Chapter 17
ANITA AWAKENED THE FOLLOWING MORNING after a restless night. She hadn’t slept much, and it wasn’t because of her talk with Carly. That had actually gone much better than she could have predicted. Carly was both curious and wary about her father being in town and wanting to connect with her. In fact, she’d called him last night, and they chatted for about ten minutes.
Anita heard her half of the conversation, and after it was over, Carly simply said, “He’s going to visit on Friday. I’m not ready to go do anything with him, but I told him he could come over and visit.”
Anita thought that was a good idea. A baby step. Not that she was looking forward to having Bobby in her home—looking things over—but this was about her daughter. And she had to focus on that.
What surprised her, though, was the phone call she received around lunchtime from Wyatt. Thankfully Phyllis wasn’t over that day. His warm voice coming through the phone somehow settled her circling thoughts.
“How are you?” he asked.
It was a common enough question, but coming from Wyatt, she knew it was genuine.
“I’m doing all right,” she said. “Are you on lunch break?”
“I am, and I guess I was too curious to wait for when you were going to call me.”
“Oh, I was going to call you, huh?”
He chuckled. “Am I being too transparent?”
She sat at the kitchen table. “I think you need to be more transparent after a statement like that.”
She could hear the smile in his voice when he replied, “You’re a taskmaster, Anita. I’m sure that comes with being a parent, but also being both an artist and a businesswoman.”
“Ah, starting out with the compliments, I see.”
“Is it working?”
She smiled to herself. “I won’t turn any down.”
“Good.” Wyatt paused. “I don’t want to pull any punches, Anita. I like you and I’ve enjoyed spending time together.”
Anita wondered at the depth of his words, but goose bumps broke out on her arms anyway. “I like you too, Wyatt.”
“I think you just made my day.”
She touched her cheek. Sure enough, it was plenty hot.
“How did the talk with Carly go?” he asked.
“Surprisingly well.” Anita didn’t mind his questions, so she updated him on the conversation and the outcome. “He’s coming to visit Carly tomorrow night at our house.”
“How do you feel about that?”
She winced. “Uh . . . can I plead the Fifth?”
Wyatt laughed. “You certainly can. Although pleading the Fifth pretty much makes your opinion clear.”
“Well, I’m telling myself it’s all good, and that it won’t turn out too good to be true.”
“Do you think your ex will flake out?”
“He could, or maybe he will later. You know, visit a handful of times, then disappear again.” She wrapped the phone cord around her fingers. “I just don’t want to see Carly disappointed.”
“Yeah, I get it. She’s a great kid, and I’d think any man would be proud to have her as a daughter.”
Anita’s heart twisted at his kind words. “Thank you. I believe that as well, but I also know that not all people are wired to be attentive parents.” She cut off her words, hoping she wasn’t crossing the line.
“Yeah . . . I know that firsthand,” he said softly.
“I’m sorry, Wyatt, I didn’t mean to bring that up.”
“It’s fine. I shared about my mom with you and Carly, and I’m glad I did. I wanted her to know that there are a lot of people out there who are dealing with hard things.”
Anita still felt bad about bringing up something that must be painful.
“I’ve made peace with my parent-less life because I’ve realized how blessed I’ve been with such steadfast grandparents.”
“Your grandpa is a sweet man,” Anita said, glad that she’d sidestepped a landmine. “And I’m sure your grandma was wonderful, too.”
“She really was.” Wyatt’s tone remained subdued. “Are we still on for meeting at the center tonight? I’d love to have you and Carly there. You know, to ease him into the news about Susan.”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world. Six thirty, right?”
“Right—soon after dinner.”
“Okay.”
“Hey, should I pick you two up? It’s not much out of the way.”
She didn’t hesitate. “Sure, that would be great. I’ve become fond of the red Cadillac.”
Wyatt laughed. “Me too.”
She was tempted to ask him to come earlier and have dinner, but maybe that would be too much...
“It’s a plan, then,” he said, his low voice rumbling through the phone. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
After hanging up with Wyatt, Anita remained at the kitchen table for several moments, sorting through all the things in her head. Complications, for sure, but new hope too. Wyatt had brought in that hope, as well as his grandpa.
She was determined that tonight would be a good night. She’d enjoy being with Wyatt and her daughter, and finding some answers for Mr. Davis.
To pass the time, she headed into the backyard to do some mindless gardening. She saw Phyllis in her yard before the woman noticed her.
“Hi, Phyllis. How are you?”
Her neighbor didn’t turn to greet her, so Anita moved closer to the fence. “Phyllis?” she said loudly.
The woman spun, reaching for the headphones she had on her ears. “Oh, I’m sorry that I didn’t hear you. I’m trying out this new Walkman that my son sent me for my birthday. He sent me three cassette tapes. Do you want to try it out?”
Anita reached for the Walkman over the fence. “It’s your birthday?”
“Next week,” Phyllis said, “but he’s not going to be able to visit. I suppose that’s why he was sure to send this in advance. Pretty fancy, don’t you think?”
“It’s a very nice gift,” Anita agreed. She pushed Play on the Walkman and slipped on the headphones. “Great sound, too.”
Phyllis beamed. “I love it, and I feel so hip. You should tell Carly to come and listen when she has some extra time.”
“She has one,” Anita said. “But I’m sure she’d love to try yours out.” She handed the Walkman back to Phyllis, and the woman proudly set it back on her ears.
Anita smiled to herself, then got busy with gardening, but it did nothing to keep her mind off Wyatt.
By the time six thirty rolled around, she was a bundle of nerves. She found Carly bouncing on her toes, waiting for the red car to pull up.
“He’s finally here!” she said.
Wyatt turned into the driveway, and Carly pushed out the door.
“Hang on,” Anita said with a laugh, but Carly was already halfway to the car. Anita grabbed her jacket, then closed the door and locked it.
Wyatt had stepped out of the car and opened the back door for Carly, then the passenger door, waiting for Anita.
His gaze scanned her as she approached. Maybe she’d dressed up a little more than usual. She wore a lightweight denim jumpsuit with a wide leather belt, along with kitten heels.
“Good evening,” he said as she neared.
She smirked at his formality. “Good evening, Mr. Davis.”
His smile appeared, and she stepped past him and slid into the passenger seat. He closed the door and walked around to the other side of the car. Carly leaned close and propped her arms on the upholstery between Anita and Wyatt.
“Guess what, Wyatt?”
“What?” he asked in a cheerful tone as he backed out of the driveway.
“My dad’s in town, and I’m seeing him tomorrow night.”
Wyatt cut a glance to Anita, but didn’t reveal he already knew the information. She realized they hadn’t discussed this possibility.
“Are you excited?” he asked.
“Yes and no.”
This caught Anita’s attention.
“Nervous, then?” Wyatt continued, his glance moving from the road to the rearview mirror. “It’s been a while since you’ve seen him, right?”
Carly sighed. “Yeah. Ten years. He’s probably all gray now.”
Wyatt’s brows popped up. “Isn’t he around your mom’s age?”
She shrugged. “So maybe he’s not all gray, but I’ll bet he looks old.”
Wyatt shared another glance with Anita, and they both listened as Carly rattled on about her dad. She brought up some of her memories from when she was a kid, and Anita was both surprised and grateful at how comfortable Carly felt around Wyatt to tell him so much.
In no time at all, they were turning into the parking lot of the assisted living center.
“I’m really glad you have a chance to get to know your dad again,” Wyatt said. “Family is important no matter how complicated.”
Carly scrunched her nose. “That sounds like something your grandpa would say.”
He laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment, then.”
When they walked into the dining room where Mr. Davis waited at a table, Anita’s heart tugged to see him. In moments, he’d learn that they’d been in contact with Susan, but things hadn’t gone so well.
“Gramps,” Wyatt said, reaching him first. He leaned down and gave him a hug.
Mr. Davis patted his back with a shaky hand, then his gaze moved to see Anita and Carly. “What a surprise. You brought friends.”
Wyatt smiled. “I’m sure I don’t have to introduce them.”
Mr. Davis held out his hand, and Anita grasped it, then Carly did.
“We have some news about our search for Susan,” Wyatt said without any more preamble. “Can we talk in your room? Or someplace more private?”
Mr. Davis reached for his walker. “You heard from her?” He pushed himself up, and Wyatt reached to support him. “Let’s go to the atrium. It’s a nice enough night.”
And it was. The weather was mild and the sky clear of most clouds, with the sunset painting it a deep orange.
“That sounds great,” Wyatt said.
Their small group moved through the dining room, then outside, where there was a walled-in garden area.
“There’s a couple of benches at the end of this path,” Mr. Davis continued.
The fragrance of flowers bloomed about them, and Anita was impressed that the center had such a place. It was surely a refuge for the residents. “No one else is out here?” she asked.
“They’re all settling in for movie night,” Mr. Davis said.
“What are they watching?” Carly asked.
“I think it’s one of the videos they’ve shown a dozen times. It’s either Somewhere in Time or 9 to 5,” he said. “I don’t pay much attention because I’d rather read.”
Carly moved ahead and found the open circle with a couple of benches. She sat at the end of one, and Anita settled next to her.
“We have good news and not-so-good news, Gramps,” Wyatt said.
Mr. Davis frowned. “I want it all. Is she still alive?”
Anita shouldn’t have been surprised at the question, but it caught her off guard. Of course he’d wonder about that.
“She’s alive and fairly healthy,” Wyatt said. “I spoke to her daughter last night in Medford—where she’s living now.”
“Medford?” Mr. Davis nodded. “What do you mean by fairly healthy? Why didn’t you talk to Susan?”
Wyatt cleared his throat. “Susan’s daughter is named Lila, and she wouldn’t let us speak to Susan. Lila has heard about you, and she doesn’t have a very favorable opinion.”
Mr. Davis looked confused at this. “What does that mean?”
“I’m not sure exactly.”
“Lila said that you broke Susan’s heart,” Carly interjected, clearly too eager to let Wyatt beat around the bush.
Mr. Davis looked over at her, his brows pinched. “Broke her heart...” His voice was quiet. “Her daughter said this?”
Carly nodded, and Wyatt said, “Yeah, she made it sound like it was devastating and that Susan’s still not over it after all these years.”
Mr. Davis rocked back on the bench. “I don’t understand. Susan and I were the best of friends. We dated, we were in love, yes, but life happened. We wrote to each other for years, and she completely stopped after getting engaged. I’m the one who was heartbroken.” His voice trembled at the end of his speech, and he raised a shaky hand to wipe his eyes.
Anita found a tissue pack in her purse and crossed to him to hand one over. “I’m sorry,” she said. “We didn’t know what to make of Lila’s comments, so we’re hoping that you can tell us what happened.”
Mr. Davis used the tissue, then raised both his hands in surrender. “I honestly don’t know. I don’t have that final letter anymore. When Norma and I married, we both purged our things of old girlfriends and old boyfriends. We started with a clean slate. She knew about Susan, of course, and I knew about Norma’s former beau...” His voice trailed off and he closed his eyes.
“Gramps?” Wyatt set a hand on his shoulder. “Are you all right?”
Mr. Davis released a long breath. “I need to talk to her. I need to find out what Susan told her daughter.”
Wyatt exchanged glances with Anita. She didn’t have any answers...Lila had made her stance pretty clear.
Mr. Davis turned to his grandson. “Can you call again? Give them the number here. Ask if Susan can call me. Or her daughter is welcome to as well.”
Wyatt dipped his chin. “I can try again, Gramps, but I don’t know if that will just make things worse.”
“It’s already at its worst.” Mr. Davis raised a trembling hand and rubbed his forehead. “I know my memory isn’t what it used to be, but what in the world does she mean?”
Wyatt rested a hand on his grandpa’s shoulder. “I don’t know, Gramps.”
Anita’s stomach twisted into knots at the obvious distress Mr. Davis was feeling. He looked at Carly. “Can you help me write a letter to Susan? My handwriting is no longer steady.”
She straightened and looked at Anita, who gave her a nod of approval. “I’d be happy to,” she said to him. “When should we write it?”
“Tonight,” he said in a determined voice. “Then one of you can mail it. The mail service here is slower than a snail’s pace.”
Wyatt’s forehead creased, but he said, “All right. I can mail it tomorrow. No problem, Gramps.”
So they headed inside, and Anita located some paper, an envelope, and a pen. As Mr. Davis dictated his letter to Carly, Anita sat near Wyatt.
“What do you think?” she asked quietly, so they wouldn’t be overheard.
“I think a letter has a better chance than a phone call,” Wyatt said. “But it still might not get past Lila.”
“That’s true.” She sighed. “I wish Lila would have told us a little more.”
He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “It’s hard to know if this is a case of lost memories, or something that Gramps didn’t realize he’d done. A miscommunication or something. Or...maybe he’s not admitting to it?”
Anita bit her lip. “Maybe. Although it would be strange for your grandpa to forget something that obviously really hurt Susan.”
Wyatt nodded, and they both watched and waited as Carly finished the letter writing. After Mr. Davis had dictated his last words, he reached for his walker. “I’m ready to turn in for the night.”
“Already?” Wyatt moved to his feet. “Are you feeling all right?”
“I’m tired, son,” Mr. Davis said. “I appreciate all you’ve done and that you were able to track down Susan. Now we just have to pray that she’ll be willing to talk to me. Let me know the moment you get in touch with her daughter again.”
“I will.” Wyatt reached his side and grasped his elbow. “Do you need help to your room?”
“No, it looks like Ginny is taking me.”
The aide arrived just then. “Everything all right? Did you have a nice visit?”
“It was an interesting visit, Ginny,” Mr. Davis said in a subdued tone. “I’m ready to go my room now.”
“Of course.” She glanced at Wyatt.
He simply nodded. “Good night, Gramps.”
Mr. Davis shuffled away, Ginny at his side, without a backward glance or any sort of goodbye.
Carly stared after him. “He’s really sad.”
It was a fair assessment. “Let’s hope that Susan will get his letter,” Wyatt said.
Carly handed it over to him. “Maybe you can send it certified mail? To be signed by the person it’s addressed to?”
Wyatt’s brows lifted. “That’s an excellent idea.”
But Anita wasn’t as sure. “Would that give it too much attention and alert Lila?”
“That’s true,” he conceded.
“I wish we could just go visit her,” Carly said. “It’s not fair that Mr. Davis feels so sad about this. Why couldn’t Lila be nicer?”
Anita gave her a side hug. “We probably don’t know the whole story. Maybe Wyatt will have more luck contacting Lila again.”
He puffed out a breath of air. “I hope I don’t make her too upset by calling again. At least I can tell her I gave Gramps the message about Susan being heartbroken.”
They all fell silent for a moment.
“It’s not that late,” Carly said. “We could call her right now. Maybe Susan will answer.”
“Carly—” Anita began, but Wyatt cut in.
“That might be a good idea,” he said. “We can call her tonight. Not worth losing sleep over it—for any of us.”
Carly beamed. “Okay, then. We’re going to our house to call. There’s not much privacy here.”
Wyatt looked at Anita for confirmation, and she nodded.
“Let’s do it, then.” He walked with them out of the center, and they loaded in his car.
Once they reached the house, Anita could only hope that Lila would give Wyatt a chance to talk and explain. Maybe...maybe they could speak to Susan.
They settled at the kitchen table, and he called the number from the night before. Again, Anita and Carly scooted close to hear as much as possible.
“Is this Lila?” he said when a woman answered. “This is Wyatt Davis calling again. We spoke on the phone last night.”
“I told you not to call here again,” Lila said.
“Please don’t hang up. I have more information that you might be interested in hearing,” Wyatt rushed to say.
There was a pause, then Lila spoke. “What could you possibly have to say? I already told you—”
“We spoke to my grandpa tonight and told him what you said.” Wyatt’s gaze connected with Anita, and she nodded for encouragement. “He doesn’t have any memory of doing something that would break Susan’s heart. To get to the point, he’s devastated about it. He’d love more information. Either from you or Susan. He doesn’t want there to be any misunderstandings.” He dragged in a breath and waited.
They all waited.
Lila’s words came loud and clear. “Mr. Davis, unless my mother walks over my dead body to get to the phone, she’ll not be speaking with you or your grandfather.”
The line clicked, and Wyatt moved the receiver from his ear. “She hung up on me.”
The three of them sat in silence for a long moment.
Finally, Anita said, “We’ll mail the letter and cross our fingers.”
He nodded. “Exactly.”
“Maybe Mr. Davis can call,” Carly suggested. “Maybe Lila will listen to him.”
Wyatt patted her shoulder. “I think that’s a great idea. We’ll see if anything comes of the letter first. Wait a week or two.”
“Okay.” Carly stood from the table. “Well, if you’re done making phone calls, I’m going to call my friend Sara. She’ll want an update.”
Wyatt pushed the phone toward her. “I wish you had better news.”
“Yeah, we all do.” Carly picked up the phone and headed out of the kitchen, the cord trailing behind her.
“That kid is going places,” Wyatt said with a soft smile, his gaze connecting with Anita’s.
“She’s so invested in this, I worry that she’s being pushy.” Anita brushed at an errant crumb on the table that had escaped dinner cleanup.
“She’s not being pushy,” he said. “I like that she’s invested, too. It makes me feel like I’m not trying to come up with all the solutions for Gramps.”
“Yeah . . . are you okay? Lila was pretty rude on the phone.”
“She’s upset, that’s all,” Wyatt said. “I don’t know the whole story, but if I did, maybe we’d have more sympathy.”
“True.”
He rose from the table. “Well, I’ve hogged enough of your evening. I’m sure you have other things to do.”
“Not really.” Anita laughed and stood. “Well, I guess I do, but all this intrigue is so much more entertaining than starting laundry, or going through bills.”
Wyatt reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Thanks again. To both you and Carly.” He let go of her hand, but the warmth remained.
Anita wished he’d stay, but what excuse could she come up with? She could at least walk him to his car, so she did.
“And good luck with the ex tomorrow night,” he said once they were outside.
Oh. Anita had forgotten about that. Spending time with Wyatt and his grandpa had been a nice distraction for that reason alone. Her mind now spun with Carly’s upcoming visit with her dad. “Thanks.”
“And if you want to call me and talk, I’ll answer the phone.”
She smiled up at him, finding his eyes on her. “Okay, I might just do that. Be careful what you ask for.”
“I am being careful.”
His words were cryptic enough that she wasn’t sure if he was flirting...“All right, Mr. Careful. Again, sorry about the Lila disappointment. Crossing my fingers that the letter reaches Susan.”
“Thanks, Anita, really.” He held up the letter.
“How many times are we going to say thanks tonight?”
He chuckled. Then he stepped close and pulled her into his arms.
She wasn’t expecting a hug, but she was all for it. It took her a couple of seconds to get over her surprise, then she wrapped her arms about his waist.
He smelled like fresh air, and she didn’t mind his arms around her either.
When he drew away, it was much too soon, and her mind was spinning for completely different reasons.