Chapter 4
Chapter Four
Eva
I hurried out into the street when I saw Grandpa’s livery car arrive. I would’ve driven to New Hampshire to pick him up, but he insisted on using the service owned by his friend Mr. Greenberg.
A black sedan slowed as it passed us, the driver looking at me.
I didn’t recognize him. He had a cross tattooed on his cheek.
A chill skated down my spine. Then he looked away and drove down the street, slowing down at the next complex.
Perhaps he was picking someone up and wasn’t familiar with this residential area.
“Eva!” Grandpa shouted as he pushed the door open.
I offered a hand to help him out. “Hi, Grandpa! You’re early.”
“Dan flew down the highway as fast as he could without getting a speeding ticket.” Grandpa winked at the driver wearing a gray beanie, a dark coat, and a blue scarf as he pulled two bags from the trunk.
“What do you mean? You asked me to get the lead out,” Dan retorted and turned to me with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, Eva.”
“Likewise.”
“I meant it as a joke.” Grandpa shot him a cautious look, probably warning him not to say more because I was present.
Dan gripped the luggage handles. “Do you need me to bring these up?”
“I’d appreciate that,” I said. “Thank you.”
Once we got into my apartment, Grandpa saluted Dan. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to head back.”
I offered Dan a tip, which he refused until I told him Grandpa threatened not to use his services anymore.
After closing the door, I walked to the living room, where Grandpa was taking off his coat.
“So good to see you.” I embraced him and pulled back, studying him.
He wore a navy cardigan with brown cargo pants.
Sharp brown eyes, short silver hair combed to the side, and a vibrant and cheerful face. “You look healthy.”
“I feel it.” He flexed his arms like the Hulk and rubbed his belly. “But gotta work on this belly. Don’t want Santa complaining I’m competing with him.”
“Santa’s a generous man.” I loved his sense of humor. This joyful vibe was exactly what I needed. “He won’t mind.”
“You didn’t have to host me, sweetheart. I would’ve been fine in my condo.”
“I know, but I miss you. Consider this a vacation in the city. Plus, you just had surgery, so I need to monitor you. If something happens, there are excellent hospitals nearby.”
Though Grandpa lived in a beautiful retirement area, the closest hospital was forty minutes away. That was too risky for me. He was my only family left.
“You miss my cooking, don’t you?” Grandpa winked. “You’ll be getting a lot of homemade meals.”
“You are the best chef I know, but please don’t overdo it. I didn’t ask you to stay with me so you could cook for me.”
“But I want to.” He patted my cheeks and scrunched up his face. “You’ve lost some weight since I last saw you. Don’t worry, I’ll fatten you up.”
“You get settled, and later I’ll show you how to stream all the MacGyver you want on my TV. Even the original episodes.”
His eyes brightened with excitement. “You did not.”
I didn’t know who MacGyver was until Grandpa played a few episodes for me, and I was hooked. The guy could get himself out of any dangerous situation.
“I did.” A laugh bubbled out of me at this adorable face. “For my grandpa? I’d do anything. Once you’re settled, we can have lunch and watch some MacGyver.”
“The best granddaughter ever.” He smiled and unzipped his luggage.
“Your only granddaughter,” I reminded him, which earned me a warm smile.
I had nothing planned for this Sunday because of my grandfather’s arrival. While I helped him organize his medicine on the nightstand, sirens blared outside the apartment. I didn’t know why, but that man with the cross tattoo on his face popped into my head.
Stop spooking yourself.
I had done nothing that warranted this fear. The feeling that someone was watching me had faded over the last few days. I was probably scaring myself for no reason. I blamed it on the excessive work at the flower shop. Valentine’s Day was coming up, and the orders had tripled compared to last year.
After watching three MacGyver episodes, my grandfather fell asleep at eight.
I walked into my bedroom and pulled out my diary.
I didn’t write in it often; it was more a collection of ideas for my future flower shop.
One day I’d open my own store and run it with my own personal vision.
But that wouldn’t happen for a while, at least not until I saved enough money.
A dream was like an ember burning in the dark. During times of uncertainty, it gave me hope, reminding me there was something worth striving for. This goal was for me and not to satisfy any man.
I’d dedicated my time to a relationship that turned out to be built on a lie.
I’d never felt so used until Dennis. Perhaps his wife had forgiven him, taking him back.
Not wanting to think about him anymore, I wiped my mind clear and sketched some floral arrangements and terrarium ideas.
Feeling inspired, I scrolled on my phone and studied flower shop interiors, vases, unique wind chimes—all the things that would be in my future store.
Before I knew it, it was bedtime. I fell asleep and dreamed of the titan who had asked me out. But this time, instead of declining, I said yes.