“Everything okay?” Lidiya asks.
“Everything is fine. Nothing to worry about,” I reply. I offer her my arm and walk her to the mayor’s table for dinner.
Dinner is honestly nothing special; it never is at these events. Mrs. Ivanova makes better food than this. I make a show of enjoying the dinner and engaging in mindless small talk before checking my watch and calculating just how much longer I need to stay for appearances’ sake.Maybe I can get one of my brothers to be the family representative at more of these events.
Luckily, I am saved by my sister who asks me to take her home. When we get in the car, I pull out my phone and start checking messages.
“So what was all that about with Samantha tonight? Things looked tense,” Lidiya says.
“Nothing to worry about,” I reply, repeating my earlier sentiment.
“I’m not stupid, Ivan,” she counters, her tone challenging me to keep my cool.
“I never said you were,” I reply evenly.
“No, you didn’t. However, what you seem to forget is that I know your habits and your facial expressions. I also know Samantha’s methods from your previous interactions with her. So I’ll ask again, Ivan: what was that all about with Samantha tonight?” Lidiya bites out.
I sigh. “Her father sent her to try and influence a meeting. I told her to stop embarrassing herself, and that her father needs to stop insulting me by sending her instead of meeting with me himself. They don’t seem to get it that I have absolutely no interest in Samantha, romantic or otherwise.”
“That’ll do it,” Lidiya replies, leaning back into the seat.
“Like I said, nothing to worry about,” I say with a smile.
The rest of the ride home is quiet. I continue checking my message and make mental notes to take care of a few things before meeting my brothers at the new warehouse tomorrow night.
“Goodnight, Ivan,” Lidiya says over her shoulder as she climbs the stairs to her room.
“Goodnight, Lidiya,” I tell her before turning down the hall and entering my office. I’m determined to get work done that I missed this evening due to the gala.
CHAPTER FIVE
EMMA
THIS MORNING STARTED Gran’s first full day in a hospice house. Brookline Hospice Care had an available bed for Gran, and they were very caring and professional while I completed the paperwork as Gran was moved into her room. I need to go back to the assisted living facility she was in and gather the remainder of her things, then arrange the final billing from them.
The assisted living facility was my first stop of the day after finishing my coffee. Gran didn’t have many things there, considering she didn’t need too much when she moved there from independent living. As I walk out of the assisted living facility holding the box of Gran’s things, I start to tear up a little. My Gran was such a larger than life character during the good times, and now it feels like her life is being reduced to a few trinkets and clothing items.
I slipped into the backseat of the waiting ride share and settle in for the short drive to the hospice house. Putting the box on the seat next to me, I lift the lid and run my fingers over Gran’s favorite sweater. I smile when I think of her sitting in her chair at home, a cup of tea on the side table, wearing the sweater around her shoulders. She said it kept the chill off, never mind the fact that her chair and side table sat next to the fireplace that always had a fire going.
When I arrive at the hospice house, I’m greeted by the nurse, Kristin. She gives me a friendly and welcoming smile before giving me an update on Gran’s health.
“Your grandmother had a good night last night. She’s a little tired this morning, but responsive, which is good,” Kristin tells me.
“Is she awake?” I ask her.
“She was when I was in her room taking vitals a few minutes ago.” Kristin smiles at me.
“Thanks,” I reply as I start walking towards Gran’s room.
“Good morning Gran!” I say to my grandmother as I open her door. She’s sitting up in bed, resting quietly. Her head turns when she hears my voice.
“Good morning, my sweet girl. Come sit with me,” she says, holding out her hand for me to take it. I set the box of her things on a side chair, take off my coat, and then pull up a second chair to her bedside and sit down.
“How are you feeling today, Gran?” I ask her, taking her hand in my own.
“Oh, just dandy,” came her reply, followed by a small chuckle.
“I’m glad,” I say as I smile at her. “Is it okay if I sit with you for a little while?”
