Page 15 of Sunkissed Colorado

I’d tossed and turned all last night at the motel, hearing creaky sounds and not knowing if they were real or imaginary. Probably just the ancient building settling. But after feeling watched when I’d thrown my trash out, plus the drama of seeing Callum, my nerves had been shot.

I’d woken this morning with a splitting headache, not helpedby the fact that Chloe had been draped over the top of my head like a furry hat.

I’d texted my aunt yesterday that I was in town, and again first thing this morning, asking if she could meet me at the county hospital for visiting hours. If I didn’t have a good night’s sleep on my side before seeing Grandpa, at least I could have Rosie’s cheerful face.

“Have you had breakfast?” she asked. “Coffee? Need anything?”

“Not right now.”

One corner of her smile slipped down. “I heard about the breakup with Ian. I’m sorry.”

Wow. That news had traveled fast. Thanks Mom and Dad. “I’m really okay. What’s new with you? Must be something. You look great.”

Rosie swatted my arm coyly. “That’s just love, honey. Making me young again.” She did a little spin. Her bright patterned sundress flared out, and her magenta curls bounced. “Jimmy moved in with me.”

“Exciting! Congrats.”

“Never thought it would happen. Jimmy and I tend to fight like cats and dogs, but it’s just the passion between us, I guess. Since he moved in, it’s been like a honeymoon.” Then she grabbed my arm. “Listen to me, bragging about my love life when you’re hurting.”

“Not hurting over Ian. I promise. Already over him.”

“You’ll find the right one for you. I’ve never been so happy.” She leaned in. “Or this sexed up. Jimmy’s a tiger. Wakes me up at all hours.”

I cringed. “Really didn’t need to know that.”

“Don’t tell me my niece is a prude. With that body?” She flashed me an exaggerated wink. “Even if you don’t have a partner, there’s nothing wrong with self love. That’s what I always say.”

“Oh, I remember.”

My Auntie Rosie, ladies and gentleman.

She held onto my arm as we walked down the hall. “Now, where are you staying, Baby Z? With Javi and your mom?” Her mouth tightened. “Can’t imagine they’re being too nice about Chloe.”

“Chloe and I are staying at the Pine Cone for now.”

Her lipsticked mouth dropped open. “That old motel out on the highway? That’s not good enough for you. Come stay with me and Jimmy, Z. You have to.”

“No, I can’t interrupt the honeymoon.”

“You can wear earplugs. We’ll use a system, so you know if it’s not safe to come into the living room.”

I prayed Rosie would stop talking before I had to bleach my ears or my brain. “I’ll be out of the Pine Cone in no time. Just getting my feet back under me.” I pointed down the hospital corridor. “Let’s go see grandpa.”

Rosie huffed. “Warning you. He’s been ornery.”

I laughed. “When is he not?”

As we neared his open doorway, Grandpa’s voice carried. “You’re trying to poison me!”

Rosie and I shared a glance.

Here we go, I thought, just as we stepped into the fray.

“Mr. Alvarez, there’s no need to raise your voice,” the nurse said.

“There’s no flavor in these eggs. A person could die from lack of stimulation to his taste buds. You’re literally boring me to death.”

“Not medically possible, Mr. Alvarez.”