“I’ll bet.” They finished the meal. “It won’t get dark for a while and it’s still nice outside. Let’s take a walk.”
“What a great idea,” Vi said. “I’ve pretty much been inside since Monday morning. Why don’t I show you around?”
“I saw the play area and a few other places when I was here before, but I wouldn’t mind seeing them again.”
“I meant outside the complex. There’s a park nearby and a lot of cute little shops. Why don’t we take a look?” As they headed toward the park, Vi marveled at the changes in the landscape over the past week. “Suddenly, flowers are budding and blooming everywhere. The air smells so good. Without this walk I would’ve missed it, and spring is one of my favorite seasons of the year.” She gave Blake a grateful smile. “This is exactly what I needed.”
“There’s that beautiful smile. I’m thinking about dessert. Is that an Ice Creamery down and across the street?”
“Sure is.” Very much in the mood for ice cream, she hurried to the crosswalk. “Let’s go before the light turns.”
Blake reached for her hand much as he had the other night. “C’mon, it’s about to change.”
Did he have to do that? It only made her like him more, the opposite of what she wanted. “I can get across the street without you holding my hand,” she scolded and reclaimed it.
He seemed nonplussed. “Guess I got used to us grabbing on to each other the night of the accident. My apologies.” She nodded, and they headed toward the shop. “The other day my mother called from the ashram. That was unexpected—she’s not supposed to use the phone except in emergencies.
“I mentioned texting her the night of the accident. I did it again the next day about Grandpop’s cracked rib, and that the doctor assured him and me he’d heal. She was worried anyway. I reassured her and said he’d be happy to hear from her. But like I said, she’s not supposed to take time away from whatever it is she’s doing. Before we hung up, I also told her about Caroline. She was surprised.”
“I’ll bet. I talked to my mom, too. Like yours, she wanted more info about the accident than she got through my text. I gave her the details and told her about Gran and Malcom and that I have no idea if they’re still mad at each other or whether they’ll go through with the marriage. She didn’t comment about that and said she’d give Gran a call, but I don’t know that she did. I’m sure Gran would tell me, or maybe not. Lately, all she talks about is her bruised arm. No more headache, which is a relief.”
“That’s good news. Except for health updates, they’re not telling us much.”
They went into the Ice Creamery and came out with double-scoop cones. “This was a great idea,” Vi said as she licked the caramel swirl scoop on top, then the midnight chocolate underneath. She realized Blake was staring at her. “Do I have ice cream on my face?”
“A little on your chin. It’s cute.”
He thought she was cute? For all of two seconds, she felt warm inside. Then reason kicked in. Fat chance. He probably said similar things to the women he actually dated. Stuffing the unwanted warmth deep inside, she dabbed at her chin with a napkin. “Better?” He nodded. “Gran has exactly two weeks left before she has to pay up or leave. My friend Carmie works for Port Simms Apartment Rentals. I’m going to talk to her about finding a place for Gran to stay.”
“Wasn’t she going to cash in her life insurance policy?”
“So she said, but I have no idea. When I brought it up on the phone the other day, she changed the subject. I also asked about a good time to come visit. She didn’t want me taking time off from work especially now, and told me not to come. Then she ended the call.” Vi compressed her lips. “It’s so frustrating.”
“Tell me about it. Grandpop’s only interested in talking about his sore rib and bruised cheek, and how the second store is coming along.”
“They’re both deflecting our questions. I’m thinking they’re embarrassed about the public fight. Although Gran sort of apologized and wanted you to know she thanks you for treating them to dinner. Either they have too much pride to admit to us they were wrong about their feelings for each other, or they’re up to something and keeping it from us.”
“Funny, I’ve been thinking about the same things. Great minds… Hard to know which is the truth. My money’s on the latter.”
“Knowing how we feel about their quick decision to get married, that makes sense.”
By the time they finished their cones, the sun was setting. “Let’s head back before it’s dark,” Vi said. “I’m tired enough to fall asleep super early.”
“A good night’s rest will do you a world of good.” He started to grasp hold of her, seemed to catch himself, and stuffed both hands into the pockets of his jeans jacket instead.
Smart man. “Since we don’t know the reason is for their refusal to talk about their relationship,we need to find out.” Vi tapped her finger to her lips while she thought about that. “Phone calls aren’t working, but I’ll bet if we visit in person we’ll learn more. I haven’t seen Gran since her doctor’s appointment, and I really should. I’ll stop by tomorrow whether or not she likes it. Rose gets back in the evening and I know Gran wants to see her, but it’ll be too late to visit then. Anyway, I’m sure she and Peter will want to spend time together first.”
“Sounds reasonable. I was going to visit Malcom tonight for the same reasons. I may as well do that tomorrow.”
“Why didn’t you see him tonight?”
“I wanted to see you.”
He fixed an avid gaze on her, and she got all flustered. Darn the man for messing with her feelings and making her want what she shouldn’t. “I don’t think we should see them togetheror go to the 709 at the same time. If we stick to one-on-one conversations, they might be more willing to talk. If that doesn’t work, we’ll keep a close look on body language and facial expressions and do our best to puzzle out what they’re not saying. I’m planning to sleep in tomorrow, so I’ll come after lunch.”
“I’ll go in the morning before I meet with Ross for lunch and a summary of the past week’s interviews. After our visits, you and I should compare notes.”
“And we have a plan,” she said, pleased.
