Page 4 of Arse Over Irish Teacup
The waiter looked at Beth and said he would return with the wine list.
“Sorry. Work call.”
That was a flimsy excuse to interrupt their date but Beth would forgive it. It was hard not to with the restaurant being so intimate with the candlelight, dark, rich colors, and romantic Italian dinner music. “That’s okay. What is it you do?”
“I deal in fine antiques.”
“That’s interesting. How do you find the antiques?”
“I have a few contacts. Funeral homes and such. I also read the obituaries.”
Beth’s stomach rolled.
The waiter reappeared and presented Beth with the wine list, then practically tossed the list at Danny. Too bad he caught the menu.
Danny looked over the wine list. It couldn’t be said that he read over the list because neanderthals rarely read, but without asking Beth what she might like, ordered a bottle of Chianti.
“So, who was that yelling at you when you were coming to the car?”
“Oh, that was my friend Lauren. She’s watching Gram while I’m with you.”
“Watching your grandmother?”
“Yeah, Gram has tuberculosis. It’s a tricky disease, and she got it when she was a child, so it wasn’t treated properly.” Danny’s eyes glazed over so she wrapped things up. “Anyway, I became a nurse so I could take care of her myself.”
“Why? Couldn’t you just put her in a home?”
Beth should have gotten angry, but she reminded herself that some people didn’t understand. Gram had given up so much when she took Beth in after her parents died in that car accident. If there was anyone Beth would happily sacrifice herself for, it was Gram. But it wasn’t a sacrifice at all.
“I don’t agree. She took me in and raised me after my parents died. I haven’t given up anything. I was and still am happy that I get to help her, be there with her. I’m not at all resentful.” And she meant that with all her heart. Danny couldn’t understand that. Beth enjoyed nursing. It meant she made a difference and helped people.
“So, how close is she to dying? Call me if you have anything you want to sell.”
Beth blinked, unable to reply. It was moments like this when she wished she were more like Lauren. If she were, instead of sitting there mute, looking like a deer in headlights, she would have called him a meathead, thrown her water in his face and left. Thank the Lord for the waiter who appeared with the bottle of wine and poured Beth a glass first. She thanked him with a grateful smile, drank the entire glass then held it out for an immediate refill. This was going to be a long night.
* * *
“Okay, the game is Texas Hold Em. Deuces are wild,” Gram said as she shuffled a deck of cards.
“I thought you wanted to watch a movie?”
“I’m old and entitled to change my mind.”
Lauren, remembering another treat she had inside her purse sprang from her seat to retrieve the item. Gram smiled when Lauren returned with one of her favorite cigars.
A good cigar, a fine whiskey, and a game of poker. That’s all Gram needed to be happy. She took the cigar from Laurens hand and ran it under her nose inhaling its fragrant aroma. Then placed it down on the table beside her glass. “I can’t smoke this.”
“Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m fine. Just a little more tired than usual is all. Nothing to worry about.”
There were only two things Gram loved more than whiskey: Bethany and a good cigar. Lauren hid her concern like a pro. “That’s okay, you can be like Elvis and just hold it between your teeth,” Gram dealt the cards and Lauren sat examining her hand. “Funny the guy didn’t come to the door to meet Beth.”
“Yes, I don’t like his name either. What grown man calls himself Danny? An arsehole if you ask me. But Bethany can take care of herself. If he’s no good, she’ll know and give him the heave ho.”
“But that’s only because that’s all she dates. I’m afraid she won’t know the real thing when it comes along! She shouldn’t be left on the shelf!” Lauren whined.
“I know.” Gram studied her cards for a moment then looked up. “Do you really think he eats swiss chard?”
