Page 66 of A Bossy Roommate
“Oh, you! You charmer! For a second, I thought you did not remember your first kiss. How she told you she was the world’s best kisser.”
Ah, so that was the version she’d told her.
“Are you hungry?” I ask, impressed that Eden had gone with the truth, but not ready to risk any more mismatched reactions or answers, and turn with the tray toward the kitchen. “Bruno will be glad you’re visiting. Last time I saw him, he said he’ll have your favorite dish ready whenever you want it. We can order in.”
Every time Aunt Eleanor visits, she insists on going to a small fine dining restaurant around the corner. Since she’s not doing well, I know the chef will be more than happy to pack up her favorite dish for delivery.
She follows me into the kitchen. “Oh,quel trésor. But why would we order take-out? We should go and get our favorite seat.”
“Auntie, you’re supposed to be resting and taking it easy. I don’t think going out into a busy restaurant is a good idea.”
She pauses. “Oh, you’re probably right. Fine, I’d be more than happy to enjoy dinner here tonight with you and your lovely wife. As long as you open a bottle of that spectacular pinot noir I know you keep on the top shelf of your wine rack.”
I put the tea tray next to the sink before turning to frown at her. “Aren’t you on medication? I would think drinking wouldn’t mix well with your meds.”
Aunt Eleanor waves her hand and takes a seat at the table. “One glass of wine isn’t going to make a major difference.”
“Since when have you ever stopped at one glass?”
“Oh, Carter, the things you say! Forget about that tray and come sit with me. I have a few things I want to say to you…and ask you.”
Well, that doesn’t sound good. Never one to disobey my aunt, I take a seat next to her at the table.
“Why did it take me making this long trip to finally be introduced to Eden? Did it really have to take months and months for the two of us to meet?”
“I’m sorry it took this long,” I tell her, and I mean it. “But you know how crazy work has been. Taking time off to go to France hasn’t been in the cards. Not just for me but for Eden as well.”
“Right. What does she do again? I don’t think you’ve said. Unless you have and I just forgot. My mind is not what it used to be, Cartie.”
My heart aches when I hear that. “You didn’t forget anything,” I assure her, taking her hand. “I didn’t tell you what Eden does. She recently started as my assistant. It’s not something we typically talk about, especially not at the office, because we don’t want others to get the wrong idea.”
“What?” Aunt Eleanor removes her hand from mine and studies me with those piercing eyes of hers. “Your wife is your new assistant? And nobody knows about it? That sounds like it could get complicatedtrès,trèsquickly.”
“We have ground rules. Work isn’t discussed outside of the office and our home life isn’t discussed inside the office.”
“Translation: you’re keeping your marriage asecret? Is that why you’re suddenly not wearing a ring?”
I try a calming smile, noting I’d forgotten to put the ring back on after the meeting. Well, one less thing to worry about. “Nothing gets past you, does it?”
“Nope. I may not be the woman I used to be, but I’m still sharp when it most counts.”
“You’re every bit the woman you always were. Maybe you should consider moving back here to New York City.”
She opens her mouth to say something but am cut off by a series of deep coughs. I stand and immediately get her a tall glass of water. When I try to hand it to her, her hands shake so bad I have to steady the glass for her. After several sips, the coughing subsides, and Aunt Eleanor lets out a tired sigh.
“Thank you, Cartie,” she says, reaching over to take my hand.
“Do those coughing fits happen often?”
“No, no. I’m fine.”
I take her small hand between mine and squeeze it. “Tell me, how long do you have? Did the doctors say something?”
First, she looks at me blankly. “Oh, I wish I knew,” she finally says. “That would make things a lot easier.”
“You need to see a specialist, get a second opinion. Let me make a few calls, I’m sure I’ll get the best?—”
“No.” She squeezes my hand. “I’ve seen enough doctors. They all say the same thing. Cartie, I’m getting older. Sixty-six. At my age, any number of things can slow me down. I don’t want you to dwell on this though. I’ve made my peace with it. Let’s just enjoy what time we have together.”