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Wyatt shared another glance with Anita, and they both listened as Carly rattled on about her dad. She brought up some of her memories from when she was a kid, and Anita was both surprised and grateful at how comfortable Carly felt around Wyatt to tell him so much.
In no time at all, they were turning into the parking lot of the assisted living center.
“I’m really glad you have a chance to get to know your dad again,” Wyatt said. “Family is important no matter how complicated.”
Carly scrunched her nose. “That sounds like something your grandpa would say.”
He laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment, then.”
When they walked into the dining room where Mr. Davis waited at a table, Anita’s heart tugged to see him. In moments, he’d learn that they’d been in contact with Susan, but things hadn’t gone so well.
“Gramps,” Wyatt said, reaching him first. He leaned down and gave him a hug.
Mr. Davis patted his back with a shaky hand, then his gaze moved to see Anita and Carly. “What a surprise. You brought friends.”
Wyatt smiled. “I’m sure I don’t have to introduce them.”
Mr. Davis held out his hand, and Anita grasped it, then Carly did.
“We have some news about our search for Susan,” Wyatt said without any more preamble. “Can we talk in your room? Or someplace more private?”
Mr. Davis reached for his walker. “You heard from her?” He pushed himself up, and Wyatt reached to support him. “Let’s go to the atrium. It’s a nice enough night.”
And it was. The weather was mild and the sky clear of most clouds, with the sunset painting it a deep orange.
“That sounds great,” Wyatt said.
Their small group moved through the dining room, then outside, where there was a walled-in garden area.
“There’s a couple of benches at the end of this path,” Mr. Davis continued.
The fragrance of flowers bloomed about them, and Anita was impressed that the center had such a place. It was surely a refuge for the residents. “No one else is out here?” she asked.
“They’re all settling in for movie night,” Mr. Davis said.
“What are they watching?” Carly asked.
“I think it’s one of the videos they’ve shown a dozen times. It’s either Somewhere in Time or 9 to 5,” he said. “I don’t pay much attention because I’d rather read.”
Carly moved ahead and found the open circle with a couple of benches. She sat at the end of one, and Anita settled next to her.
“We have good news and not-so-good news, Gramps,” Wyatt said.
Mr. Davis frowned. “I want it all. Is she still alive?”
Anita shouldn’t have been surprised at the question, but it caught her off guard. Of course he’d wonder about that.
“She’s alive and fairly healthy,” Wyatt said. “I spoke to her daughter last night in Medford—where she’s living now.”
“Medford?” Mr. Davis nodded. “What do you mean by fairly healthy? Why didn’t you talk to Susan?”
Wyatt cleared his throat. “Susan’s daughter is named Lila, and she wouldn’t let us speak to Susan. Lila has heard about you, and she doesn’t have a very favorable opinion.”
Mr. Davis looked confused at this. “What does that mean?”
“I’m not sure exactly.”
“Lila said that you broke Susan’s heart,” Carly interjected, clearly too eager to let Wyatt beat around the bush.
