She tapped my shoulder lightly. “Can you turn around so I can talk to you?”
Slowly, I did as I was told. “What?”
I felt her hand on mine before she tugged it from my face where it had been covering my eyes. “Open your eyes.”
“Are you dressed?”
“I am.”
Seconds later, I cracked an eye open. She wore an oversized robe, nothing familiar. Must’ve beenhis. Letting out a heavy sigh, I said, “You sent a death text. That’s why I’m here.”
“I told you I was okay.” She pointed a finger at me. “And I told your li’l behind not to come.”
“Grandpa died,” I argued. “I thought you were sad. I thought—”
“Pooh, I told you I don’t care about that man.” When I gaped at her, she laughed. “Now you know I’ve never been nice when it comes to him. His death changes nothing.”
I blinked. “I wasn’t sure if you had some sort of epiphany. You were married to him for years. I wanted to …” I didn’t bother finishing the sentence because I knew better. And I knew my grandmother. She was dead serious. “I overreacted. I should’ve listened to you.”
Her shoulders fell. “Come on.” She grabbed my hand, leading me over to the small love seat near the window. Gesturing toward the couch, she told me to take a seat. She joined me. “There are some things I probably should tell you.”
The bathroom door opened, and the older gentleman emerged—fully clothed.Thank God.He grinned. “Hello.”
I glanced at Grandma out of the corner of my eyes, noticing the way she lit up when she looked at the man. “Hi, baby,” she said softly.
Baby?
He inched closer to us and held out his hand to me. “Hi, young lady. I’m Ace.”
I stared at his outstretched hand. Eventually, I shook it. “I’m—”
“Pooh,” he interrupted with a chuckle.
“Albany,” I corrected.
He nodded. “Of course. I’ve heard all about you.”
Eyeing my grandmother again, I wondered how long this man had been around. Forcing my attention back to Ace, I cleared my throat. “I wish I could say the same.”
“I hope to change that,” he offered. “I would love to get to know the young woman who makes my Old Lady smile with pride.”
Okay, he’s good.
Grandma gushed, averting her gaze for a second before she swatted his arm playfully. “Oh hush, Old Man.”
I know she’s not blushing!
I gave him a once-over. He was nice looking.Fine, actually. Salt-and-pepper beard. Well groomed. He was thin, but not in a frail way. While he walked with a limp, he had an air of confidence around him. A quiet strength. He was someone that should never be underestimated—or played with. Yet, he seemed sincere. And the way he looked at Grandma … I couldn’t deny that his obvious endearment melted some of my ice.
“I heard you’re back in the city indefinitely,” he continued. “I’d love to take you and Liv to lunch.”
While I still wasn’t sure about any of this, I found myself nodding at the man. “Who are you?”
“Ace,” he repeated.
Frowning, I shook my head. “No, I mean … what is your real name? Where did you come from? How do you know Grandma? When did you start spending time here? In this house. With her. In her bed.”
He smiled. “You were right, Liv.”
