Page 15 of One Golden Ring
“Of course, um… Derek,” I say, almost reverting back to Mr. Lockwood in all the commotion.
Thankfully, Michael is too busy concentrating on taking another tiny sip of water to notice.
I scramble out to the dining hall, wondering how I’m supposed to eat when I’m worried like this. But when the chef appears with a pitcher of water and tells me he’s going to make me some Christmas crêpes, I suddenly think that I might just be able to choke something down after all.
At least it will give me something to do while I wait to find out what’s going to happen with Michael.
A moment later I’ve got another steaming cup of coffee in front of me and a plate of gorgeous crêpes stuffed with sweet cream, strawberries, and kiwi—I guess it’s the color of the red and green fruit that make theseChristmascrêpes.
They smell incredible and I’m about to dig in when Derek appears.
“The ambulance is here,” he tells me, pulling out a chair. “Old Doc Waterson is here too. He pulled me aside and told me to leave so Michael wouldn’t think he had to pretend it was all nothing in front of me.”
“Oh, Derek,” I say, not realizing until after I’ve said itthat we’re alone and I have no reason to use his first name.
But he covers my hand with his and squeezes, and I realize he does need my comfort right now.
“Lockwood,” a male voice says.
I turn to see Maddie is back, this time with a massive guy in a Henley top and jeans. He’s dressed casually, but he carries himself like some kind of royalty, and I realize this must be Jake Stone, the owner of the place.
“Jake,” Derek says, making as if to rise.
“Sit, sit,” Jake tells him. “I hope you don’t mind Maddie and me interrupting. We just wanted to bring you up to speed.”
Normally, a meeting between people with the combined wealth of these two happens in a boardroom full of lawyers or a superyacht full of models. It’s odd to see them in such a casual setting. Like when you’re a kid and see your teachers outside of school.
“Thanks,” Derek tells him, and I can see the pain in his eyes. Why should he have to be brought up to speed on his own grandfather’s condition by people who aren’t even in the family?
Because he hasn’t seen him in person in five years,an unhelpful voice in the back of my mind whispers.
“He loves this place,” Maddie says softly. “And we love him too—everyone does. He’s refusing to go home or to the hospital, but we think we have a solution.”
“What’s that?” Derek asks her.
“We’ve got a nice room for him here, no charge,” Jake says. “It’s not fancy, but it’s right on the first floor by thelounge, so the staff can stop by and check on him throughout the day.”
“And visit with him,” Maddie puts in.
“And visit with him,” Jake echoes with a smile. “Our son Dylan adores Michael, so I can guarantee that he’ll have at least one daily after-school visitor.”
“We’ll all be able to spend a little time with him,” Maddie says with a warm smile. “He may need some extra help though.”
“I’ll find him a health aide,” Derek says right away. “You all won’t be responsible for his care.”
“That’s a good idea,” Jake says, nodding.
“Thank you,” Derek says, his voice a bit husky with emotion. “You’ve been here for him, all these years.”
“Our family has only been here one year,” Maddie puts in. “But yes, the staff here is like a family. If Michael agrees to stay I think he’ll be comfortable.”
Her voice is a little strained too—we’re probably all inches away from crying. But for me, it’s happy tears too, not just sad ones. It’s so good to see that Derek’s grandfather has this kind of support.
Jake and Maddie take their leave and head out of the dining room, and I’m alone with Derek again.
“Listen,” he says. “I need your help with a couple of things.”
“Okay,” I say, turning to face him.
