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She rolled her eyes, but didn’t deny it. “And you’ll always be Daddy’s mistake Nana feels sorry for.”
I got to my feet and set my bag on the chair. I moved toward her so I didn’t have to speak loudly.
“I know what place I don’t have in the family. I don’t need to be constantly reminded. You don’t have to worry about your precious inheritance. It’s yours. From my perspective, money doesn’t make anyone happy, considering the lot of you.”
“Whatever,” she said, rolling her eyes.
I rubbed my temples, wanting peace for once.
“Can’t we just be civil for Gran?”
“Fine,” she said. “How is she doing?”
After I explained the little I knew, she seemed slightly more concerned.
I gave her space as she moved to Gran’s bedside and spoke softly, even though Gran’s eyes were closed. Minutes later, she looked in my direction before leaving the room.
In my heart I would have liked to have a good relationship with my sister, even a half one, but life didn’t always give you what you wanted.
“Jo.”
Gran’s voice was hoarse, but I sat up in my seat so she could see me.
“Could you get my necklace out of the drawer there?”
She angled her head to the bedside table. I pulled out a necklace I was very familiar with. Gran’s and Grandad’s wedding set hung on it.
“I want you to have this.”
It took me by surprise. “I couldn’t.”
“You can,” she said. “The vultures are circling, and I want someone that will appreciate it to have it. If I leave it for when I die, who knows. I imagine lawyers will be fighting over my will before my body is cold.”
I’d heard the love story of my grandparents. Gran had come from money, but Grandad hadn’t. He’d come home from the war and fallen for her at a chance meeting. Being a decorated veteran, her parents had accepted him. He saved to buy her the modest one carat diamond engagement ring. Their simple wedding bands said a lot about Gran and how money didn’t rule her life.
“Don’t say that.” In my heart I didn’t want to believe that was true until I thought about the things my sister and Aunt Tasha had said about me not having an inheritance.
She gave me a pointed look. “I’m not deaf or dumb. I hear them talking like they think I’m somehow not in the room.”
“It’s a good thing you’re not dying yet,” I said, grinning and needing to see her smile.
She curled my fingers around the necklace and rings. “If there’s anything I learned the past few days, it’s that life is truly short. I’m not afraid of dying. I’ve had a good life. These rings meant so much to your grandad and me, more than money. I know he would be pleased I’m giving them to you.”
I moved in and gave her a fierce hug. “I love you, Gran.”
“I love you, my sweet Jo.”
It didn’t go unnoticed by me that she seemed to be breathing easier. The antibiotics they had given her had to be doing a good job. Whatever other medications they were giving her, she was drowsy and quickly fell back asleep.
When my phone buzzed, I reluctantly gave up my seat and stepped out into the hall, leaving my dad and aunt to watch over Gran. My older half-brothers had made a brief visit. At least they had acknowledged me and not in a totally dismissive way.
“Hello,” I said, accepting the call once I was clear of the room.
“Hey Jo, it’s Suzanne.”
I was surprised to get a call from her, even though she was a coworker. We weren’t exactly friends, especially since she, like other flight attendants, hadn’t been happy I’d been coupled up with Captain Cal Cline for almost two months.
“Hi,” I said, hesitatingly unsure what she could possibly want.
