Free Forever Love (Arabesque) by Celeste O. Norfleet

passed by, leaving a glass of water on his table in front of him.
    “So, what’s tasty in the kitchen tonight?” Keith asked.
    “Besides me, I’d go with the green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy and meat loaf or the collard greens, potato salad and grilled chicken. They’re both excellent and Twister stuck his foot in those collard greens, metaphorically of course.”
    Keith chuckled. “Sounds good, I’ll go with the grilled chicken, potato salad and metaphoric collard greens.”
    “You got it,” she said, nodding, then sashayed away. Keith shook his head. He’d been coming here for years, and since he seldom cooked, this was like his second home. He picked up his glass of water, took a sip and then pulled out his cell phone. Since leaving the nursing home, he’d gotten three messages. One from Megan and the other two were messages from his brothers, Jeremy and Drew. They both texted the same message— Tomorrow!
    An instant shiver shot down his back. He knew that word would come soon, and here it was. He didn’t need to email them back. He knew exactly what they were talking about. His great-aunt, Louise Marie Gates, was coming tomorrow. He shook his head miserably. On top of everything else, this was the last thing he needed. Just as he deleted the two emails, his cell phone rang. It was Drew. He answered. “Yeah, I just got your email.”
    “Bro, I hate to have to do this to you, but...”
    “Yeah, I know. I’m up,” Keith said, looking up and around the diner. He took a deep breath, realizing he had no idea how he was going to get out of this.
    “She’s coming in tomorrow and she needs someone to pick her up. Coincidentally, Jeremy and I are both busy.”
    “Doing what?” Keith asked.
    “We’re picking up cigars for the office.”
    Keith chuckled, understanding Drew’s not-so-subtle reminder. He’d lost the pull and now he had to step up. “Yeah, okay.”
    “But you’re in luck. I hear it’s a short visit. Mom said she’s just here for Prudence and Michael’s benefit ball and then to visit an old friend, something about mediating a family drama.”
    “Good, hopefully that’ll keep her busy. Is Colonel Wheeler coming with her?”
    “I don’t know. Are you gonna stop by the house tonight?”
    “No, I’m at the diner right now. I’m gonna head back to the office after this. I have a few things I need to take care of. I’ll go by the house tomorrow evening. In the meantime, I’ll think of something.”
    “Okay. How did that other thing work out this evening?”
    Keith smiled. His thoughts instantly went to Gia. Seeing her smile and hearing her laugh as he had joked about them creatively eating dinner together made him chuckle now. “I’m not sure yet.”
    “Did you meet with her?”
    “Yeah, we met. I told her I’d set up something more formal in the next few days.”
    “It sounds tricky. Good luck on that.”
    Keith’s second line beeped. He checked the caller ID. It was his mother. “Yeah, I have a feeling I’m gonna need it. I’ll talk to you later.” He clicked over. “Hello, Mother, how are you?”
    “Hello, darling, I’m completely rushed. Question—how crazy busy are you after Friday’s press conference? I know your father doesn’t have anything planned for you. What does your schedule look like?”
    Keith frowned. He had a feeling he knew exactly where she was going with this, but right now he didn’t have much of a choice. “I can probably shake some time loose.”
    “Great, I need a favor,” she said.
    “Sure, what do you need?”
    “Mamma Lou changed her plans. She’s coming into town sooner than expected. I need you to pick her up at the train station.” Keith paused, going silent. “Keith, are you still there?”
    He cleared his throat. “Yeah, I’m here. Um, sure, send me the details and I’ll be there.”
    “Good, thank you, sweetie. I’d hate to have to send a car to pick her up. You have a good night. I’ll forward you the information in