Second Chances

thirty-six

a l e x

"Papa wants to see you," my mother called out as I walked out of her office after her favorite activity—scolding me. "I told him you were busy, but he insisted. Give him a call."

I hadn't seen my grandfather in a while, and I honestly felt bad. With everything going on, I didn't have much free time on me, so visiting him was the last thing on my mind.

He was living with my uncle and aunt about two hours away in Santa Barbara, so it wasn't exactly like I could just visit him whenever I felt like it.

"Yeah, I'll give him a call," I assured her.

It wasn't often that my mother was at the office because she usually worked at the main one in New York, so when she was at the office, things were usually pretty hectic.

But for some reason, this time, it wasn't. People weren't rushing in and out of her office, asking for her signature or dashing around to make sure she had what she asked for. It was weird. It was like it was just a normal day.

Janet told me that I didn't have any meetings aside from the one with my mom, which was just her excuse to blame me for things, and another one with a model that wouldn't be until a few more hours.

So I had some time. It was too early to have lunch, and my weekly Tuesday waffle breakfast still had me full.

Luke was busy at work, I'm sure, still trying to get used to doing things with his injury, so I didn't bother him. Sophie was holed up in one of the meeting rooms with the rest of the marketing team, working on a new project my mom wanted to start on, so she wasn't an option either.

I guess I could give my grandfather a call and catch up with him.

"Hi, Papa," I greeted once the ringing finally stopped. "Sorry I haven't gotten to call or visit you recently."

"My Allie bean! I've been waiting for your call," was his cheerful response. "It's been so long since we've talked."

The one person I allowed to call me Allie.

Honestly, it broke my heart hearing just how much he looked forward to talking to me because I should've done it sooner. "Mom told me. You know, Papa, I'm not busy this weekend, and your birthday's really close. I can come visit."

"Really? I would love that," he chimed. The excitement in his voice made me tear up. Why couldn't he live closer? I'd visit him more often if I could.

"Of course, Papa. I promise I'll come visit," I vowed. "I miss my favorite grandparent after all."

"Your grandma left us years ago, Allie," he chuckled. "If you want to visit her, her ashes aren't here at the house."

At least he isn't as sad about my grandmother anymore. "I was talking about you, Papa."

"I know, I'm just kidding around. Your Mama knows I'm your favorite," he chirped. "I think it's the cookies. The ones she makes aren't as good as yours."

"Because they're your recipe, Papa," I reminded him. "You're a little biased."

"But they're good, right?" he reasoned. "She never stood a chance. I mean, if hers were better, you would use her recipe."

He made a good point. My grandma's cookies weren't exactly groundbreaking. If you couldn't tell, she wasn't the cook between the two of them.

"Alright, Papa. I agree with you. I'll bring you some when I come visit, okay? I know Uncle Marco basically bans sugar in that house. I can sneak some in for you," I offered.