Page 28 of Memories of the Past

“Where are we going?” she asked as she looked down to the needlepoint that sat in her lap.

“To see your old friend.”

She bundled up her needlepoint and placed it into a basket that sat beside her. “I guess we could do that. Now tell me, who is it we are going to see?”

I held my arm out for Vi, and she laced her small arm through mine. We slowly made our way down the hall and to Jed’s room. We stopped just outside before she had a chance to see who was inside, and I looked at her.

“Vi, I’ve brought you to see Jed Hawkins.”

Vi slowly lifted her head and met my eyes. “I have nothing to—”

“Now, Vi, as you said, it’s been years. Please, he’d like to see you.”

Vi looked around. I could tell she was annoyed, but she’d be even more annoyed if she knew I’d lied to her. “Well, you go in first,” she said, crossing her arms.

I couldn’t help but smile, and then I nodded, instantly recognizing where Trinity got her stubbornness from. “Sure thing. Now don’t be like your niece.” I winked.

I walked into the room, Vi, behind me, and stopped just inside.

“I thought I told you I’d like some time…”

Jed stopped as I stepped to the side so he could see Vi. The instant their eyes met, he grew quiet. I looked down to Vi, who stood there. I wasn’t sure, but I thought I saw a slight smile line her lips.

“Vi? Is it really you?” Jed asked, clearing his throat. “Or is this jerk playing some kind of joke on me.”

“Yes, Jed, it’s me,” Vi whispered, looking up at me with a soft smile and the hint of a tear in her eye. “Would you help me over to sit down,” Vi asked me.

I took her by her hand and led her over to the chair I’d been sitting in earlier, and then I stood off to the side, allowing them some time to get reacquainted. At first, it seemed a little tense, but the more they talked, it was almost as if all the time that had passed hadn’t mattered. Soon they were laughing and joking, and before I knew it, they were well into a conversation, and the next thing I knew, Jed asked me to help him up. Before I left, I walked them both down to the garden and left them together under a beautiful old willow tree. As I left to go to my truck, I turned to take one more look at them, and to my surprise, they were already holding hands.

CHAPTER 12

Trinity

I’d never been so happy to see a day end as I was tonight. Since Aunt Vi had retired, I had decided to start up the weekly book club again, meaning that Wednesday nights I wouldn’t be done with my day until almost nine. To top things off tonight, I’d forgotten to lock the door after Peggy had left, and I ended up with a surprise shopper who decided to take their time.

I’d showered and changed and had just sat down and began relaxing, a hot cup of tea at my side, when the phone rang. I frowned, wondering who it could be, just as Luna jumped up into my lap and rubbed her head against my chin.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Hey, Pet. How are things?” a familiar voice asked.

“Aunt Vi! How are you? Are you enjoying the new place?” I asked, excited to finally hear from her. I’d been meaning to go and visit, but with everything that had gone on in the past couple of weeks, I hadn’t found the time.

“Oh, it’s wonderful, dear. I’ve been doing my crafts and getting lots of sunshine and rest. They have beautiful gardens to walk in, and so many things to do, it’s hard to keep up.”

“That sounds wonderful. How is the food?”

“It’s definitely not my own home-cooked meals, but it will do.”

“Well, I plan on coming for a visit soon. I do have a few things I can bring for you if you’d like. Including groceries so you can cook up your own things.” I almost laughed at the thought of why I’d made the chicken and dumplings I’d just frozen. “I actually just made your chicken and dumplings.”

“Oh, I haven’t had that in ages. Will you bring me up some.”

“Sure, I will,” I said. “What else have you been up to? Have you read anything decent lately?”

“They don’t have much of a selection here yet. They are still working on building up the library. Perhaps you could bring me a couple of my favorites?”

“Of course, I can. I can bring you the new Danielle Steel, perhaps a couple Nora Roberts, and I should have the new Colleen Hoover as well.”

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