Page 27 of Lovestrung

“I’m glad you called me. Is your grandfather joining us again?”

I nodded and poured her some coffee.

“Yes, but I wanted to talk with you alone first.” I shrugged. “I hope you’re all right with that?”

Her blue eyes turned compassionate.

“Of course. I understand how important it is for you to feel safe with me first. You know…” She hesitated, but then soldiered on. “It’s not easy to hire a virtual stranger to take care of your loved ones. Actually, I might’ve hesitated if you’d hired me on the spot when we first met.”

I liked this woman more for being honest with me.

“I have to admit that it’s not easy for me, but Gramps needs help. He’s pretty self-sufficient, despite the ailing of his body, but as long as he’s well enough to live in his own home, none of us want him to go to a nursing home.”

“Not that it’s my place to say anything, but I agree. I’ve found that the longer an elderly can remain in their own home, the better. Their quality of life is better for it.”

“I’ve done a lot of research on the subject,” I motioned to the pile of papers and books on the low table between us. “I’m good at that.”

Louisa laughed and nodded.

“Do you mind if we go through the contract once more?” I asked her. “Just to make sure we’re both agreed on the terms. If you have any questions we haven’t covered already, feel free to interrupt me.”

“Sounds good to me.”

We spent the next fifteen minutes going through the papers that my dad’s lawyer, Arnold, had drawn up and emailed me earlier this morning. It was pretty straightforward, but as tight as a fist, meaning that there were absolutely no loop holes.

“I think that’s it,” I leaned forward to give her a copy of the contract. “If you have as good a feeling as I do, I’d love to offer you the job, Miss Paulson.”

We stood up and she reached out her hand.

“Please call me Louisa, and yes, I’d love the job. Thank you.”

It felt as if a big weight had fallen off my shoulders.

“I’m really glad you want it.” I nibbled on my lips. “Gramps was ready to hire you weeks ago,” I confessed.

Louisa blinked and then chuckled.

“Good to know. Should I go say hello to him, or…?”

I shook my head. “I’ll tell him we’re finished and then I thought we could have lunch together?”

“Oh, that would be lovely.”

She rolled up the sleeves of her simple, black shirt. “Why don’t I take a look at the kitchen, make myself acquainted with it?”

“Sure, no problem.”

As I left her to it, I went in search of Gramps. With each step, I felt more at ease with my decision, confident that he was in the best capable hands as he could get.

Before I knocked on the door to his study, I pulled out my phone and sent Ethan a text.

Me: I took your advice, and I listened to my instincts. You were right Thank you.

6

The Last Goodbye

Three days until I left for Rome.