Page 293 of Mountain Grump
Ethan waits for me on the sidewalk in front of the car, in the small visitor’s parking lot.
Signs point in different directions, labeled with numbers.
When we got in the rental, I copied the address Stephen had given me, building number included, and texted it to Ethan, so he could use his phone to navigate.
Without touching me, he holds out his hand, gesturing to the path that leads to building nineteen.
Anxiety is freely flowing through my veins when we reach Stephen’s building. And I stand still before the door.
This place is a community of small homes. Almost tiny. But not quite.
There are flourishing gardens around the houses, with paved walking paths, weaving every which way, dotted with benches and shade.
It’s pretty.
Peaceful.
“Do you want me to come in with you?” Ethan’s voice is close beside me.
I stay facing forward, looking at the brightly painted cottage.
I want to say yes. I want to say it so badly.
But I shake my head.
And Ethan doesn’t press me.
Focusing on breathing, I climb the single step to the front door. And I knock.
A moment later, it swings in. And a man stands before me.
He’s tall. Thin. In tan shorts and a teal polo shirt. With bright white hair and a matching goatee that stands out against his dark complexion.
“What a beautiful rainbow princess.” His smile is wide as he takes me in. “You must be Matty.”
His voice… is not frail. There’s no sign of a cough. And when he holds his arms out for a hug and I accept, his hold is tight. Strong.
A real smile forms on my face for the first time all day. “And you must be Stephen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He shakes his head. “The pleasure is all mine.” He steps back, holding the door open. “Please, come in.”
Chapter 170
Ethan
Tilda disappearsinto the man’s house. And he stands in the doorway for a moment, looking at me.
He doesn’t say anything, but the edge of his mouth quirks before he shuts the door.
Then, the small square window next to the front door opens.
And when he tells Tilda to have a seat on the couch, I hear the words clearly.
I lift a brow.
Okay, old man.
Taking it as permission, I sit on the front step and listen.
