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“Just old age, I guess. She never woke up this morning.”
“I can’t believe it.” Kiley sucked in a shuddering breath. “She’s really gone?”
Tinsley felt her throat tighten, and she couldn’t speak. It broke her heart for the pain her friend was feeling. She took Kiley’s hand, giving it a squeeze.
“I came to bring you home, Kiley. Mom needs you. We all do.”
“How is mom?” Kiley asked with trepidation in her voice.
“Not good. She hasn’t stopped crying, and she started drinking when I left.”
“Oh, Lord,” Kiley whispered. “I’ll go pack.”
“I should go with you,” Tinsley offered, but Kiley shook her head.
“You stay here. There’s nothing you can do. It’s better if I deal with my mother alone. You know how she gets.”
Tinsley gave her a hug. “I’m so sorry, honey. I always loved your gram.”
“I know you did. She loved you, too.”
Kiley pulled free and dashed from the room, wiping tears from her cheeks.
Grady extended his hand to Mike. “My name’s Grady. Sorry to be meeting you under these circumstances.”
Mike shook it. “Mike. Nice to meet you.”
“Come sit down.” Tinsley led them into the living area of the great room. “Can I get you a juice or something?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Is your father home?” Tinsley asked softly.
“Yeah, surprisingly, there were no business trips this week. Usually, he’s out of town.”
“That’s good. Someone should be there with your mother.”
Mike nodded, then stood when Kiley came back, her bag in hand. He moved to take it from her.
Tinsley hugged Kiley tight. “Call me, okay?”
“I will.”
“I’m so sorry, Mike.” Tinsley gave him another hug.
“Thanks for everything, bodyguard dude.” Kiley hugged Grady and whispered in his ear. “I’m rooting for you, sweetie. I never liked Palmer.”
Grady gave her a half smile when she pulled back. Then he shook Mike’s hand again. “Drive safe.”
Once they were gone, a melancholy settled over the place. Tinsley sat on the sofa and stared out at the lake.
“You okay? Can I get you anything?” Grady offered.
She just shook her head, so he withdrew, letting her have space.
***
Later in the afternoon, Grady found Tinsley sitting outside under the arbor, just staring into space.
