Page 31 of A Perfect Pairing
“Then I’d better take this jacket.”
Antonio escorted her to his car, helped her in, and got them under way. He knew she enjoyed jazz, so he selected a playlist from Spotify and turned the volume down some.
“This is nice.” She leaned forward to read the track information. “I’m going to have to download some of this music.”
He looked over at her briefly. “Download?”
“Yes. Your father bought me one of these fancy phones, so I figured I should learn how to use it. I have all my music on it, so when I want to sit outside while relaxing, I don’t have to worry about lugging out that big old boom box from thirty years ago.”
Evidently, he’d been more out of the loop than he thought.
“What? Just because I’m pushing eighty doesn’t mean I have to act like I’ve got one foot in the grave. I plan to live every day to the fullest until it’s my time.”
He chuckled. “I didn’t say anything.” Antonio couldn’t imagine a time when he wouldn’t have his grandmother in his life. She’d always been in his corner, even with her gentle discipline when he’d gotten out of line as a kid. He didn’t think she’d missed one of his high school basketball games and had often cheered the loudest. Back then his grandfather had been there as well. “Are you ready for your party in two weeks?”
“Just about. I hope you didn’t forget you’re supposed to be bringing Natasha.”
“You haven’t let me forget, Grandma.” Not that he had. In fact, he was looking forward to having her by his side almost as much as the party itself. Once again his body heated recalling what took place earlier, particularly when she’d boldly stroked him. Antonio thought it best to get his mind off Natasha and what he wanted to do to her and focus on the conversation at hand. “I’ll be over sometime that Friday before to help Dad and Nate set up the backyard.” At last count, at least eighty people had RSVP’d in the affirmative. Fortunately, their yard could hold that number easily.
“How are the renovations coming at Velda’s? You and Natasha working okay?”
“Everything’s going fine.”
“Good. There haven’t been any more incidents like that first day, with her running off upset, have there?” She peered over her glasses at him.
Damn, how many people know about that?“No. We’ve worked out our differences.”
She patted his thigh. “I knew you’d come to your senses.”
Antonio opened his mouth to ask what she meant but decided he didn’t want to know. Besides, she’d know everything soon. They passed the remaining miles catching up on all he’d missed over the years, from new babies to marriages and deaths. As they came closer to the facility, he noticed his grandmother had gotten quiet, her features lined with concern.
“You can just park over there near the door on the left.”
He followed her directions.
“I sure hope he’s having a good day today,” she said, seemingly more to herself, as they walked toward the entrance.
His heart clenched, and he searched for the right words to say. “I believe that no matter what kind of day he’s having, his soul will know you even if his mind doesn’t.”
“Thank you for saying that, sweetheart.” She gave him a sad smile.
As they walked through the automatic doors and to the receptionist, he took in the modern yet rustic feel of the place, mentally cataloging everything.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Hayes.”
“Hello, Portia. This is my grandson Antonio.”
Antonio greeted the young woman.
“I believe Mr. Hayes is in the garden. It’s his favorite place.”
“Thank you, dear.” She led Antonio through the lobby and another set of doors to a secluded and gated outdoor area. Her face lit up when she saw his grandfather, and she swiftly crossed the space to his side.
A middle-aged man sat near his grandfather but stood at their approach and hugged his grandmother. “How are you, Mrs. Hayes? He’s been asking about his Nora today.”
She answered his question, introduced him to Antonio as Tyson, his grandfather’s aide, then took the chair next to her husband. “If it isn’t the most handsome man in the world.”
His grandfather’s expression went from confusion to recognition, and his lips curved into a wide smile. “My beautiful Nora.” He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
