AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She waves the apology away. “I didn’t bring it up to make you feel bad. I wanted to remind you we were friends at one time. I’d like to be friends again.”
Why not tell her about my life? What am I trying to hide? I’ve told none of the Ecclestons about the first company I co-founded because it’s a lot easier to deal with their disappointment than their expectations. Remembering that first summer, I know Grandmother would accept whatever I tell her without judgment. Unfortunately, much like Grandfather overlooked her, so did I.
“I don’t actually work as a landscaper,” I admit. “I bought a landscaping business. Sometimes I help mow lawns or weed flower beds, but it’s hard work and it’s hot. During the winter, we shovel snow and put-up Christmas lights. That’s more my jam.”
She claps her hands together once. “How delightful. When did you decide running a business was what you wanted to do?”
While I drive, I talk about how my favorite courses in college were my business classes. For a group project, my friend and I mocked up a fake manufacturing business. When I quit Grandfather’s firm, I called him and asked if he wanted to try it for real. I used the contacts I’d created through my brief stint as a lawyer and found investors. Our success was sudden, but well-earned. We worked hard to get our company where it is today.
I don’t go into detail with Grandmother, but I explain that when I realized how our success was stealing all my time, I wanted out. I missed my mom and brother. I missed my friends. I missed living. So, I sold my half and got into landscaping instead.
“I have a lot more time since I mostly manage the crew’s schedules. I’m able to visit Mom and Brady every other week in Elko.”
Her expression glows with pride.
If I hadn’t been wearing my anger at the family like a shield, could I have had this conversation with her years ago?
Grandmother surprises me by asking, “What do you know about Layla?”
I glance in the rearview mirror and see Layla and Tori talking. It’s good to see my cousin smiling when thirty minutes ago she had tears in her eyes. And it’s always good to see Layla.
“Why do you ask?”
“I think she’s a marvelous influence on Spencer, but it’sobvious they don’t love each other.” She shakes her head, as if she’s confused. “Do you think she’s taking advantage of him for his money?”
A flash of irritation spikes through me. I speak calmly, but I am annoyed. “You’re bribing your grandkids to get married. Did you expect any other outcome?”
Grandmother’s mouth drops open. “I’m not bribing anyone. I’m giving a larger inheritance to those who have more familial obligations. You made it very clear that you’re not interested in any inheritance, but not everyone in this family is as … independent as you are.”
I can’t expect her to understand my point of view when she grew up with even more wealth than Grandfather. She’s always lived in luxury. I’m grateful I did not, though my teenage self would be shocked to know it.
“I did a background check on Layla,” Grandmother continues. “She has a large personal loan and outstanding credit card debt. She owes more than one hundred thousand dollars and only makes just over fifty thousand a year. That’s very irresponsible.”
Layla owes that much? I glance at her in the rearview mirror again. She’s smiling as she talks to Tori. My heart goes out to her. I’d guess she accrued most of the debt, if not all, for her grandma. I can’t even imagine how much stress she feels in this situation. If only I was the one she would rely on for help. I would give her the money and not make her marry me to get it.
“In answer to your original question,” I say, after taking a steadying breath, “Layla is not taking advantage of Spencer. Spencer is taking advantage of Layla’s situation in order to get the bigger inheritance.”
“What do you mean? What situation?”
“Her grandma has dementia. Layla has no family to help pay for her grandma’s care. The debt isn’t from buying things for herself. It’s from making sure her grandma has a roof over her head.”
“She told me about her grandmother.” Grandmother looks out of the window thoughtfully. “Layla has very expensive clothing. And the Boudron. Are you sure?”
Even Grandmother knows about Boudron bags? They’re more well-known than I thought.
“I’m sure,” I say with conviction.
It’s why Operation-Persuade-Layla-Spencer-Will-Not-Make-Her-Happy is so important. She’s trading financial security now for misery later on.
“That is helpful information to have. Thank you for telling me.”
After parking at Trolley Farms, Grandmother leans across the gap between the seats and pats my arm. “It seems you’ve made yourself a beautiful life. I’m proud of you.”
Miles opens the passenger door and helps her down. He already has the wheelchair waiting. I stay where I am and allow her approval to wash over me. It’s something I didn’t know I needed. Subconsciously, I’ve been waiting for someone in my mom’s family to trust me to make wise decisions and accept me for who I am, not who they wish I could be. The knot of anger in my chest loosens further.
When I look up, the van is empty but for Brady. “Are you coming or are you staying here to sulk?”
“I’m not sulking.”
