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“Yes, but usually something’s wrong or you need something.”
“Nothing’s wrong. But I want to talk to you. Can you come see me?”
“Of course.” Riding would have to wait. He got in his car and drove to his grandmother’s house. A short while later Grandma let him in.
“Hi, Grandma,” he said, hugging her. “What do you need?”
“I have a favor to ask you.” She led him to her living room, and they sat on her couch.
“Okay. What is it?”
“My cousin Tillie—you remember her, don’t you?”
No, not a clue. “Uh—”
Not waiting for his answer, she went on. “Tillie is my cousin on my mother’s side. My aunt’s daughter. We haven’t seen each other in…danged if I can remember how long.”
She went on, first trying to decide how long since she’d seen Tillie, then describing the exact relationship and talking about what she and Tillie had done when they were young, who Tillie had married, when he’d died, and God only knew what other things. Nate waited patiently, possible only because he’d tuned out the exhaustive reminiscing. He knew she’d get to the point eventually but sometimes she did tend to go off into way more detail than she needed to.
“But that’s neither here nor there,” she said finally, which was his cue to pay attention. “Tillie lives in San Diego and her granddaughter is getting married this weekend. She wants me to come visit her for a few days and go to the wedding.”
“Oh, okay. You want me to fly you there.”
“No! Of course not! Why, I wouldn’t ask you to do that. Why would you think I’d ask a favor like that?”
“Because I’m a pilot? It’s not a big deal, Grandma. I’d be happy to do it.”
“No, I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Exasperated, he said, “If you don’t want me to fly you then what do you need?”
“I can’t find the number to call to make a reservation. Besides, I’m not sure about what airport or anything. And you know I don’t use that inter whatever web stuff. I just need a little help organizing this thing.”
Good God, no. She didn’t have a computer, but she had a smartphone. As far as he knew, she only used the telephone function. It struck terror in his heart trying to imagine if she somehow got on the web and tried to make a reservation. He didn’t think she could manage it, but if she did the results could be catastrophic. He remembered a friend’s story about his elderly father ordering thirty-seven copies of the same book. Besides that, his ninety-two-year-old grandma traveling alone on a commercial airline? Having to change planes, go through security, and deal with all the people at the airport? Sure, they could arrange for help. The airlines did it all the time for adults and kids who needed more assistance. But knowing Grandma, she’d turn down any help. Besides, there was no reason to. No way in hell would he let her go it alone.
“I’ll take you. You don’t need to worry about a thing.”
“I can’t ask you to do that,” she said stubbornly.
“You’re not asking. I’m offering. And don’t argue. You are not flying commercial. That’s ridiculous when I can take you.” He didn’t add that his mother would have a shit fit. He’d hold that in reserve.
She studied him, frowning. “I don’t want to impose.”
“You’re my grandmother. You’re not imposing.”
“Then I’ll pay you. I have plenty of money.”
“You are not paying.”
“Oh, yes I am.”
“Look, we’ll argue about money later.” Like never. “When do you want to leave?”
“The wedding is a week from Saturday. So how about we leave next Thursday?”
“All right. I’ll arrange it.”
“Why don’t you ask Damaris to come with you? Stay a few days until it’s time for me to go home.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “I hear there are some romantic hotels there.” When he hesitated, she added, “If you ask me, that girl needs romancing.”
