The man was brilliant.
Wiping the dirt off her jeans, she brought the herbs into the kitchen and began grinding them for the meal. Her famous vegetarian lasagna was hearty, and the soy protein crumbles she used as a substitute for meat would be perfect for Stone. Crushing the organic tomatoes she purchased at the farmers’ market, she slipped into the beauty of preparing wholesome food to nourish, sinking into the sounds and smells of the cozy kitchen.
Once the lasagna was in the oven and she’d kneaded the dough for the bread, Arilyn took a quick shower and changed into a long gauzy skirt and a pretty button-up cream peasant blouse. It may not be sexpot, but the loose material floated over her body and gave her a feminine, flirty look. She even put on some of the red lipstick Kennedy had bought her and donned long, jangly silver earrings that made noise when she moved her head. The coconut body oil rubbed into her skin gave off a yummy scent and wet sheen.
She was ready.
The doorbell rang.
Arilyn glanced at her watch. Hmm, he was early. She smiled and flung open the door. “I hope you brought your—Poppy! What are you doing here?”
Her grandfather stood on the porch with a small brown bag in his hand. His silver brows drew together in a fierce frown. “I ran away.” He stepped over the threshold and dropped his bag. “What are you cooking? That smells good. I’m starving.”
Her mouth fell open.
This was so not happening.
“Are you okay? What happened? Did you tell them you were coming over?”
He went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. “A, you need to buy some beer. I’m not really a wine drinker. The center doesn’t know ’cause I snuck out the laundry room.”
Arilyn groaned. “Poppy! You know you can visit me anytime, but you have to tell them.”
He pulled out some cheese sticks and began munching. “Emma told Ted I was a bad influence, ’cause she’s mad I got Ted hooked on poker and took his money. Emma’s sweet on Ted and jealous he spends more time with me. I set her straight, and then Al got all crazy ’cause he’s got a crush on Emma—which I don’t understand, because the woman is a real pain in the ass—and then the staff got involved and sent everyone to their rooms. Like I’m five and need to be punished. So I figured screw them. I walked into the laundry room, borrowed one of the uniforms, and walked right out the back with my bag. They need better security. Got any soda?”
“Soda is bad for you and so is beer. I’ll get you some water.” She rubbed her temple. “Umm, okay, why don’t you bunk here tonight? Did you bring your insulin and your shots?”
“Of course.”
“I thought things were getting better. Didn’t you go on an outing a few days ago?”
He rolled his eyes. “We took a bus to the Poconos, where they had this dance teacher trying to show us how to country line dance. Lame. I found a ride down the road and hit the casinos instead. It was awesome, but I got in trouble again. Was told the program I signed up for was the only thing I could do, and that I wasn’t allowed to go off on my own.”
Emotion surged. Dammit. Her grandfather wanted to embrace life to the very last minute. Inside, he felt young, and diabetes wasn’t about to stop him. What was she going to do?
“Poppy, I want you to move in with me. I’ll look for a bigger place and hire a nurse, and we’ll make it work.” She couldn’t stand knowing he was unhappy. He’d taken care of her and supported her, and he deserved a home he loved.
She waited for his excitement, but instead he laughed and took her in his arms for a hug. The smell of Old Spice and Irish Spring soap comforted her. “Sweetheart, don’t be silly. I don’t want to live with you. I actually like the center for what they offer. I’m just finding my way. Besides, you’d cramp my style.”
She sniffed against his shirt. “I love you. I want you to be happy.”
He patted her shoulder. “Life isn’t about constant happiness, you know. Sometimes it’s work, and you need to allow time to do its magic. I’ll be fine. I like being able to walk to your house, take care of the dogs, and be a part of your life. But I need to live on my own. Can I stay for dinner?”
“Of course. I’m cooking vegetable lasagna.”
“Sounds perfect. You have enough for three, right?”
“Yeah, I forgot to tell you I’m having—where are you going?”
He trudged toward the door. “Going to invite Joan over for dinner.”
“No! Absolutely not.”
Her grandfather clucked his tongue. “Why not? I had a great time last week. She’s alone too long in that house with her binoculars. She needs company.”
Arilyn shook her head. “She doesn’t have friends because she’s mean, Poppy! And it’s a telescope so she can spy on the whole block!”
Poppy laughed. “Smart woman. Now, don’t be rude. You’re usually the first one to say we need to open our house not to the easy ones but to the more difficult ones who need love. I like her. She’s got spunk.”
“Ugh. I never said that. Plus, there’s another reason.”
“What?”
“I’m having a date over for dinner,” she finally burst out.
“Really? That’s wonderful; no wonder you look so nice. I always said you should wear more makeup. Then it will be a celebration. We’ll get to know him a bit better. I’ll be right back.”
Her voice died out. She watched her grandfather disappear to invite the Wicked Witch of Verily into her house, where she’d probably sneak in a hatchet and cut down the Tree of Spite on her way home. The night was officially ruined. No hot sex. No slipping her panties off under the dinner table. No crazy orgasms.