Page 6 of The Nicest Thing

"What did you just say?"

Director Redmond's slick smile didn't slip an inch as he said, "I think you heard me."

"Yeah, but—"

"But your generation always needs things repeated, so I'll humor you."

I blinked.

"Our policy has changed." The man leaned forward in his chair, getting closer with every word, as I unconsciously leaned back. "Three months advanced payment, due in 30 days—or you'll need to find other arrangements for your grandmother."

"Meaning you'll what? Kick her out?"

He shrugged. "Without payment, we'll be forced to."

I felt the words like a blow to the chest. "But I just paid you for next month."

"That you did, Romona—"

"It's Rose."

"—but as stated in the contract you and your grandmother signed with Silver Pines, terms can change without warning at any time. And well, prices are up everywhere. Times are hard, and senior living is expensive."

I knew that already.

It was why I hadn't questioned the payment doubling last month.

But three times that?

That was pushing it.

Squaring my shoulders, I said, "We could always choose to go somewhere else."

Redmond nodded. "You could, but Silver Pines is by far the best place for seniors in this area. The next step down is…a big one."

I knew that too.

"If you're good with that, then—"

"No," I said, shaking my head. "I'll get the money."

Redmond's thin lips pursed.

"30 days, you said?"

"Yes."

I did some quick math in my head. That meant I needed to have my best month in…well ever. I suddenly wished I had written a ton more books. And that I was finished with my current one because a new release always brought in more money. Too bad my WIP was only about a quarter complete.

"We could also set up a payment plan."

My eyes shot to his—but any hope I had disappeared the second I noticed the direction of his stare. It was intense, hungry, and locked on my breasts.

"If you don't have the funds, I'm sure we could work something out."

As I watched, he licked his lips, and I puked a little in my mouth.

"Ew, no," I said unable to stop the words. As his eyes flew to mine, I added, "I mean, no need. Like I said, I'll get the money."

"Make sure you do," he bit out.

I left his office as quickly as possible, not slowing to take a breath until I was outside.

Remembering the feel of his slimy gaze, I cringed.

Redmond was a scumbag. I'd always known it.

But this was the first time he'd ever come onto me.

The man was at least 20 years older with a red face, beady eyes, and oily hair, and besides that, he was mean, greedy, and overall repugnant.

The nurses were the best and nice as could be.

But him? I couldn't imagine a more vile human if I tried.

The whole interaction left me with this unshakeable icky feeling.

Grandma Rose would ask questions if I was late, so I forced my feet to move.

We had tea at the same time every day.

A standing appointment that I wouldn't miss for the world.

Before I could knock, the door flew open, and there she was. Grandma Rose had long dark hair interspersed with gray, laugh lines from a life well lived, and a heart-shaped face. She studied me, her chocolate brown eyes missing nothing, then after a moment, she said, "What's wrong, Rose?"

I opened my mouth, but she cut me off.

"And don't lie. I always know."

With a nod, I said, "Director Remond really is a shit."

She narrowed her gaze, hands coming to her hips, as she said, "Do I need to claw his eyes out? Because you're my favorite granddaughter. You know I'll do it."

She would. God bless her.

I shook my head and gave her a smile. "No, yaya, but thank you for the offer."

"I'd do anything for you. You know that, right?"

"I do."

And I'd do anything for you.

Except Director Redmond.

Not that Grandma Rose would want that. If she knew what he'd said to me, she wouldn't stop with the eyes. The man would end up six feet under. I gave myself a mental shake.

I'd just been to the bank the other day, wasn't sure how I was going to make that much in such a short time, but I had to do it.

So I would.

"Why don't we go inside?" I said. "I've got a lot of goodies in this picnic basket."

Grandma Rose ushered me into her apartment. "Yes, please. And while we eat, you can tell me all the things."

I laughed, and we had everything set up within five minutes.

"So," Grandma Rose said, sipping from her cup, "how's your writing going?"

"Good," I said. "I love the story and my characters. Still trying to figure out how to make more from my books, but I'm not giving up."

"Never give up. It's your calling."

"Sometimes I think I should've gone to school for something else, gotten a corporate job or something."

"No."

I lifted a brow. "No?"

"Not everyone can do what they love, Rose." She eyed me as I bit into one of the cookies. "It's a gift. You love writing, and people love reading what you write."

"I guess."

Grandma Rose tsked then pinched my arm.

"Ow!" I said. "What the heck, yaya?"

"Be confident, my granddaughter. The world will try to tear you down and steal your dreams. But you can't let it. Understand?"

I nodded while rubbing my arm.

"Good," she said then, "What about the family? How is everyone?"

"Haven't they been to visit?" I asked.

If they hadn't, I was going to have a long talk with my cousins.

"Yes, but I know they don't tell me everything. And none of them come every week like you do, my Rose."

"That's why I'm the favorite," I said with a smile.

"You know, it's not," Grandma Rose said. "It's because you love tea as much as I do—and not just the drink. So spill."

I laughed. "Well, Derek is busy running the shop. Angelo and Louis are vying for who gets to be his left-hand man—which you know Derek says he doesn't need because he likes being in control."

"And taking too much on his shoulders," Grandma Rose put in.

"That too. According to Ana, the girls at school have officially discovered Carlos."

"Oh no."

"Oh yes, he's a ladies man—or he would be if he decides he likes any of them."

"A real player that one."

"Yaya!"

"What?"

"I think Carlos wants people to think he's a player." I threw her a conspiratorial smile. "He says he's keeping his options open, but I think once he finds the person he loves, it'll be game over."

Grandma Rose grinned. "Sounds like one of your books."

"Could be." I shrugged. "Ana joined a writing group at school. I'm supposed to go speak to them in a couple weeks. Still not sure why she wants me to come."

"Because she loves and looks up to you."

"I hope I don't let her down."

"You won't, Rose." Grandma shook her head. "You're a successful romance author."

"Am I, though?"

"Speaking of romance," she went on as if I hadn't spoken, "how's your love life?"

"Nonexistent outside of my books," I said with a laugh. "And yours?"

"I'm serious. You know I've had the love of my life. Your grandfather was incomparable, God rest his soul." She nudged my hand. "You'd tell me if there was anything worth telling?"

"Of course," I said as a vision of piercing gray eyes passed through my mind.

"What about this Finn I keep hearing so much about?"

I nearly choked on my tea. "What?"

"Well, Ana said something about him, and Carlos may have mentioned being concerned."

"Traitors," I grumbled.

"Hey! Don't talk that way about your cousins."

"Sorry."

Her eyes were bright as she asked, "So, who is he?"

"Finn's my friend," I said, going with the least complicated answer. "My best friend."

"Does Finn have a last name?"

"Yes, O'Brien."

"Ooh, Irish. They're very passionate."

"Grandma."

"Not as much as we of French-Spanish descent," she went on. "But the Irish have fire in their blood."

My cheeks went red, but I said, "I wouldn't know about that."

"What else is he?"

My fake husband as of yesterday.

The guy I love but can never tell.

My muse.

My soulmate.

"He's the best guy I've ever met," I said with a sigh. "Ever. We've been best friends for years, and I desperately want to keep it that way. Isn't that enough?"

"More than enough," she said with a wide grin. "Are you still doing the book signing tonight?"

"Yep."

"Is he coming?"

"Probably not considering I didn't tell him."

"I found out about it in your newsletter."

"Grandma, only like 10 people read that."

"Hmph. Feeling good about it?"

"If by good you mean nervous and slightly terrified, then yes. Absolutely good."

She laughed and placed a hand on my arm. "It will go well."

"I hope so."

"I know so."

I looked up at her and gave a nod. "Then I know too."

"I really wish I could be there," she said.

"Yaya, we've been over this," I said gently. "They gave me the late timeslot. It's an hour away. You have to be here to take your medicine, and you'd have to miss Bingo night."

"I do love Bingo," she mumbled. "But you know I'd be there if they hadn't taken my license."

"I know." I sent her a smile. "Plus, you already have signed copies of all my books."

"Yeah, well, you're my favorite author."

"Thanks, yaya."

She waved that off then said, "So, tell me more about life. How are things at Magnolia House? Are you and Emilia still getting along? Any wild nights? And what about Finn? I want to know everything."

And on it went.

I answered her as best I could—without revealing Finn and my agreement—while asking questions of my own.

I learned a lot about her life at Silver Pines, found out that our loathing of Director Redmond was shared universally, including by the staff.

No surprise there. The woman next door wanted to set up her granddaughter with Angelo, which Grandma agreed to without talking to Angelo first; she felt it was a good match, and he couldn't get mad because she "only had so much time left.

" I rolled my eyes at that one. She also said that despite the director's despicable ways, she loved Silver Pines.

When I asked why, she said it was because all her friends were there.