Bed & Breakfast

Ch. 3 Another Guest

Thankfully things settled down after that first night. There was definitely tension between them that didn't go unnoticed but became manageable. I had taken to eating breakfast and dinner with them most days. Occasionally, one of the kids would join me as flitted around the property, preparing for spring.

The company was welcome, despite their family drama.

It was about a week into their stay. Wilson was extra fussy and Paula was certain he had an ear infection. I convinced her to drive into town to take him to the clinic and that I'd stay back with the kids. She was so nervous about leaving them and tried to convince them to go with her.

"I have to study for a test." Riley argued.

"We could help you study during the drive." Paula offered.

"I'm not going either. I have a project due that I need to work on." Parker added.

Paula didn't push after that. But she must have told the kids goodbye and that she loved them 500 times before she departed. And she checked with me nearly as much to make sure that I was okay watching them.

"It's honestly the other way around. They're going to watch me and make sure I get my tasks done." I joked. She still fretted but finally left.

"You don't have a test, do you?" I asked Riley. She sheepishly shook her head. I looked to Parker.

He held his hands up. "My excuse was true but..."

"But..." I prompted.

"It's technically not due for two months." He admitted.

I shook my head and commented even though it was none of my business. "You both need to cut her some slack. She's trying to do the best for everyone despite the situation."

"What did she tell you about him?" Riley asked.

"I know he's manipulative. She said he never physically touched any of you." I answered broadly. There was a lot to dislike about this guy.

"Yet she let him knock her up and now she has let him screw up all of our lives instead of just hers." Riley snarled.

"I think the guilt from that decision doesn't need any more help is all I'm saying. She loves you both. I'm a stranger and I can see that." I added for good measure.

"Then we should have been enough. She didn't need another kid. She could barely take care of us once she was alone." Parker said bitterly.

"My Mimi was the strongest person that I ever knew. She lost her husband, her son-in-law, and her child, my mother. I would have given up if I were in her shoes, left to raise her granddaughter and maintain her business. It wasn't pretty. She struggled tremendously too, but ultimately, I survived and even thrived because of her sacrifices. I didn't always see eye to eye with her, but I always respected her and her decisions. When I say give your mom the same courtesy, I am speaking from experience." I shared, trying to impart my wisdom on them.

They didn't say anything but seemed to be processing so I gave them time with that. I threw myself into work, needing to regulate the emotions I conjured remembering my remarkable grandmother. I missed her everyday and was so grateful for the lessons and opportunities she gave me.

I was digging out old landscaping when I heard tires crunching up the drive. It seemed really early for Paula's return. Maybe she forgot something.

I turned and didn't recognize the car. We get the occasional wayward travelers, folks lost along the many wine routes up here. I took my gloves off and swiped loose tendrils of hair out of my face. The car, one of those fancy electric models, stopped soundlessly. I saw the driver appeared to be alone, a man.