Chapter 24 Did I Make A Mistake #3
“And I’m getting to make my award winning yeast rolls,” Tilly added.
“I get to saute some baby carrots and tiny potatoes in butter then air fry them,” Susan said as she climbed out of the van. “It’s a new process we’re trying after our win at the competition.”
“And what are you doing, Tilly?” Willamina asked.
“I’ll be braising flat iron beef tips in broth, and making green beans in butter and salt.”
“This sounds like a special meal,” Willamina was saying when she heard the varoom of the Camaro engine as Greg entered the driveway, then pulled around to the garage. “Good, he’s here. I need to speak with my nephew,” she said as she headed to the door.
Greg was walking in the back entrance to the kitchen with two bottles of wine as Willamina entered from the dining room. “Aunt Willamina?”
“Yes, nephew. I had to come since you weren’t replying to my text messages or emails.”
“I didn’t know how to respond to them yet,” he admitted somberly. “I should have at least said that. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay, nephew. I’m just glad to see you are alright.”
“Well, sort of anyway,” he admitted. “That threw me for a loop,” he said slowly.
“And me too,” she added. “I never knew momma had a miscarriage.
“I’m sorry,” he said slowly. “I can’t even imagine how Grandma Graciella feels, much less how it impacted you. I just couldn’t stay there after all that. It was too much.”
“Well, thankfully, Tessa kept us updated. But I had to come see for myself since you didn’t respond.” She moved over and hugged him. “Greg, outside of my own boys and momma, you are the dearest thing to me. It pains me when you are hurting.”
“It’s starting to settle in my mind that you did what you did in setting me up with Veronica because you cared.” He shook his head. “I just don’t understand why you had to do it all so secretly.” He looked straight into her eyes. “Why not tell me?”
“The honest truth?” Greg nodded his head. “Because your stubborn Missouri muliness was shining through. You weren’t listening to anyone about anything. You needed an intervention.”
“David and Darren conspired with Greta in the same way, but not to affect my love life. They just didn’t want me drinking myself to death.”
“Did you know that Fred came up to me and Aunt Janet about your drinking and denial?”
“Really?” he shook his head. “He always stayed back and didn’t bother me,,” his voice trailed off as he stroked his chin. “He never liked to get directly involved if it could be avoided, but boy did he ever when there wasn’t any options.”
“Yeah, that’s Fred. He really liked hanging with you, David, Darren and Tessa after school,” Willamina reflected.
“It was funny how I never really knew that he came from money in school. It was never part of him. It was like, I am fine without money, it’s not that important.”
“But it was to Michael Stamson, and he was ruining your life.”
“Only because I let him. I’m sorry for running out on everyone at The Black Angus. It just overwhelmed me and I couldn’t process it.”
“SOoooooooo,” she began slowly. “Are we okay nephew?”
“Yes, and with Grandma Graciella too.”
“And with Aunt Janet?”
“That is why I invited her tonight. She and I need to really talk about things,” he paused. “Because her daughter is much more special than I’ve realized. I might have been a fool, but I can’t just walk away from Carry and how I feel about her.”
“Then enjoy your evening. You and Aunt Janet have a good conversation.” She kissed his forehead. “I’m going to take momma to Five Guys.”
“Here,” Greg quickly pulled out a handful of cash.
“I don’t know how much is there, but please take it.
I have to make up for things. Tell her I owe her an apology and I’ll be by to do that when I can.
” She smiled brightly. “Thanks Aunt Willamina, for always being there and for the care you’ve never stopped showing. ”
Greg walked Aunt Willamina out then sat down on the couch to review emails and text messages.
He checked the markets while he enjoyed the smells drifting in from the kitchen.
He finally decided to relax and play a game on his phone.
As his mind finally started to relax, the doorbell sounded from the front door followed by a soft gentle knock.
He got up and crossed the living room. When he opened it with a warm smile he saw her standing there almost nervously. "Aunt Janet."
"Good evening, my child," she replied, stepping inside. She leaned up and kissed him lightly on the cheek before giving him a brief hug. "Thank you for inviting me."
"I'm the one who should be thanking you for coming." He took her light jacket and hung it in the entry closet before motioning toward the back of the house. "Come on. Dinner's almost ready." The aroma greeted them before they even reached the kitchen.
Genevieve was arranging plates while Tilly carefully stirred the braised flat iron beef tips one final time.
Susan opened the new air fryer and checked the butter-glazed baby carrots and tiny potatoes before transferring them into a serving bowl.
Jill stood proudly beside the freshly baked pie cooling on the counter while warm yeast rolls rested beneath a towel.
The four girls immediately stopped what they were doing.
"Good evening, Aunt Janet," they said almost in unison.
Janet blinked in surprise. "Well...good evening, ladies."
Genevieve smiled. "We're just finishing up."
Greg gestured toward the breakfast nook overlooking the backyard. "I thought we'd eat back here tonight."
Janet looked through the large windows into the fading evening light. "It's beautiful. I love the way the light reflects off the far wall."
"I always liked it back here. It feels..." He searched for the word. "...peaceful."
"It does." Greg moved to the cabinet and opened it, drawing her attention.
"I brought something special home." He lifted two bottles. "A red Moscato..." He held up the second bottle. "...or a white Cabernet Sauvignon."
Janet studied them for a moment before smiling. "The Moscato."
"I had a feeling you'd say that." He uncorked the bottle while Genevieve quietly placed two wine glasses on the table. The rich ruby wine caught the evening light as Greg poured. Janet accepted the glass.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure." Greg sniffed slowly over the glass then took a sip.
The girls moved with quiet efficiency. Tilly brought over the platter of braised beef tips.
Susan followed with the butter sautéed baby carrots and air-fried potatoes.
Jill carefully placed the fresh green beans beside them before proudly setting the pie back on the counter.
"And dessert," she announced with obvious satisfaction.
Greg laughed. "I was wondering when that was going to make an appearance."
"I made it myself."
"I never doubted you." Greg gave Jill a big wink.
Jill beamed. Genevieve returned carrying the basket of warm yeast rolls before placing them carefully between Greg and Aunt Janet.
"There we are,” Genevieve said with pride.
She stepped back and surveyed the table one final time.
Everything sat perfectly arranged. Satisfied, she nodded. "I think that's everything."
Greg looked around the table. "It looks wonderful."
"We hope you enjoy it,” the girls said in unison like they had at the competition.
"I know we will." Greg lifted his glass in a silent toast to them.
Genevieve smiled warmly. "Well..." She looked toward the other girls. "I think we've done our job." The other three nodded. "Thank you for letting us cook tonight, Greg," Genevieve said sincerely.
"No," Greg replied softly. "Thank all of you. This means more than you know."
She smiled. "We'll see you tomorrow," Genevieve said happily.
"We'll see you tomorrow," Jill, Tilly and Susan added. The girls quietly filed out of the kitchen, Genevieve naturally leading the way as always. Within seconds only the gentle ticking of the wall clock remained. Janet watched the doorway for a moment before turning back toward Greg.
"They're remarkable."
"They're good girls." He beamed with pride.
"They're much more than that." Greg looked puzzled. "They trust you."
He lowered his eyes. "I've tried to give them a home."
Janet smiled softly. "Your grandmother would be very proud." For a long moment neither of them spoke. Greg reached for a roll, broke it in half, and buttered it almost absentmindedly.
Finally he sighed. "Aunt Janet..." She folded her hands together.
"Yes?"
"I've been trying to sort through everything I learned the other night."
"I imagined you would."
"I was angry."
"I know."
"I think I was more shocked than angry." Janet nodded.
Softly she said, "I understand."
Greg looked directly into her eyes. "The more I think about Veronica...
" He paused. "...the more I realize I never really knew her.
" Janet remained silent. "I knew the performer.
" He sipped some wine. "The businesswoman.
" He looked down then back up. "The celebrity.
" He turned his knife back and forth. "But...
" He shook his head slowly. "I never understood everything she had already survived before I ever met her. "
Janet smiled sadly. "There is much you don't know."
"I know." He looked down at his glass. "And somehow...
" He laughed softly. "...that makes her even more special than I ever realized.
" Janet could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"I've spent years thinking I understood my own life.
" He looked back up. "Now I find out that meeting Veronica wasn't chance or at random. "
"It wasn't," she softly confirmed. “It wasn’t at all, my child.”
"It was arranged."
"In a manner of speaking."
"And somehow you involved Carlo, acting all clever."
Janet smiled. "No." Greg leaned back in his chair. "It was people who loved you..." He swallowed. "...trying to save you." She paused. “Both of you.”
"They were?" He let out a long breath.
"And is that a problem?" Janet waited patiently. Greg ran a hand through his hair.