life, but she actually wanted her grandfather to approve of Tino.
She also suspected Tino realized that there was more riding on this visit than just the chance to meet another member of her family. Instead of his usual T-shirt and jeans, he’d worn a sports shirt and khakis. “Ready for this?”
He nodded as he studied her grandfather’s home. She tried to see the sprawling brick house through Tino’s eyes. It had been built in the late nineteenth century by one of the lesser-known timber barons, who had spared no expense in the process.
Tino tipped his head back, maybe to better see the upper floor. “Nice place. My dad used to drive us through this area and point out the different elements of construction that went into building the various styles of houses. I’d guess this one has been around for a hundred and twenty years, maybe more.”
“You’re right on the money. It was pretty run-down when my grandparents bought it, but apparently it was love at first sight. It took a lot to restore the place to its former glory, but they both thought it was worth the effort. Although they did upgrade the wiring and plumbing, they kept as much of the original style as they could.”
Tino did a slow turn. “The grounds are beautiful, too. Someone did a nice job of planning the landscaping. Elegant without being fussy.”
His assessment pleased her. “That was my grandmother’s doing. Some of my fondest memories are helping her weed the flower beds and cutting bouquets to bring into the house. Grandpa always claimed I had a real eye for arranging the flowers, but I suspect he only said that to make me happy. I distinctly remember liking the way dandelions looked mixed in with roses.”
Leaning into Tino’s strength, she sighed. “I really miss Grandma, but I always feel close to her when I walk the grounds here. She was especially proud of the rose garden out back.”
Tino put his hand on the small of her back as they started up the steps to the door. “If it was one of her rosebushes that beagle dug up, I’m surprised your grandfather didn’t end up with a doggy-skin rug nailed up on the fence. You know, to serve as a warning to any other marauding critters in the area.”
That comment had her relaxing for the first time all morning. “That sounds like something Grandpa would threaten to do, but he’d never go through with it.”
Esther opened the door before they reached the top step. “Good morning. I’m glad you got here on time. Your grandfather has been watching the clock and mumbling under his breath about the darn thing running slow.”
Natalie hugged her and then stood back to perform the introductions. “Esther Carlin, this is my friend, Tino Gianelli. Esther is Grandfather’s housekeeper, but she’s really family.”
“It’s nice to meet you, ma’am. Natalie has regaled me with stories about your amazing baking skills.”
The older woman blushed but looked pleased. “I don’t know about amazing, but I try. I made some of Natalie’s favorite muffins today, but they’re nothing fancy. The day is nice enough that Cyrus might like to sit outside for a while. The sunshine would do him some good.”
That didn’t sound promising. “How is he feeling today?”
Esther’s smile dimmed a little. “As well as can be expected for a cantankerous old coot. He’ll perk up once you’re with him, though, and getting to visit with someone new will help. You know how he likes having an audience.”
“So true. He’ll also be happy to find out that Tino is a chess player.”
“Oh, yeah, he’ll love that. It’s not often he finds a new victim to play with.” Esther grinned at Tino. “Sorry, I mean a new opponent.”
Tino winked at Esther. “I’ll do my best to prove a worthy opponent—or victim if that’s how it works out. I guess it all depends on how well matched the two of us are.”
“Well, don’t let that old man run roughshod over you. He loves a challenge and will respect you more for standing up to him.”
Esther turned her attention back to Natalie. “I’ll let you wheel your grandfather out to the patio. By the time you get him settled in, the refreshments will be ready.”
“Sounds great, Esther. Now, we’d better go find him.”
She took Tino’s hand and led him toward her grandfather’s library. The old man was sitting in his wheelchair near the door. He was pretending to read the newspaper, but she suspected he’d been eavesdropping on their conversation with Esther.
“Hi, Grandpa, how are you doing today?”
“Not bad for a— What was it that woman called me?” His eyes narrowed as he continued, “Oh, yes, I remember now. A cantankerous old coot. I believe that’s how she described me.”
Natalie couldn’t help but laugh. “You know if you behaved yourself once in a while, she wouldn’t have a reason to complain about you. Besides, we both know I love you no matter how grumpy you get or maybe even because of how grumpy you get.”
“Brat, you’re as bad as she is.” Then he laughed as he held his cheek up for a kiss. “So, introduce me to your young man.”
“Tino, this is my grandfather, Cyrus Waines. Grandpa, this is Tino Gianelli, the friend I told you about.”
