Mind if I come by this evening?
Pausing, I breathe out a sigh of relief. Spending the eveningwith him would be nice. I need it, but more importantly, my kids need it. They’ve missed him terribly, and after days of wallowing in my destructive behavior, I can see Abby and Jay deserve better from their mother.
Come on over.
Tyler
Need me to get the kids? I’m not in town right now, but I will be by the time school lets out.
Sure. I’d appreciate that. I’ll let Jay’s teacher know to be looking for you.
Since you’re getting them, mind if I run to visit Mawmaw?
Tyler
Jo. Of course not. Take all the time you need.
With my plans changed, I’m looking forward to my visit with Mawmaw. Yesterday I had to skip so I’d make it to the board meeting in time.
As soon as my work day is over, I’m out the door, grabbing my messenger bag and purse. I flip off the lights to my classroom and head to my car. It’s a dreary gray day, one where the rain comes down in a fine mist, somehow still soaking you to the bone. Sliding open my umbrella I dash across the parking lot, unlocking my doors on the way.
When I pull up to Morningside, a surge of hopeful optimism washes over me, and I know today will be one of her good days. I climb from my car and practically skip up the walkway and through the double glass doors.
At the reception desk, I sign in and head to Mawmaw’s unit, tapping lightly on the door. Leaning in, I press an ear to the wood to listen for movement.
“Come in,” comes her frail response.
Turning the knob, I push open the door and slip inside.Mawmaw’s face lights up and she holds out a hand for me to join her in front of the window.
“Josephine, to what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you today, my sweet girl?”
My heart balloons inside my chest hearing my name come from her lips. I take a seat next to her and begin telling about the board meeting and what all went down with the principal. Mawmaw’s mouth twists like she smells something sour when his name comes up. She knew how badly he hurt me in high school, and has never liked him since.
Our conversation comes to a pause, and Mawmaw tilts her head, studying me with an assessing gaze.
“Something’s different about you.”
My hand goes to smooth my hair, which I’ve left curly since the day of the ballgame. Mawmaw always loved it curly, too, but being the rebellious teen I was, I fried my hair with my flat iron every single day.
“No, not your appearance,” Mawmaw pauses. “You seem lighter today. Lit up from within.” She gives me a once over. “Last week you had a bee in your bonnet. I saw it the second you stepped in my room. So, tell me, what about today is different?”
I grin at her observation. My grandmother has always been able to read me like a book. She could see when I was happy and predict when my nasty temper might flare.
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with that handsome gentleman who helped get me home from the hospital a couple weeks back, now would it?”
My jaw drops, eyebrows cinched. She seemed lost in her own world that day, so how does she remember Tyler driving us home? I do recall a moment of awareness, but she didn’t seem to notice Tyler. At least I thought she didn’t.
Mawmaw taps her temple. “Josephine, my brain might be addled, but I saw how he looked at you.” I’m still speechless, so she goes on. “Does Abby know yet?”
Now my words are propelled into action. “How—” I stammer. “How did you know?”
Mawmaw chuckles and takes my hand in hers. “It’s clear as day. If you haven’t told that daughter of yours, you better get to it soon. She’s smart, observant. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hasn’t already figured it out.”
“Soon, Mawmaw,” I promise. “Soon.”
Mawmaw eyes me, warily. “He makes you happy, but you’re scared. Am I correct? You’ve always been scared of happiness.”
Slowly I nod. “Terrified. Last week was”—I blow out a breath—“not my best week. I did everything in my power to push him away. It feels too good to be true. He shows up, day after day. He’s quiet, steady, and never asks anything in return.”
