Arrogant Savior - Cocky Hero Club

“You little—”

Dad grabbed her arm as I ducked under it. They were whisper-shouting at each other as I reentered Gran’s room.

The doctor was on his way out and I stopped him.

“How is she?” I asked.

“She’s doing better. Her oxygen levels are up, but we’ll keep giving her some but with a nose tube instead of the full-face mask. I’m cautiously hopeful for a complete recovery.” He tapped my shoulder. “I’m sorry I can’t stay. We have a full house tonight.”

I didn’t know much about pneumonia. I would look it up on my phone later, so the next time a doctor came around I would be able to ask the right questions.

My destination was the chair next to Gran’s bed as I took her hand. She smiled before closing her eyes. I pulled my computer from my bag, set to write on my blog. I hadn’t exactly traveled, but I did have a fun road trip.

I found myself typing the title Cold and Stormy Road Trip with Hot Guy. The story I told was true enough, even admitting to the heat that formed between us. I may have let out that I thought it was probably one-sided. It was a blog and I didn’t think people wanted to read about my issues with self-esteem at times. That really wasn’t the purpose of my posts. I wanted to inspire people to travel and take risks.

I was typing the last line when someone said my name.

Standing not too far away was the youngest of us. “Sister,” I said, knowing it would make her cringe. I followed it up with, “What brings you to town? Shouldn’t you be at school?”

She attended a party school in Florida.

“School hasn’t started back up yet, but I’m here to surprise my boyfriend.”

Of course, she wasn’t here for Gran. I looked over at where she slept soundly.

“Don’t start,” she said, guessing where my head was. “I’m here, aren’t I, and I’m not surprised you’re sniffing around Nana.”

I wanted to be nice, but my bullshit meter was at its limit.

“And you’re here because you smell money.”

She rolled her eyes, but didn’t deny it. “And you’ll always be Daddy’s mistake Nana feels sorry for.”

I got to my feet and set my bag on the chair. I moved toward her so I didn’t have to speak loudly.

“I know what place I don’t have in the family. I don’t need to be constantly reminded. You don’t have to worry about your precious inheritance. It’s yours. From my perspective, money doesn’t make anyone happy, considering the lot of you.”

“Whatever,” she said, rolling her eyes.

I rubbed my temples, wanting peace for once.

“Can’t we just be civil for Gran?”

“Fine,” she said. “How is she doing?”

After I explained the little I knew, she seemed slightly more concerned.

I gave her space as she moved to Gran’s bedside and spoke softly, even though Gran’s eyes were closed. Minutes later, she looked in my direction before leaving the room.

In my heart I would have liked to have a good relationship with my sister, even a half one, but life didn’t always give you what you wanted.

“Jo.”

Gran’s voice was hoarse, but I sat up in my seat so she could see me.

“Could you get my necklace out of the drawer there?”

She angled her head to the bedside table. I pulled out a necklace I was very familiar with. Gran’s and Grandad’s wedding set hung on it.

“I want you to have this.”

It took me by surprise. “I couldn’t.”

“You can,” she said. “The vultures are circling, and I want someone that will appreciate it to have it. If I leave it for when I die, who knows. I imagine lawyers will be fighting over my will before my body is cold.”

I’d heard the love story of my grandparents. Gran had come from money, but Grandad hadn’t. He’d come home from the war and fallen for her at a chance meeting. Being a decorated veteran, her parents had accepted him. He saved to buy her the modest one carat diamond engagement ring. Their simple wedding bands said a lot about Gran and how money didn’t rule her life.

“Don’t say that.” In my heart I didn’t want to believe that was true until I thought about the things my sister and Aunt Tasha had said about me not having an inheritance.

She gave me a pointed look. “I’m not deaf or dumb. I hear them talking like they think I’m somehow not in the room.”

“It’s a good thing you’re not dying yet,” I said, grinning and needing to see her smile.

She curled my fingers around the necklace and rings. “If there’s anything I learned the past few days, it’s that life is truly short. I’m not afraid of dying. I’ve had a good life. These rings meant so much to your grandad and me, more than money. I know he would be pleased I’m giving them to you.”