She stuttered, “Wh-what are you talking about?”
“I wasn’t going to bring it up, but I suppose now is a good a time as any. Why didn’t you tell me about the heart attack and surgery last year? You kept it a secret from me.”
Bertha started to wring her hands. “I didn’t want you to worry. And, I especially didn’t want you to treat me like a delicate little flower.”
His voice softened. “You’re the only family I have left. I would have been here for you, and I’m pissed at you and me that I wasn’t. It’s a mistake that won’t happen again.”
Bertha looked down at her plate. For the first time, she was able to see if from his perspective. “I’m sorry. I know losing your mom and dad in that plane crash devastated you. It was ten years ago, and it took you how long to get over it? I didn’t want you to relive that range of emotions if things didn’t turn out to be serious.”
“But they were serious. You had a heart attack. It doesn’t get much worse than that.”
“You’re right, and again, I’m truly sorry. Things were so crazy back then that I didn’t use my best judgment.”
Ellis didn’t want his grandmother to feel guilty, but he needed her to make sure she included him in whatever was going on. “Can you promise me one thing?”
“I’ll do my best and I will if I can.”
“If you get a cold, tell me. I want to know.”
She laughed. “The list of ailments for someone my age is pretty long.”
“Then, write them all down, and I’ll do my best to remember ever single one.”
Her eyes misted over. “You’re too good to me.”
Ellis picked up a grape and popped it into his mouth. “I’m supposed to be.”
“Who’s going to be good to you?” Bertha asked the question innocently enough, but there was a deeper meaning behind it.
“I’m actually pretty damn good to myself.”
“Well . . .” She took a sip of her coffee. “This coffee is delicious too. That decaf stuff is usually undrinkable. Back to my point . . . Haven is such a sweet girl don’t cha think?”
“You’re about as subtle as a cyclone. First, I’m not interested in Haven. Second, she’s not interested in me and is still in love with her ex. Third, I’m not interested in Haven.”
“The ex is a joke. He didn’t deserve her. But, I’ve seen the way you look at her when you think no one is paying attention.” Her voice softened. “You can’t run away from love because you think everyone is going to leave you, Ellis. Life is about loving people and enjoying the time you have with them on this earth, even if that time is short. Love makes it all worth it.”
She knew he’d never gotten over the loss of his parents or his grandfather. They were all so very close.
Ellis blew out an exaggerated breath. He did not want to revisit the pain of those losses. “I’m not running away from anything. I’m sure when I meet the one, I’ll know. In the meantime, I’m human. Haven is gorgeous. What warm blooded man wouldn’t take a peek every now and again?” The images his mind conjured up would remain just that. “However, she’s looking for a husband. Someone to settle down with and I want the opposite of that. My needs are a little more basic. All I want is to enjoy the company of a woman. Period. I’m not even thinking of getting married and starting a family anytime soon.”
“Oh.” Her face drooped. “Too bad. It would be really nice to become a great-grandmother finally.” Bertha was laying it on thick. “She’s an amazing girl. I hope she finds someone who is deserving of her.”
Ellis didn’t ever want ever disappoint his grandmother, but in this case, he had no choice. “I’m sure she will.”
The two of them spent the morning laughing and talking about other ordinary things. But, Ellis was careful to keep a watchful eye over his grandmother. He always had, but after Haven had told him about her heart attack, he became even more in tune with his grandmother’s body language and mood changes.
He asked casually, “Where is Haven?” Ellis had become so accustomed to her being around that it felt a little weird when she wasn’t.
“Curious about her, huh?” She pointed her skinny little finger at him. “I think there might be more there than you’re letting on.”
He wiped his mouth with a napkin and laid it on the table. “No. She’s just always around, and today, she’s not. Seems a little odd.”
“Hmph. Okay. I’ll let you believe that and won’t say another word about it.”
“Yeah, you will.”
“You’re right.” Bertha laughed. “She’s not here because I gave everyone but Vanessa the day off. Unfortunately, I need her care around the clock.” Her eyes widened, and she whispered conspiratorially, “What about Vanessa?” Her nurse had stepped out of the room for a few minutes. “She’s a really lovely lady. I don’t think she’s looking for a husband. I don’t have to worry about her giving you crabs either.”
He almost choked on his juice. “Umm . . . she seems very . . . ah . . . nice.” Ellis wasn’t about to tell his grandmother he knew all about Vanessa. And, when it came to his sexual safety, he never left
