Page 82 of The Best of Times
If only he’d stuck to the original plan.
The clock said it was coming up to seven. Granny would be up soon. She had always been an early riser and on her wedding day, Aron suspected that would be in full force.
He had to get himself together for the sake of her. He had no idea how he and Paul were going to cover up this huge chasm that had formed between them since he’d last seen Granny and the Professor. Of course, it helped they wouldn’t have to see each other until the ceremony. He still had time to get his emotions under control. Even if he let the odd tear out, he could say the day had overwhelmed him.
He took in the room that had been his refuge many times over the years. When he’d run to Granny after his mother had disowned him. After his grandfather had died and he’d wanted to help her. The pandemic when he’d soared with joy at the affair with Paul then crashed when Paul had taken off with no warning. He’d cried many tears within these four walls.
At least it all made sense now. Finally. Even so, Aron considered it unfair that he had to pay for something that had happened way before he came on the scene.
There were so many questions in his mind. Had Paul sought professional help for the trauma? Why did he possibly think he and Aron would find themselves in a similar situation? Most of all he wanted to ask him why he’d even started something when he knew he was shouldering this burden. Did he not consider Aron’s feelings once?
No matter what happened, he vowed to find these things out before they both left London. After the wedding today, they would be in each other’s lives for good. Things had to ease. Even if they were relegated to cautious in-laws. Events would be shared and they must find a way to be in the same room as each other. Otherwise, Granny and the Professor might blame themselves. Aron would not let that happen.
His mind was spinning. Aron made a vow to seek Alexander and Mercury out at the wedding reception. They might be able to give him some advice. At that stage, he would take anything.
Before he had the chance to formulate any more plans, he heard movement downstairs. He absolutely must bury this and focus on Granny. She deserved the most perfect day and he would make sure she got it.
His body ached as he got out of bed and threw on his dressing gown. He must look an absolute fright. He flatly refused to check himself in the mirror for confirmation.
Instead, he made his way down the stairs to the kitchen. Granny had already fired up the coffee machine. The comforting smell filling the room.
“Good morning, bride-to-be.”
She shook her head. “At my age too. Who would have thought it? Coffee?”
“Please,” he said, sitting at the table.
She set about making the drinks. When she glanced over at him, she stopped.
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
“Nothing. Why would anything be wrong on today of all days?”
“You never could lie to me.”
That was true. Every childhood fib she’d busted like an overzealous private detective. Some they’d kept as secrets. Others, she’d gently coaxed him to tell the truth about.
“Honestly, it’s not worth talking about.”
She poured two mugs of coffee and placed one in front of him.
“Something has caused you to lose sleep. Eye bags don’t lie, Aron.”
He would have to put an ice pack on his eyes otherwise he’d look terrible in the photographs.
“Gee, thanks.”
“Aron,” she said sternly. “I do not enjoy guessing games.”
“You might have said that before charades yesterday.”
Granny put her hands on her hips. “I also do not like unfunny jokes unless they come out of a Christmas cracker. I’m waiting.”
“Granny. It’s your day today. I’ll tell you tomorrow.”
She sipped her drink slowly. This was a tried and tested method to put him off his balance.
“I won’t enjoy my day until I know what is troubling you. Besides, I’m the bride and must be obeyed. So that means you have to tell me,” she said eventually. “Sticking my nose into other people’s business is my favourite pastime. I’m to be indulged.”
