The following day, I pick Grandpa up from Lily and Mark’s, since he stayed there instead of at Dean’s, and drive us over to Brooke’s Books.
He wanted to meet my new friend―like I’m in nursery―and the person who inspired me to start up my own business.
Plus, I get to show him the shop I’m purchasing. I managed to talk the estate agent into meeting me today so I could show grandpa around and they happily agreed, although I won’t be getting the keys for another few days since the contracts are still going through.
We enter the store to find Brooke up a ladder, grabbing a book for an older lady who is waiting patiently.
Hearing the door, Brooke turns, a smile lighting up her face. She holds her hand up, gesturing for me to wait.
“You can go sit down on the sofa Miss Bellingham, and I’ll make you a nice cup of tea in a minute, okay?” she asks the old lady who nods, pleased. Turning, Brooke rushes over, a frown on her face. “Oh my God, Lola. I heard about Saturday night. I’m so sorry I haven’t called. I’ve been at the hospital and didn’t find out until this morning. I wish I was there,” she says apologetically, pulling me in for a hug.
Brooke couldn’t make it Saturday night because her neighbour had an accident. In a way, I’m kind of glad she wasn’t there. It could have been her.
“I’m fine. I promise,” I assure her as we pull apart. “The police called yesterday and said he pleaded guilty, admitting all charges, so he’ll be going to prison,” I inform her. “How is your neighbour?”
“Thank God.” She sighs, looking relieved. “She’s had to have hip surgery. She fell down the stairs and because her son was out of town, she was on her own. I heard the fall and rushed round. Luckily, the ambulance got there quickly,” she explains.
“Oh God.” I wince, feeling sorry for the old lady.
“Who’s this?” she asks, looking at my grandpa, a bright smile on her face.
I open my mouth to introduce them but, ever the gentlemen, Grandpa steps forward, holding his hand out.
“I’m Dwayne, Lola’s grandpa. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so many good things about you,” he tells her, shaking her hand, and Brooke blushes at his compliment.
She beams up at him, making me smile. I can already tell Grandpa likes her.
With the amount of money I have, he’s always been wary of the people who come into my life, and he drilled it into my head since I was a teenager to be careful of who to trust. But you only have to meet Brooke once and you know you could trust her with your life. She’s a genuinely nice, caring person.
“I’m Brooke, Lola’s friend,” she says, giving the unnecessary introduction. “It’s nice to finally meet you too, Dwayne. Lola speaks highly of you. Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?” she offers.
“We can’t stay,” I tell her sadly. “I’m going to show Grandpa around the shop, and then we’re going out for dinner. Do you want to join us?” I ask her, hoping she says yes.
“I would love to, but I’ve got so much stuff to sort through. With the shop being closed yesterday, I’m a little behind. Maybe we can catch up another time?” I nod. “You’re going to love the store,” she says to my grandpa, who smiles in return. “Her ideas are brilliant. You’ve got an amazing granddaughter. She’s going to be very successful,” Brooke states proudly, and I blush at her compliment.
“She sure is.” Grandpa grins, eyeing Brooke with a new-found fondness.
“Right, we better get going. The estate agent is waiting for us next door. Are you sure you can’t come?” I pout.
She chuckles, shaking her head. “I wish I could. I really do, but I’m needed here.”
I sigh dramatically. “Okay, I’ll speak to you later,” I huff out, pulling her in for a hug.
“See you soon. And I’m really am glad you’re okay,” she whispers into my neck. She pulls back, giving me a smile before turning and approaching my grandpa. His eyes widen when she pulls him in for a hug, pecking him on the cheek before stepping back. “It was nice meeting you, Dwayne. Don’t be a stranger,” she tells him sincerely.
“You too, Brooke,” he smiles, warmly. “C’mon then, doll. Show me this store you’ve been raving about.”
I grin, excited as I pull him out of the door.
*** *** ***
“I’m so glad you liked it,” I gush, taking my seat in the restaurant.
“I really am proud of you,” he says, sitting across from me.
Looking over the menu I feel his eyes on me, and it’s not the first time I’ve caught him staring at me. I know he has something on his mind, but it’s like he’s reluctant to bring it up―or dare I say... shy.
“Spill,” I say, not taking my eyes off the menu.
He chuckles nervously, taking a sip of his water. “You’re just like your mother and grandma. They always knew when I had something to say,” he mutters.
I laugh. “That’s because it’s written all over your face.”
“Right, yeah, well,” he sputters, shaking his head. “I just wanted to talk to you about a few things whilst I had you to myself.”
My head snaps up “Um, okay,” I murmur, worried.
“Yeah, about Dean. Are you sure about your relationship? With everything that happened with Rick, do you think you’re ready?” he asks, reasonably.
“Grandpa, Dean would never hurt me,” I tell him softly.
His eyes widen. “No! I don’t mean in that way. I know the boy would never hurt you. He’s been smitten with you since before you were out of nappies.” I cringe. “I’m just worried this is all too much for you.”
“I love him. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. And I understand your concerns, I really do, because I had the same ones. Everything happened pretty quickly. But this is what I want, Grandpa. Dean is what I want.”
“So there’s no chance you’ll open up your business back in Carlisle and come back home?” he asks, looking sad.
“Oh, Grandpa. My life is here now, with Dean. I can’t leave. Once everything with Rick is dealt with, I promise to come and visit you, all the time.”
“I’m just going to miss you,” he says, looking down at the table.
“Couldn’t you move here?” I ask shyly.
He snaps his head up, looking at me wide-eyed. “You’d want that?”
“Of course I would. You’re my grandpa, my family,” I tell him, my voice kind of high-pitched.
“I’ll think about it,” he says and opens his mouth, ready to ask something else, but stops himself, looking so sad it breaks my heart.
“Grandpa, whatever it is, just come out and say it.”
“I really do wish you’d stop doing that,” he scolds, shaking his head.
“It’s not my fault. You’ve got that look, the one that says you don’t know how to say what you need to. You’ve only ever had it with me, Mom and Grandma.” I giggle.
“Figures,” he says, rolling his eyes. “There’s no easy way of saying this, so I’m just going to say it. I need to head home. I know I said I’d be staying for a week, and I hate to leave you when you need me the most, but with everything going on, I need to get back. I also have to meet up with the private investigators I hired to track down Rick. I can’t get in touch with them,” he says quickly, and my heart sinks.
“But you just got here.”
“I know, doll, but I really do need to get back. Anything could happen, and I pretty much left everyone in the lurch. If I’m honest, I don’t trust Rick, and I want to do some of my own searches,” he admits.
“I understand,” I tell him, and he sags with relief. I realise then how hard this must be for him, especially with everything that happened to me Saturday night. “When do you leave?” I ask, hoping I can still spend another day with him.
“As soon as we get back,” he answers regretfully.
“Oh!”
“I promise I’ll be back as soon as I can, doll. I won’t be gone for very long.”
My eyes water and I nod, wishing all this mess would go away. “Okay. Do we have time to order or shall we get going?”
“We’ve got time for food,” he tells me, reaching out for my hand.
We go quiet, looking over our menus, and I can’t help but feel his loss already. I hate he has to leave so soon.
But now that I know he’s willing to think about moving here, maybe I can convince him into saying yes.
With that in mind, I cheer up, enjoying the last few hours with him before he has to leave.
*** *** ***
We make our way back to Lily and Mark’s, and as usual, they’re both waiting for us as we get out the car. I know straight away he’s already informed them of his plans and my heart aches. I really don’t want him to go, but I understand why he has to.
“You know?” I whisper to Lily, leaving Grandpa to get his case.
“Yeah, he told us last night after you left. How are you feeling?”
“I’m going to miss him, but I understand why he has to leave. I just wish he didn’t have to go.”
“I know, doll. It won’t be forever, and then he can visit whenever he wants to.” She smiles.
“I’m going to talk him into moving here. He’s been talking about retiring for a while, and he’s said he’ll think about it,” I tell her, smiling wider.
Her eyes widen. “Oh my, I never thought I’d see the day. Well, fingers crossed.”
I can’t tell if she really believes he will or not; her expression is blank. “Yeah,” I say absently.
Dean chooses that moment to pull up, looking ragged. I step away from Lily, walking over to him.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asks, getting out of the car.
“Grandpa’s leaving,” I tell him, my eyes watering.
“When?” he asks, scrunching his eyes up.
“Now,” I answer sadly.
“Oh, Lola, he’ll be back. Did he say why he was leaving so soon? I presumed he was staying for the week.”
“He needs to sort out some stuff, and he doesn’t trust Rick. I understand why he’s going, but I’m going to miss him. I pushed him away for so long, always making excuses as to why I couldn’t go around for dinner. I could never let him see the bruises. And now that I don’t have to hide and can finally spend time with him, he has to leave. Because of me…. because of Rick,” I say, feeling my eyes begin to water.
“Let him do what he’s gotta do. I think he blames himself for what happened to you and feels it’s his responsibility to make sure Rick doesn’t get away with it. He loves you. He hates that you were hurt and he didn’t even know. It’s his way of making everything better,” he explains gently.
“I just don’t want him to get hurt. Who knows what Rick will do.” I bite my bottom lip; just thinking about it is making me nervous.
“I’m going to be fine,” Grandpa says, sneaking up behind me.
I jump, turning around to face him and as a lone tear slips free. “Please be safe,” I plead.
“My darling girl, you have nothing to worry about. Now come give me some love,” he demands, holding his arms out to me.
I don’t need asking twice; I’m in his arms in seconds, holding him tight, more tears spilling free.
“Promise me you’ll come back.”
“I promise,” he whispers, emotion clogged in his throat.
“Good,” I choke out, and when he tries to pull back, I hold him tighter, struggling to let him go.
“C’mon, Lola, I won’t be gone forever, just a week or two,” he tells me, and I feel Dean walk up behind me, pulling me against his chest. I let him, looking helplessly at my grandpa.
“Okay. Call me when you get there.”
“I will,” he says, kissing my forehead. I close my eyes, savouring his touch. “Look after my girl,” he warns Dean, looking over my head.
I’d giggle if I weren’t so torn up about him leaving. Mark and Lily walk over, saying their goodbyes.
“Keep me updated,” Mark says, and Grandpa nods sharply.
“Look after her,” he says, like I’m not standing right here. But I can’t deny the way my heart warms at how concerned he is about me.
“Goodbye, doll,” he says, giving me one last kiss.
“Goodbye, Grandpa,” I murmur, my throat tight.
He throws his case into the passenger seat before walking around to the driver’s side. He gives me one last look, a small smile on his face, before getting in the car.
Dean’s arms tighten around me when my legs threaten to give way. My grandpa drives away and, for some reason, it feels like it’s the last time I’m going to see him.
I turn around, hiding my face against Dean’s chest, struggling to not let any tears fall. Dean holds me close, resting his chin on the top of my head.
“Mom, I’m going to get Lola back,” he says, his chest rumbling beneath me.
“Okay, dear. We’re here if you need us,” Lily says softly, and I hear her and Mark walk away.
“C’mon, let’s get you back,” he says.
I nod, following him over to the car. “How was your day?” I ask as he gets in, starting the engine.
“Okay.”
My brows scrunch together, looking over at him. His hands are clenched around the steering wheel, his posture stiff.
I presumed his absence today was because he wanted to give Grandpa and me some time alone together but seeing his reaction to my question, I’m starting to think it’s something else entirely.
“Is everything okay? You seem to be stressing over something,” I say, turning in my seat as we pull up outside the cabin.
He sighs, shutting off the engine and turning towards me. “I just…,” he starts but then pauses, shaking his head. “It’s nothing, just work-related shit.”
“Don’t lie to me,” I order softly, shaking my head. I’m actually disappointed in him. I didn’t think he’d evade the question, brushing it off like it’s nothing.
He curses, looking at me with a guilty expression. “Fuck, you’re right, and I’m sorry. I just…. Please don’t be mad at me.”
“Why would I get mad at you?” I ask slowly, cursing when rain starts to fall.
“I’ve been looking into Rick, long before your grandpa said he was going to do it. I’ve also had someone keeping tabs on him, but we lost track of him the same day as your grandpa and haven’t been able to pick him up since. It’s like he’s vanished from thin air.”
I bite my lip, looking at him, wondering how I can word what I need to say. Instead of overanalysing it, I just say it.
“I’m not mad. If anything, I already had my suspicions. I knew you weren’t going to move on like nothing happened. It’s not who you are, so I’m not mad. I think it’s kind of you, but Dean, you can’t put all this pressure on yourself. I hate that I’m putting you through so much stress,” I admit, reaching for his hand.
Placing his own hand on mine, he gives me a gentle squeeze.
“No! Don’t ever think that. You’re not putting any stress on me, love, I promise. I’m just pissed. I’m pissed and angry that no matter what I seem to do, I can’t keep you safe,” he says, running a frustrated hand through his hair.
Now I understand his distant behaviour. He’s still blaming himself for what happened to me Saturday.
“You can’t keep doing this to yourself,” I whisper, moving to straddle him. I struggle at first, and Dean has to push the seat back, making more room.
“What are you doing?” he asks, huskily.
“Proving I’m not broken… well, not anymore. You see, I have this amazing man in my life who has been putting all my broken pieces together and no matter what life throws at me, I know I can get through it. And why you may ask? Because of you. I love you, Dean, and you can’t control everything that happens. But you should know that you save me in the important ways, never forget that,” I tell him, leaning down and capturing his lips in a kiss.
“I… I don’t know what to say,” he croaks, his eyes filled with emotion.
“Say that you love me,” I whisper, grinding myself down on him.
He grins, his eyes darkening. “I love you, with all my heart.” He grips my hips tightly.
“Tell me you want to make love to me,” I demand against his lips before kissing the corner of his mouth.
“Oh, I’m going to make love to you.” He nods, opening his door. I squeal when he pulls us out into the rain, laughing when he starts running towards the door.
He stops when he reaches it, rain pelting down on us, soaking us.
“Tell me you love me,” he demands, repeating my earlier words.
“I love you.” I grin, and he takes me inside, showing me just how much he loves me.