“You’re living in that building, right?”
I nod. “Yeah, they’re really lovely apartments. I can’t see too many alterations being done.”
Wyatt smiles, and I’m not sure if he’s patronizing me or just being polite. “You’ll be surprised what Justin can come up with. He has a great imagination.”
I suppose he would have to. Why don’t I know that about him? “I look forward to seeing what you guys do with it.”
“Why don’t you join us for that meeting.” I raise a brow at him, and he snaps his fingers as if he’s just gotten an idea. “I could use someone taking notes, and you’ll get out of the office for a bit. In fact, see if you can reschedule it to be later in the afternoon and you won’t need to come back into the office.”
I’m not sure Justin will appreciate having me around for a business meeting. But this is my job. I can’t very well say no to Wyatt. “I’ll call him now to reschedule.”
“Why?” His frown is a little comical and he looks up at the wall clock. “He’ll be here in a few minutes to pick you up. It’s nearly five.”
He’s right. Without fail, Justin showed up at exactly five to pick me up. Trust me, it’s better than the alternative. He offered to buy me a car so that I could get around. A car, for fuck’s sake. I declined and politely accepted the lift to and from work each day.
Wyatt went back to his own desk and before I shut down my laptop, he sent me his to do list for tomorrow.
Right on time, Justin texted to let me know he was outside. I gathered my things and said goodbye to Wyatt before leaving for the day.
“Hey,” he says as he opens the car door for me. I’ve told him he doesn’t need to do it, but he insists. I always get out before he can open for me, though. I know it seems like a little thing, but it’s something.
I kiss his cheek before stepping into the car. “Hi, handsome.”
“My grandfather made an appointment to view the available unit at the retirement village, do mind if we pick him up to go and take a look?”
“Sure.” This is the first thing we’re doing as a couple. Or as a real couple. Something that doesn’t just involve the two of us. “Does he know I’m joining you?”
Justin nods. “I told him I’m getting you first. He doesn’t know about the marriage, but he does know that we’re dating.”
I raise a brow at him. “That sounds so weird. We’re married but we’re only dating. I don’t mean in the sense like my parents still have a date night. I mean, we have an end result, but we’re still going through the process of getting there.”
He looks at me with a barely concealed smile. “That’s an interesting way of looking at it.”
“I don’t mean that that’s necessarily the end result for us. It’s just…”
“I know what you mean.” His shoulders sag and he lets out a heavy breath. “What we have is complicated. It’s certainly not the conventional way of going about things.”
His response sounds automatic. Like, it’s rehearsed and going through the motions but he isn’t buying what he’s saying. Maybe he regrets the marriage now. I’m not sure how I feel about it. It doesn’t matter really. His lawyers are drawing up the divorce papers and said we would have it in the next few days.
We pull up outside his grandfather’s building. Arthur Ellis is standing outside and waiting for us, hat on head, cane in hand. Justin jumps out of the driver’s seat. Before I can do the same his grandfather waves a hand to me. “You stay where you are, young lady.”
Justin opens the backseat door and helps his grandfather in. “Hello, Angela.”
“Hi Mr. Ellis.” I turn in the seat to face him. “I didn’t know you were into hats.”
He pats the top of his head. “Oh. Well, yes. Sometimes, when I have important meetings. It’s not a big deal.”
His face turns an adorable shade of pink and I have to wonder if he was dressed up for someone in particular. According to Justin, his grandfather had been spending a lot of time at the retirement village. “Moving in should be easy for you. You already spend so much time there, I’m sure you have many friends.”
Justin gives me a secret smile as he starts the car and pulls away. Yes, I’m fishing. But I find the fact that Mr. Ellis is still pursuing happiness really adorable.
Mr. Ellis stays calm, but the blush never leaves his cheek. “I suppose I do. I’m there for most weekday events. I’m looking forward to attending some of the evening socials and weekend events.”
“Grandpa, you know if you want to attend those, one of us will take you.” Justin darts his eyes to the rearview mirror. “I know you don’t want Andi driving that far at night. But Dylan and I are available as well.”
I turn further in my seat. “And you know any of my brothers will help out if they’re busy.”
“You kids have lives. I don’t want to interrupt that.”
Justin rolls his eyes. “You are not an interruption. We all love doing things for you. Besides, if it will make you feel like less of a burden on our time, I can hire you your own driver.”
“I told you that won’t be necessary.” His grandfather’s tone is stern. “I don’t need some stranger knowing my comings and goings. It’s bad enough you kids know.”
Listening to Justin and his grandfather banter is eye opening. I’m so glad he invited me along to share this little piece of him.
We pull up at the retirement village. It's a beautiful little… estate, is the best way to describe it I suppose. Little matchbox condos line little paved streets. All only one story with a small garden and
