Free Theirs by Eve Vaughn Page B

wouldn’t say that,” she finally answered. “It’s kind of hard to put a label on what we were. It was something…different and complicated.”
    “Okay, it’s clear you’re not going to expound on that but what about your grandmother ? Yesterday , you said the two of you weren’t close but if she wants to see you, maybe she’s looking to make peace. Or maybe she’s not well. Sometimes when family members have disagreements nothing brings them back together faster than the birth of a child or an illness.”
    “I haven’t thought of that. And as heartless as this sounds, me and my grandmother have never been that close. If she’s sick and wants to make amends I have no idea what she could possibly say to me to make up for all the years of emotional neglect. I’m not saying that I don’t care for her, but it’s hard to rebuild something when there was never a foundation in the first place.”
    “Maybe she just didn’t know how to show that she cared about you. Some people are like that, incapable of showing affection.”
    Alex snorted. “That’s not exactly true in my grandmother’s chase. She practically doted on the family she took care of and whenever my Uncle visited which wasn’t often, she would fawn all over him. It was like she was a completely different person around other people. But when it came to me, she acted as if I were a huge burden. I get it, she wasn’t expecting to raise her grandchild because of my mother’s irresponsibility but it would have been nice to know that she at least cared a little for me.”
    Georgia closed the gap between them and gave Alex a tight hug. “I’m so sorry sweetie. It’s no wonder you never talk abou t her. I completely understand. But what are you going to do about your mystery men?”
    “I’m not sure, but you know how the saying goes: y ou can never go home.”
    “That’s bullshit. You can go home if you want to, but you’re being stubborn. I empathize with you, I really do, but if your grandmother is willing to make peace don’t you want to at least find out what she wants? If not for her for yourself .”
    “ I’m doing myself a favor by staying away. The last words she ever said to me is something no one should say to another human being, let alone a grandmother to a granddaughter.”
    “Maybe not, but I know what it’s like wondering , what if ? I told you about my family and how my parents got divorced because my father was a raging alcoholic. He was mean and abusive . He made us all miserable. I was so glad when Mom finally left him. But years later , he got sick and he wanted to see me and my brother. Jack went but I refused. I didn’t want to grant his one dying wish because I didn’t feel like I owed him a damn thing. And then , he died. And I didn’t get to ask him all the things I wanted to. I never got that closure . I had the opportunity but I didn’t take it . I’ve regret ted that for a long time, now. Don’t do that to yourself . You might not regret it now, but one day you will and there won’t be a thing you can do about it. As for t hose men who’ve got you all twisted in a knot, I’m guessing you prob ably still have feelings for them , otherwise , it wouldn’t be affecting you this much. You should consider taking a vacation. You never take off so I bet you have a ton of paid time off .”
    Alex couldn’t argue with her friend ’ s logic because everything she said made perfect sense. “I’ll think about it.”
    Georgia patted her on the shoulder. “That’s a start. I should go back in but I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    “Okay. Goodnight.”
    “And be sure to get plenty of sleep tonight. I don’t want to see you walking around the hospital like the walking dead.”
    Alex chuckled. “Will do.” As tired as she was, that wouldn’t be a problem.
    Alex re played the conversation with Georgia in her head over and over again as she drove back to her apartment. By the time she arrived home, she was so wiped