Page 130 of The Promise Of Rain
He showed me his cell phone before putting it down on my dresser.“My parents called.They’d like us to come over for dinner.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow.”
25
The Centre of Everything
Deacon
Going to St.Michael’s now that the visiting ban had lifted seemed like the best way to prepare Jenny for dinner with my parents.The day was grey and drizzly, and today of all days, Jenny needed warmth and sunshine.There wasn’t much sunnier than a good dose of Ansel and Darlene.
And with Darlene being my grandmother, I wanted Jenny to know we had at least one family member in our corner.
A few of the nurses waved at Jenny as we passed by, shaking the rain from our heads.They must have discerned I was harmless because they eyed me with less reservation than usual.
We walked down the hall to the small family lounge and found Ansel and my grandma sitting together.It was busy as usual, but they had eked out a corner for the four of us.
Nerves assailed me, especially after noting the virus left both of them in wheelchairs.
“Ansel?”Jenny slowed her pace.
“Jenny.”He smiled weakly though his eyes shone bright.“You walk in and the whole world lights up.”
With my hand to the small of her back, I urged her forward.
“Ansel.”I shook his hand then leaned over and kissed my grandmother’s cheek.
“Hi, Darling,” she said.
“You okay?”
She shrugged.“Meh.A little tired.”
I pulled two chairs over for Jenny and me to fit in between their wheelchairs.
Jenny and Ansel sat with their heads together, laughing.
Giving me a serious look, my grandma tipped her forehead towards Ansel and Jenny.“If you’re going to ask him, you shouldn’t wait too long.”
I inhaled deeply.“She’s not ready.”
She patted my hand.“She doesn’t have to be.She just needs to know you asked and he gave his blessing.”
I smiled.My grandmother would have cleaned up in Vegas.“Think you can distract her?”
She winked at me.“Jenny, would you mind wheeling me down to my room?I want something from my closet, and it might be fun for you to see.”
Jenny stood, a wide smile on her face.“Sure, Darlene.”Moving behind her wheelchair, she leaned toward her and asked, “Do you want to go fast and stir up some trouble?”
Grandma snorted.“Like you have to ask.”
I laughed as Jenny wheeled her out, pretending to take the corner on one wheel.Once they cleared the door, Jenny broke into a jog.
One of the older nurses called after her, “Jenny Davis, I’ll tan your hide!”
“It’s the fuzz!”Grandma yelled.
