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After they leave my office, I search the dish online and see that it’s pretty much exactly what I pictured—lots of pineapples and lots of cheese. The combination doesn’t sound very appetizing, but I’ll try anything if it gets me a signed contract.
I’ll throw some Pepto Bismol in the car for the ride home, just in case.
Chapter four
Mae – The Decision
It’s the weekend after Grandpa Bob officially moved to his farm, and Mina and I decide to pay him a visit. I’m still not convinced about the move, and the memories of that chicken flying in my face and that buff, grumpy stranger aren’t helping.
“How are things going here, Grandpa?” I ask, when he emerges from the house.
“So far so good! I haven’t felt this at home since I was a little kid.”
I see that he has two full pails in his hands. I have to admit, he looks good. His skin has a healthy glow, and his smile is so bright it could rival the sun.
“Mina, come help Grandpa,” I request, grabbing one of the pails. After my ‘mom look’ she grabs the other.
“That’s the chicken feed,” he explains. I can’t help but wince at the word “chicken.” “Here, follow me.”
I spend most of my days sitting at my desk, but I’m relatively fit and still young, and just one bucket is hard for me to carry. I don’t understand how Grandpa’s ‘weakened bones and muscle tone’ could handle them. I knew he was faking the other day when he struggled to get out of his chair!
However, by the time we finally reach the barn, Grandpa Bob has to take a break to catch his breath. The sight strikes a chord with me. When my parents died in a car accident, I was a kid. It was Grandpa Bob who took me in, and it was Grandpa Bob who helped me raise Mina, looking after her while I went to school and got my degree. For Mina’s entire life, it’s just been us three: Mina, Grandpa Bob, and me.
Suddenly, my mind is made up. Grandpa Bob has been there for Mina and me whenever we need him. Now, it’s our turn to be there for him. I can always build my career back up, but who knows how much longer I’ll have time to spend with my grandpa. How much longer will our family be able to spend time together?
“We have to do this,” I tell my daughter, when we get into the car to leave.
“Really?” I see a surprising light in her hazel eyes. She’s not mad, which is a good sign.
“Yeah. You saw him. He could hardly handle the short walk out to the animals.”
“Mhm. And the thought of him carrying that heavy chicken feed…” she muses.
I reach over to hug her. He’s been a father figure to her as much as he’s been one to me, and I know that she loves him as much as I do.
“So, you’re okay with it? If we move here?”
“I mean, it’ll definitely be an adjustment, but also a fun new adventure.” There’s a slight hesitation in her voice and a small smile on her face.
“And we won’t be far from your friends in San Francisco. You’ll get your license soon, too, and then you can visit them whenever you want.”
“True. But I’m excited to make new ones, too.” The next part she says so quietly, she almost whispers it. “And to start at a new school.”
I reach over and give her another hug. Sometimes, I wish I could wrap her back up in her baby blanket and hide her away from all the hurt and pain in the world. But I know that’s impossible. “That’s an awesome attitude to have, Mina.”
“Well, people in San Fran can be so superficial sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, I love fashion, but I don’t think it needs to be your entire personality.” She pauses. “Or your sense of worth.”
“I totally agree.” Underneath all of her teenage sass, I often forget how similar she is to me. “Some of the other female attorneys at the firm are always going on and on about the latest Gucci or Balenciaga line.”
Mina laughs. “Whereas you and I are both like, ‘What about our Teddy Fresh shirts?’”
I take the ends of a chunk of her hair and tickle her nose with them.
“Exactly.” We both prefer the unconventional and quirky designs done by the talented artists on that site over the manufactured and cookie-cutter ‘high fashion’ brands.
“Wait,” she says, as I’m about to back up.
“What is it?”
