“He’s the problem.”
“Trouble in paradise already?” Worry flickered in her aged eyes.
“No, and that’s the problem.” She hiccupped, and her shoulders shook. “Everything is wonderful. He’s amazing. No one’s ever treated me so well or loved me so completely. I never want it to end.”
“I’m not hearing a problem.”
“It’s all a lie.”
“Don’t say that.”
“No, Gran, literally.”
“Start talking.”
She relayed the story between crying outbursts and voice cracks.
Her Gran rubbed her back. “You landed yourself in a real pickle this time, baby. You and that boy been circling one another in some kind of awkward dance for years. There’s only one way to fix this.”
“How?”
“Tell him you want it for real, or you walk away.”
“No.”
“And why not? You going to hold this all in? Be miserable for who knows how long? I saw that boy with my own two eyes. He’s lovesick.”
Petunia shook her head. “No, he’s a damn good actor.”
“Huh. Seems to me the only way to know is to ask him.”
“Gran, I can’t. He’s so happy. He’s got everything he wanted, and he’s already invested in the business.”
“That’s a business partner, not a life partner. Don’t be confusing the two. Nowadays you gals have a choice. We didn’t. Don’t squander what we fought for.
“Are you really pulling that card?” You ruthless, clever woman.
“Am I lying?”
She clenched her jaw, unable to disagree.
“Thought so. Now you need to gather your courage and speak up. You have been sacrificing too much for too long. Don’t think I can’t see it. It’s time you start thinking about yourself for once. You’re not getting any younger, and I want to see you good and happy for once. Let someone else take the hit and make things work.”
“Gran, I don’t mind.”
“Well, I do, and you should. It’s time you start living your life. You’ve done more than your share for this family, you understand?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good.” She patted Petunia’s hand. “Now promise me you’ll tell this boy the truth, and we’ll have a nice visit.”
“I promise.”
“There’s my bouquet of blooms. Fill me in on what else has been happening on the outside.”
She laughed. “You are not in jail.”
“Sometimes I wonder, ’cause they sure have a lot of rules,” Gran teased.