Page 35 of One Golden Ring
“Well, he’s kind and he’s smart,” she says quietly. “And he’s very, very handsome.”
I love the way she says that last part.
“Runs in the family,” Grandpa hoots.
“Gross,” J.B. declares at the same time.
I can’t help laughing and everyone turns to look at me. It’s fine though. I know I’m not much of a laugher, but this is my family, they won’t judge.
“Well, don’t worry, sweetheart,” Grandpa says, turning back to Darcy. “I couldn’t read those tags if I wanted to, not without my glasses.”
“Sit and be comfy,” she tells him. “J.B. and I will get everything out and show it to you.”
He lowers himself onto one of the chairs at the little table and I go over and take the other one, grateful to her for knowing he’s not up to a lot of trying things on.
The girls scurry off to the bathroom with the shopping bags, whispering to each other like they’re making a plan.
“Isn’t this a big production?” Grandpa Michael asks me, but I can tell he’s pleased at being fussed over a little.
“You should have seen her at the store,” I tell him. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so excited.”
“She’s a sweet girl,” he tells me, clapping my knee. “You’re a lucky man.”
My heart aches and I just nod. He’s not wrong. I am lucky. Just not in the one way I wish I could be.
“Okay,” J.B. announces, pushing open the bathroom door. “This is outfit number one in your brand-new wardrobe, Great-grandpa.”
They come out with a thick wheat-colored cardigan draped over a pale blue turtleneck. J.B. is carrying the hanger holding the tops and Darcy is holding a hanger with a pair of brown trouser-sweats under it as they walk out.
“You’ll be the best-dressed man in the lounge,” J.B. tells him.
And it’s true. These days most people dress casually wherever they go. Other than the staff and the occasional regulars from the old days like the Applebaums, the whole place is normally in jeans.
“Isn’t that something?” Grandpa says. And I can tell by the way he reaches for the sweater and tests thesoftness in his hand that he actually likes it and he’s not just being polite.
“It’s nice and warm,” J.B. tells him.
“And the shirt will bring out your baby blues,” Darcy adds.
That earns her a big smile.
“Should I try it on?” Michael offers.
“Sure,” Darcy tells him. “But you’ve got a lot of options.”
“Do you want to see them all and then choose?” J.B. offers.
He does want that, so the girls put on a whole pretend fashion show. By the end they’ve got the hangers doing a sort of strut from the bathroom to the table and we’re all laughing and having a blast.
There’s a tap at the door when they’re just about finished.
“Come in,” Grandpa calls out.
“Hi, everyone,” Margo from the front desk says with a big smile. “I was going to reserve a table for you all if your guests are staying for dinner, Michael?”
“Can you all stay for a bit?” he asks me, but I can tell he’s tired.
“Why don’t we eat in your room?” I offer. “We’ve all had a long day, but a little room service sounds great. Does dinner in bed sound okay?”
