Celestial Ties

CHAPTER 15

Graham POV

As I pulled up into the driveway, something unusual caught my eye—Grandpa's car was just pulling out of the estate. My brows furrowed in confusion. Where could he be heading at this hour? "Andy," I called out as I stepped out of the car, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Yes, Mr. West?" Andy responded promptly, falling into step beside me as we made our way into the house.

"Did Grandpa mention he had plans to go out today?" I asked, watching Andy as he quickly checked his tablet.

"No, I don't have anything scheduled for him," Andy replied, his tone laced with the same confusion I felt. We continued inside, the house's warmth enveloping us, but my mind was still on that car.

Just as we stepped into the foyer, I noticed Grandpa coming in from the garden area, his face lighting up when he saw me.

"My boy, you're back!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine happiness.

"Good evening, Grandpa," I replied, though my eyes darted back to the front door. "I could've sworn I just saw your car leaving the estate."

Grandpa chuckled, the sound warm and familiar, easing the tension in my chest. "I can't be in my car and here at the same time, can I?" he joked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head at the absurdity of my own thoughts. "Yeah, I know," I said, still grinning.

"That was Evelyn," Grandpa added casually, and my smile faltered slightly in surprise. So, this mysterious Evelyn was important enough to be here, at our home? And I'd just missed her. I felt a strange twinge of disappointment.

"Sad I missed her," I said, trying to keep my tone light and teasing. "I would've loved to finally meet this Evelyn who's stealing my place in your heart."

Grandpa chuckled, but there was a hint of something deeper in his voice when he responded, "That would've been nice, but everyone in this house is a ghost—too busy for an old man like me." He delivered the line with dramatic flair, but I could sense the truth beneath his words. I felt a pang of guilt; I had been caught up in work, neglecting these moments.

"Grandpa, I'll join you for dinner. Just let me freshen up first," I offered, hoping to make up for lost time.

"No need, I already had dinner with Evelyn," he said, his voice trailing off as he made his way towards the living room.

I stood there for a moment, feeling a mix of emotions—guilt, curiosity, and a bit of jealousy, if I was honest. Evelyn was becoming a significant part of Grandpa's life, and I didn't know the first thing about her.

As Grandpa disappeared around the corner, I turned to Andy. "Andy, I need details on this Evelyn," I said firmly.

Andy hesitated, "But, sir, I don't think—"

I shot him a look that silenced any further protests. "Okay, sir, I'm on it," he replied, nodding obediently.

I began ascending the stairs, calling back over my shoulder, "Tell Dennis I'll be having dinner immediately... my specials."

Without waiting for a response, I continued up to my room. My body ached with exhaustion; today had been long, and all I wanted was to collapse onto my bed. As I reached my room, the familiar comfort of the space greeted me, but my thoughts were still on Grandpa and Evelyn. Who was this woman who had so effortlessly captured his attention? I sighed, letting the thought drift away for now. I needed rest; tomorrow would bring more questions and, hopefully, some answers.

As I pushed open the door to my room, the last person I expected to see was Melissa, lounging on my bed, completely at ease as she tapped away on her phone. The moment she noticed me, she stood up and walked toward me with that familiar mix of entitlement and false concern.