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“So, I walked in on something earlier today, didn’t I?” Grandad asks as we walk up the stairs of the stately home he’s considering moving into. “I’m sorry to crowd your dating life.”
The house has a huge wrap-around porch with ornately carved pillars that are well-preserved. The front door is a set of massive double doors with beautiful stained glass windows. While it may have Victorian influences, the modern siding and color scheme of grey, white, and black add a contemporary touch. It looks nothing like my grandfather’s old-fashioned, opulent mansion filled with expensive artwork back in Chicago.
“I’m not dating Piper for real, you know that,” I say, but there is a tiny voice in the back of my head that tells me that’s not completely true. “But I may be open to dating Piper.”
“Wow, now that’s progress,” Grandad remarks as he opens the door for us to enter the house.
I step inside and take in the sight of the grand staircase leading up to a spacious landing illuminated by a massive arched window.
“This is really nice,” I tell my grandfather.
“The kitchen is the best part!” He waves for me to follow him as we make our way through a sitting area and into the bright kitchen.
It’s every cook’s dream with a spacious island for meal prep, top-of-the-line appliances, and panoramic windows overlooking the backyard with its sprawling green lawn and landscaping.
“This will be a great place to have your coffee.” I wave my arm toward the little dining nook.
“I was thinking of putting a dog bed right there,” he says, pointing to the far side of the room. “The little guy could have access to the outdoors and be close to me while I’m busy in here.”
“Slow down there,” I tell him. “You can’t just kidnap Gizmo and expect him to live with you.”
“I’ve already started looking for my own furry companion. That way, Gizmo can come to visit and have a friend.” He suddenly realizes, “guess I should get two dog beds then.”
I shake my head at his newfound obsession with dogs.
“When was the last time you were responsible for keeping an animal alive?” I ask the man.
“It’s been years, but I want a different lifestyle in these golden years of mine,” he says, no longer indecisive in the least.
“Are you planning to cook for yourself?” I try and fail miserably to keep the shock off my face. “I know you’ve done a few sessions with the cook back home, and we had a great time with Piper. But making every meal for yourself could be a different challenge.”
My grandfather gives a little chuckle. “You’re probably right. Maybe we can interview some helpers that also can drive me about; I’ll need to find doctors in the area and such.”
“To be honest, it would bring me peace of mind to know that there’s someone here with you.” I stare out at the view through the large windows. “Grandad, I can see how this will be a better option for retirement for you. Even I’ve been happier here than I have in years. Work hasn’t consumed me like it used to, and spending time with you has been a true joy. There’s more to life than just work here.” My thoughts drift to Piper, and I realize that meeting her has made me see how success can also be a burden in ways I never expected.
“It takes a lot to start a business and create the kind of vision that you have,” my grandfather sighs. “Most kids who inherit trust funds like you did were lounging on yachts, taking it easy. But not you—every decision you’ve made has been based on how you want to be remembered.”
“I think I was afraid of becoming useless, so I went in the opposite direction and became overly productive. But it’s cost me living my life,” I sigh. “I want to prioritize living like you said, Grandad. I think it’s time to make some changes so I don’t come to the end of my life with a laundry list of regrets.”
“That would be the worst, truly,” my grandfather quickly retorts. “You have so many options available to you; make sure you carefully consider each one before making a decision.”
“I will,” I promise him. “But for now, can you show me around the rest of the house? I’d love to see my room.”
“You’re old enough to live on your own,” my grandfather good-naturedly teases.
“Sure, but I’d much prefer your company.” I give him a little side hug.
“Good, because I saved a room for you in the back part of the house,” he chuckles as we start towards the bedrooms.
Suddenly, the sound of a doorbell echoes through the house.
“That sounds like something from a horror movie,” I laugh at my grandfather. “We might want to change it.”
“Unless I get a creepy butler to match,” he retorts with a mischievous grin.
“Are you expecting someone?”
He quickly rushes past me and swings the door wide open. I peer around him to see Piper standing on the porch, holding a bakery box and a bag.
