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“And that relates to this how?”
He opens his mouth but shuts it almost as quickly.
“Well, he was all ready to tear both houses down and build condos until your beautiful hazel eyes came around and convinced him otherwise.” Anna seems to take sincere delight in making herself a source of conflict.
“His decision not to go ahead with that had nothing to do with me. Dean, tell her.”
He takes a large sip of the drink I had just made for him. “Not entirely, no.”
“See. It was mostly my grandfather.”
“What is she talking about?” Anna asks him.
“If you feel you must know more of our business, Grandpa Bob served in the military, like my dad. It’s his wish to live here until he dies. And he was recently diagnosed with heart failure—”
“I’m sorry. What was that?” I almost drop the glass in my hand as I jump out of my chair.
“Oh, shoot.” Looking toward Bob I’m distraught that I betrayed his trust. “I’m so sorry, Bob. It just slipped out.”
“No, don’t apologize. I never should’ve asked you to keep that from her in the first place.”
“Grandpa!” I stomp over to him.
“What’s with all of the commotion?” Bob asks.
“Mina, go to your room.”
“But, Mom—”
“Wilhelmina!”
“Okay, okay. I’m going.”
Coral takes my lead and ushers Dylan into another area of the house. She gives the evil eye and motions to Anna who reluctantly takes the hint and follows Dylan.
With all the rest out of earshot, I go off.
“Why is it that I’m just hearing about your heart condition now…and from Dean, who isn’t even a member of this family?”
He takes a deep breath in and out. “I didn’t want to worry you or add to your stress, Mae.”
“What if that’s what I said after my parents died? That I didn’t want to add any complications to your life. So, instead—I would’ve just ended up in a foster home. Would you have liked that?”
“Of course not.”
“Exactly. This is part of the nonverbal agreement you and I made years ago. You’re here for me, and I’m here for you. You should have told me about this.”
“I’m sorry, I think part of it was that it would feel all too real after you found out.”
“Oh, Grandpa,” I bend down and put my hands on his. “I’m so sorry. What’s the prognosis?”
“They aren’t entirely sure. It could be months or longer.”
“Well, what can we do to prolong the time that you do have?”
“I’m not sure. But I also don’t want to know.”
“What?”
