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A few minutes later, I pull up in front of Preston’s house and park. Theo’s already wagging his tail in anticipation of seeing Preston. “Aw, he’s not here, buddy. But let’s go eat.”
Much to my dismay, his house is not at all like a dungeon or bat cave. Just sad beige. Everything is tidy and in its place. Light wood floors. A big white kitchen with a white tile backsplash. Nothing on the counters. Theo’s dishes on the floor next to the cabinet. I fill his bowl with the special salmon food he eats while I check out the place. His pantry is neatly organized with nuts, healthy snack bars, bags of Theo’s food, and cans of salmon and beans. No random Snicker bars or cookies. It’s a sad pantry. It’s a sad house. No wonder he still visits the inn all the time. Disappointed, I shut the door. I open his fridge, and it has the usual condiments and a few containers of takeout that look old. A lonely spoon and bowl lay in the sink, rinsed. Like he ate in a hurry and rinsed them before he left.
It smells like him in here. Good. Earthy, spicy, and woodsy. Like a big warm bear hug in a cozy flannel. The living area has a big TV with empty bookcases on either side. Not a book or framed photo or memento or anything. I know he just moved in, but I’ve seen staged Airbnbs that feel homier than this. There’s a big leather sectional in the middle of the room but no throw pillows or blankets or rugs. Does he even live here?
I know I probably shouldn’t peek, but the first two bedrooms are empty, and the doors are shut. At the end of the hall is a larger bedroom with a king-size bed and a huge white upholstered headboard flanked by light wood end tables. One side of the bed is unmade, with only a phone charger on the bedside table—no books, no Chapstick, no tissues. Nothing.
I let Theo out to do his business after he’s finished eating. Preston’s backyard has a huge Blackstone grill and a patio set. This outdoor space is the only part of the home that looks lived in, but it still lacks any kind of flourishes. This house would be amazing if someone added love to it. Preston needs that in his life.
Theo looks bored and lets me know he’s done. I can see why he likes coming to the inn and going everywhere Preston goes. He likes being around all the people and Pancake. It’s lonely here. I decide to bring him with me to pick up Pancake. Theo wags his tail as he walks down the corridors, and the residents all crowd around him to love on him. Janice smiles and crouches down to pet him.
“I didn’t realize you knew Theo,” she says, giving him scratches behind his ears as he leans into her for more.
“I work with Theo’s dad.” I shrug. How does she know Preston? I don’t ask because I’m distracted by watching Theo and focused on getting to Harry.
It’s a small town, so that’s probably why. Sooner or later, you’re bound to run into everyone here. New people aren’t new for very long. Freedom Valley has a way of making everyone feel like they’re welcome.
I make my way back to Harry’s room, and Theo bounds in. “Hey, Theo,” he says, brightening.
I wrinkle my brow. “Does everyone know Theo?” I joke.
“Theo is the best boy in all the land. Aren’t you, buddy?” Harry says, scratching his ears. Pancake, also excited to see Theo, trots after him as Theo bounces around the room, sniffing.
“How was your day, Harry?”
“Oh, can’t complain. Evelyn had a headache, so I’ve just been watching my shows and hanging out with Pancake.”
“I hope she feels better soon.”
“Me, too. Any fun plans tonight?”
“I’m helping Beth get ready for the auction. The bookstore is getting closer and closer,” I say excitedly.
He looks worried. “What bookstore? Rhiannon, you can’t open a bookstore. You have a little girl to think about.”
My heart drops. He thinks I’m my mom again. He does this sometimes, but lately he’s done so good that I sometimes forget his dementia is progressing.
“Harry, no, it’s me. Paige,” I say quietly.
He looks confused, then nods slowly. “Yeah, that’s right. I’m sorry, Bug. Did you do your homework?”
I smile sadly, blinking back a tear. “Yes, Harry. I’m going to head out now. I love you.”
I choke back my tears as I lean in and hug Harry, breathing him in. He always smells like mints and aftershave. Even in the nursing home, he gets dressed and shaves every day, just as he has for decades.
Once I get Theo and Pancake in the van, I sink down in the driver’s seat, and my body erupts with grief. What am I going to do without Harry? He’s all I have. Losing him while he’s still here is even worse. Theo leans over and licks the tears off my cheeks. Dog kisses.
I lean in and hug him. “Thanks, buddy,” I say as I wipe my eyes.
I’m too upset to eat in the main dining room at the inn tonight, so I retreat to the loft with my furry friends. I just can’t face everyone right now. After I take a shower, I tuck Pancake and Theo in for the night. Then I lie in bed, thinking about what will happen when Harry’s gone. I’ve never actually thought about what life would be like without him. I have never been able to bring myself to imagine it. When I lost my mom, Harry was all I had.
A soft knock at the door wakes me up. I rub my eyes, confused, and open it. There stands Preston, holding a bag of takeout food that smells amazing. I blink. His hair and clothes look rumpled, but he still looks so good. I must be dreaming.
“I know it’s late. I didn’t know if you’d eaten yet, so I brought Chinese food. I didn’t know what you liked, so I got all the things.” He looks worried. He leans in and cups my chin. “What’s wrong?” His deep voice and his messy hair are doing things to me.
Shaking myself back to reality, I say, “Nothing. I’m okay. I haven’t eaten, and that smells really good.” I busy myself with grabbing two plates from the little kitchenette and some napkins.
Preston stands in the doorway, still holding the food bag and staring at me in alarm. I ignore him, because if I turn and see the look of pity on his face, I will lose it and start crying again.
