Unexpected Arrivals(77)
“I thought she moved after Owen passed away?”
“I wasn’t aware she’d moved at all, so you have more information than I do at this point.” I shook my head. “Dottie and I need to find some time to sit down and talk. Up ’til now, other things have been more important.”
Brock appeared irritated…although, I couldn’t figure out why. I should be the one who was irate, but Dottie, or Gwendolyn—whatever she went by these days—was the least of my concerns right now. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one stunned by this turn of events or how all the pieces fit together. In time, I hoped to be able to answer his parents’ questions because it would mean I had answers to my own.
“I don’t want to go to New York, Daddy.” He’d been stewing while we talked.
James stared at me, and I shrugged. Our home, our lives, our friends, James’s business—it was all in New York. And Legend was in Geneva Key…the one place we both loathed.
“We don’t have to figure that out right now. Let’s just enjoy the day. Okay?”
“Do you have cake?” He turned toward Susan, and I couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped realizing he had a one-track mind.
“Will cupcakes work? I have chocolate and vanilla.”
“That’s pretty good. You didn’t know my favorite is carrot cake. But now you do.” He eagerly picked up the little dessert. “Thank you.” His eyes were bright and sparkled in the sun.
“You’re most welcome. And I promise, next time, I’ll have carrot cake just for you.”
“Cora’s favorite is red velvet. If you have two flavors.”
“I’ll remember that, too.” She handed him a napkin to wipe the icing from his freckled cheeks.
He’d taken one big bite, determined he liked it, and stuffed the rest into his mouth at once. Before I could stop him, he bit down and went to town with a smile from ear to ear and chocolate cake crumbs falling from his lips.
“That’s so gross.” I giggled and scrunched up my nose.
When he finished, he begged James to take him back out to the water and make a sand castle on the shore. I waved the two of them off in favor of lying back under the shade of the umbrella in the chair Brock brought.
I had just shut my eyes when Susan asked, “How on earth did your grandmother end up with custody of our grandson, and none of us were aware of it?”
“That’s the million-dollar question, Susan. And I don’t have a clue.”
“Sweetheart, I’m sure you’re as confused as we are, but Gwendolyn owes you some answers. Don’t leave here without them.”
I didn’t respond. I didn’t want to have that discussion with Gwendolyn, even if it was inevitable. I just worried how it would change my past and shape my future. Whatever pieces linked us all together were likely more than I’d be able to handle.
James’s parents spent the rest of the afternoon with the three of us on the beach. We each took turns playing with Legend in the sun, lathering him in sunblock, and wrapping him in a towel. And just as soon as we thought he was done for the day, he’d take off to the water’s edge to jump around in the waves and splash with childish delight. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d smiled as much as I had today, and the same was true of James. Legend had brought something into all four of our lives that was unexpected yet greatly appreciated.
We finally called it a day as the sun started to set. Susan and Brock had brought enough food and snacks that we’d forgone dinner and grazed throughout the afternoon. I could tell James was reluctant to drop Legend off at Dottie’s, even though we did it just the same. After making plans to get Legend in the morning, my grandmother stopped me.
“Cora, why don’t you let James and Legend spend some time together tomorrow and the two of us meet for coffee at the diner on Main Street?”
“Sure, would nine o’clock work for you?”
“I’ll see you then.”
I could only imagine what information Gwendolyn was going to share or what she might reveal that she believed could explain away her involvement in Chelsea’s life or lack of one in mine.
***
I walked to the coffee shop from the Carpenters’ house. It was only a few blocks and helped to expel some of the nervous energy I’d accumulated since last night. I had zero desire to do this, but I was grateful she’d suggested a public place. It would force me to maintain my composure. I hadn’t realized until I saw Gwendolyn just how much pent-up aggression I harbored for her. Somehow, I’d convinced myself over the years that I was as aloof as she was. I’d allowed myself to believe she wasn’t capable of anything different. That’s what my dad had told me all my life, so I didn’t think it was me she avoided. Clearly, that wasn’t the case—she was capable of loving someone besides my grandfather…just not me.
When she joined me promptly at nine, I had a cup of coffee in my hand. I waited to order breakfast in case I had to make a quick exit. I had enough cash for what was on the table and a tip, and if I ordered food, I’d have to use a card to pay. This seemed like the most logical plan, or irrational, I hadn’t decided which.
“Thanks for coming. I’m sorry it’s taken us so long to find time to talk.”
The waitress welcomed her, and she ordered her own coffee before setting a napkin in her lap.