I smiled at the memory. Because I was a talker, I didn’t get a chance at that box often, but I could never pick something for myself. It was my way of showing them how much I loved them.
“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, Grammy,” Ren said with awe in her voice. “I’ve never heard of such a thing. Most kids that age are inherently selfish.”
“Not my Mikey,” my grandmother said warmly.
“He was a very special kid, it seems.”
“Still is, Ren. I know I’m biased, but Mikey is unique.” Grammy giggled and said, “Also, we’d try to corner him and ask who he loved more out of the four of us, but he would never choose. Always said he loved us all the same. God gave him a heart that expanded to love easily and completely.”
“I can see that,” Ren said, her voice soft and contemplative.
“Andthisone is when he was fourteen. That boy was the smartest in his class,” Grammy said affectionately.
“Oh my gosh. But look at his outfit,” Ren said with a chuckle.
“I said he was smart, not fashionable,” she deadpanned, making them both laugh loudly.
I shook my head in disbelief that she was throwing me under the bus. I leaned against the outside wall, curious to see how this would go, close enough to step in if things got out of hand.
“He was a cutie, there, though,” Ren said, and I wished I could see which embarrassing photo garnered that compliment. Surely not one from my grunge phase.
I could hear the squeak of pages in a photo album being turned.
“This was his high school graduation. We were all so proud of him. Graduated with honors.”
“I call him Data Boy, so I guess it’s fitting,” Ren said confidently, making Grammy laugh.
“Yes, I was right. You fit right in.”
A soft thud made me assume she had closed the album.
“Ren, I like you,” I heard Grammy say, her chair squeaking, and I was dying to peek in and see what she was doing. “And I think that boy of mine likes you, too.”
Uh, oh.
I straightened, ready to walk in and save my fake girlfriend, the one I wanted something real with.
“I like you, too, Grammy. And Mike. I’m excited to get to know more about him while I’m here,” Ren said.
“Life moves fast, my girl. Yesterday I was eighteen and getting married. Now I’m old and gray and wrinkled.”
“No, you’re not. Il suo cuore ha ancora tanto fuoco. That means your heart still has so much fire.”
Whoa, hearing Ren speak Italian made my knees weak. Again.
I heard a kiss and wasn’t sure who’d kissed whom. This was ridiculous. I should just go in there, but something kept my feet planted in place.
“My heart is getting tired now. But you’re right. There’s still some fire left there. I’m holding on to see what I’ve prayed for come to pass. Mikey tries to act strong for everyone, but I see the sadness in his eyes. There’s something he’s hiding. He needs a good woman to walk him through whatever that is. And I see the same sadness in your beautiful eyes.”
Her words about not having much time left made me frown, shocked to know she’d seen my sadness. I leaned in to hear Ren’s response.
“What do you see in me? What sadness?”
They were quiet for so long, I thought they had started whispering until Grammy said, “Your eyes hold a longing. Something you haven’t experienced yet, but you wish for.”
“You’re very insightful,” Ren answered, and I may have heard a sniffle.
“Don’t give up. You may be exactly where you should be to receive all that you want.”
