I couldn’t say no to any one of these women. They ranged in age from 75 to almost 85, but they acted as if they werestill in their twenties, causing trouble in the facility at all hours. Everyone knew who ran that place, and it was most definitely this unruly group of seniors. If one of the residents needed something the facility didn’t provide, the Granny Squad could get it for you. Like I told my friends, they were like the mafia, and no one messed with them. Grammy was in good company. Sort of.
“So rude. Like you can do any better. I heard you gave Robert Haynes food poisoning last Saturday on your date,” Grammy replied with a sneer.
“Dates? Are you ladies going on dates?” I asked incredulously, looking at my grandmother.
“Don’t look at me. Your grandpa was the only man for me. Gemma’s the brazen?—”
Interrupting her, I hurriedly said, “Okay, that’s enough for today. I don’t think I want to know anymore. I’ve got to head out, but I’ll see you in a couple of days.” I kissed her cheek, and she patted mine, just like she’d been doing for as long as I could remember.
She looked tired, but I dared not say anything. It did not go over well last time. I’d spoken with her doctors, who reminded me about HIPAA rules. She was my maternal grandmother and my Mom was still listed as next of kin even though she was so far away. It only made me believe more that Grammy was keeping something from me because she could’ve easily changed it to me.
“I love you, Grammy. Get some rest. Don’t hurt yourself at Zumba class,” I teased.
She rolled her eyes, looking up at me. “Funny guy. Still didn’t answer my question. When are you going to get serious with a woman and bring her to meet me? I’m wearing out these old knees praying about it. Mikey, please say you’ll think about it. This is important to me. I need to know you won’t be alone forever.”
Her solemn expression made my heart ache. I knew what she meant. With my parents half a world away, she and my friends were all I had. Of course, I had God, and I believed He would never leave me, but there were things I had trouble sharing even with Him. Shaking off those thoughts, I lightened the mood by putting my hands on my hips in mock exasperation.
“Woman, you’re going to outlive us all. And I promise. One of these days, I’ll bring someone special to meet you. Bye, ladies. Gemma, be good.” Grammy half-heartedly waved at me. I kissed them all and made my way out.
As I walked through the entrance, a bright red lip mark adorned a handsome, elderly man’s cheek as I exited. I raised my eyebrows, and he winked at me.
Gemma strikes again.
As I slid into my truck, my thoughts wandered back to Grammy and her constant pleading to find a wife, which always accentuated the void I felt. I wasn’t lying when I said I’d never met anyone who would put up with me, but it was a prayer of mine lately to find a woman who would accept me with all my flaws.
At thirty-five, it certainly wasn’t like I was getting past my ‘prime’, as Edna said once, whatever that meant. The thought made me laugh as I started the truck and headed for home. Yet a longing plagued me long after our conversations were over.
I sighed heavily once in my truck, knowing I’d been able to keep the heaviness from pressing into the corners of my mind while with Grammy.
My best friend, Niko, called just as I was getting on the freeway. Hitting the hands-free button, I shook off my growing emotions and answered, “Hey, how are the honeymooners?”
He chuckled and answered, “Amazing, man. So, how’s Grammy?”
“Still sending inappropriate things to everyone from her dentist to Pastor Danny.”
Niko’s laughter barreled out of him. He was very familiar with her antics. We had been friends since college, and his friendship was one of the most important relationships in my life. I had a ton of acquaintances, but Niko Demir was the kind of guy I could call in the middle of the night, and his answer would be, "Yes. What time? What do I need to bring?" Well, being neurodivergent, he’d probably have a few more questions than that, but he’d never say no to anything as long as it was within the law, and even that was debatable.
“And the rest of the mafia gang at Willowgrove Gardens?” he asked. That made me smile.
“Feisty and out of control as ever.” I took my exit and turned the AC up a bit. Summer was definitely here. “They’re even dating now. Can you believe that?”
“Let me guess. Gemma?” he asked, the sound of cooking in the background as pans banged around.
“Good guess. Saw a man who looked like Harrison Ford with a telltale red lipstick print on his cheek when I was leaving. Only goodness knows how many more there are.”
“I could’ve done without that visual, thanks,” he deadpanned.
“Sorry, dude. How’s Leyla?”
“She’s doing great. Mike, I never thought I could be this happy. To be seen, accepted just as I am. It’s overwhelming. She’s still talking about our honeymoon in Istanbul,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. He loved bringing her to where he was born, and she was captivated by the beautiful city, already making plans to return.
Their story seemed straight out of a romance novel. I envied what they had, although it was an interesting journey to get there. He was a shy scientist from Turkey, a fellow nerd throughand through, and Leyla was the beautiful CEO of the organic cosmetic company where he worked, a California girl born and raised. I drove him crazy, teasing him about who wore the pants in the family since she was his boss.
“The pictures were rad, and I’m happy for you, Niko. You guys have what most people only dream of.” With one hand on the steering wheel, I pushed my hair off my forehead, listening to him scoff over my choice of words. I loved getting under his skin with my take on California slang.
“You’re right, but dreams can come true for you, too, Mike. God has that person for you. You just have to wait for the right time.”
“Sounds like Grammy,” I mumbled. “Anyway, you still need to borrow my truck on Thursday? Figured that’s what you called about.”
