Falling for the Grinch ✔️

Twenty One | Snowball

Rhett

Two Years Ago
• • •

"So, as you can see there's a beautiful backyard that comes with the home. Maybe for your future children to run around in and make memories."

My realtor's words become mush to my ears. Especially when the word children left her mouth. I'm not here to speak about my personal life, whether that involves my said future kids or not. I'm only here because I'm taking on a job as the new general manager of my Father's construction company. I'll be running things my way, handling clients, and finally becoming in control of my life.

I've met with a few employees already and everyone seems great. There's even an older guy named Richard who loves the NFL as much as I do. So, that's a plus.

"Sir, what do you think?"

I'm still staring out the back door when my phone rings. I don't mean to ignore the realtor or be rude, but when I see the nursing home's caller ID on my screen I quickly take the call. "Hello?"

"Mr. Dawson?" A woman's voice fills my ears.

"Speaking. Is everything alright?"

She sighs into the phone. "She's asking for you again, sir."

I clench the phone in my hands, tilting it away from my head as the thought of her needing me sends a pang of guilt into my chest. It's been months since I last visited her. Of course, I want to. But, I'm such a selfish bastard that I can't face her until my stubborn ego pulls itself together.

"Please tell her—

"Forgive me, sir. It's not my place, but she needs to hear from you directly."

She's right.

I can't be a coward forever.

"I'm on my way." Hanging up, I slip my phone back into my pocket and glance at the realtor behind me. She shifts on her feet, straightening her shoulders as I give her my full attention again. "I'll take it."

❆ ❆ ❆

I didn't move to Helena just for the job. It was also because I'd be closer to my Grandma. I haven't seen her in a year. An entire year went by without so much as a phone call from me, yet she calls every month it seems like just to hear my voice. When I called myself a coward, I fucking meant it.

Nursing homes aren't my favorite. It takes a special person to take care of the elderly. Most of them are robotic, sitting at a table with no emotion as others communicate with one another. The last time I stepped foot in this building a man around my Grandma's age begged me to take him home.

Home.

As if he didn't realize his home was where we already were.

It's a sad place. The muggy smell reminds me of being in a hospital for weeks, maybe even months. I'm greeted by the front desk as I scribble down my name on the notepad for visitors. Her nurse instantly sees me when I step around the corner towards her room.

The shocked expression is hard for anyone to miss.

"Mr. Dawson," she smiles, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I'm so glad you could make it." I only nod at her before she stops me. "Seeing you might be what she needs, but it could cause her pacemaker to go off. I just want you to be aware."