“Believe me, they’ll get their comeuppance when I’m through with them.” She was a feisty one, but she looked at him with the same love I’d seen on his face.
When she stood in front of me, she looked me up and down. Twice. My eyes went to Mike’s, but he just smiled. She harumphed, and I didn’t know if it meant she approved or not. The inspectors in Tuscany on a job site were less intimidating than she was.
“Grammy, this is Renata Valenti. Ren, this is Rose Howell, my Grammy.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, Ms. Rose,” I said, shaking her warm, wrinkled hand. She was still quite lovely for her advanced years. I couldn’t remember if he’d told me how old she was.
“Nice to meet you, too, Ren. Now, let’s get away from the inmates. Come with me, young lady.” Before she started to walk, she held on to my forearm and lifted up her cane, pointing it at the crowd. “Don’t think I won’t retaliate tonight when you’ve all gone to bed if you step foot in my apartment while Ren is here.”
There was a worried murmur from the crowd that quickly began to dissipate.
My eyes became like saucers at her threat, and I prayed I didn’t ever make her that mad.
“I’m this way,” she said, her voice softening immediately. When she started walking, she let go of my arm and put her weight on her cane. I couldn’t help but notice that it was decorated in some type of sparkly material.
I turned back to find Mike, hoping he was following, but the other ladies had surrounded him. He hesitated, waiting for my response. When I nodded, he smiled and headed towards the apartments, no doubt helping the ladies back to their rooms. He must’ve known I could hold my own with his grandmother.
“I, um, like your cane, Ms. Rose. It’s very cheery,” I said, hoping to get on her good side.
“MJ did that. She and her strange friend Jojo came by last month with Mikey and decided it needed an upgrade. They needed to interview someone from my generation for a school project, and Jojo chose me,” she answered, her mood brightening as she spoke. “You're friends with Vicky, Mikey said, so I’m sure you know her daughter.”
I always referred to MJ as Vicky’s daughter, and not step-daughter, so it warmed my heart to hear her say the same.
“Yes, she and I have been friends for years. We met in college in Rome. And yes, MJ is a blessing in her life. In all our lives. I’ve never met such an intelligent young woman. She will be a teenager soon,” I jested. “And I have yet to meet the infamous Jojo, but I’ve heard stories.”
We both chuckled. “That child is just looking for attention. Unfortunately for your Vicky and Miles, she set her sights on MJ. She’s a handful, but I know how to keep her in check. Just keep her away from boys.”
“I have no doubt you can handle her.”
We stopped outside her apartment, and she looked around, most likely looking for Mike (aka Mikey) but didn’t say anything. I couldn’t wait to call him that.
“Help me get to the recliner, please. My feet hurt from practically running to the front desk. Those senile friends of mine made me go looking for some imaginary gift for you just to get out there before I did.” Her earlier rough demeanor slid away now that we were alone.
I started laughing, unable to help myself. She grunted as I helped her get situated on the overstuffed chair that seemed to swallow her small frame. Her hair had a bluish tint and I could see the resemblance to Mike in her hazel eyes.
Crouching down at her feet, I asked, “Do you need something? Some water, a blanket?”
Her cheeks were red, and she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath in before releasing it. She tapped my hand and shook her head.
“I’m good. Just got my steps in all at once. My hip has never been the same since that fall.” She opened her eyes and stared at me as if trying to see into my soul. Before I could say something, she spoke again.
“I have to hurry. He’ll be here soon,” she said cryptically. “Ren, I want you to know that Mikey is my whole life. He’severything to me.” Her voice was shaky, and I swallowed hard but said nothing.
“My husband, God rest his soul, was that for me while he was on this earth, but he knew he shared that spot with our one and only grandson. Do you agree with me that Mikey is a good man?”
Surprised and not prepared for this line of questioning without Mike around, I said, “Ah, yes, he is, Ms. Rose. We haven’t known each other long, but I know he feels the same way about you. You’re the most important person in his life. He’s told me so.”
She smiled widely. “And he’s handsome, don’t you think?” Her eyes and expression were so earnest, I had to smile. “Full head of hair. Has all his teeth.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing out loud. I guess those were important attributes in a man in her generation.
Or buying a horse.
“Yes, very handsome. I’m sure it runs in his family. Your husband was probably just as good-looking.” I smiled widely, seeing her face light up, but I was getting nervous that she was moving the subject towards selling Mike as a mate.
“The most handsome. And you’re right. Mikey is just like him in a lot of ways. Except that my grandson is taking his sweet, old time finding a woman to share his life with.”
Oh boy, I was in so much trouble. Where in the world was that man?
