Illicit Affairs

Chapter 25

I frowned as I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror after splashing cold water over my face. The redness had calmed down somewhat but I still looked like a train wreck. The dark circles under my eyes told of a lack of sleep. The red eyes were from crying, and aside from the redness, looked hollow. My skin looked dull and lifeless. Too bad I didn't have any makeup on me and I really didn't have time to go home. I needed answers from my grandfather and I needed them now.

The one positive I could focus on was Ryan and me. We had turned a real corner. Last night was amazing with sweet lovemaking and whispered praises of love and adoration, and it was a most welcome distraction, but now it was time to face reality and prepare for a confrontation with the man who raised me.

"Are you ready for this?" Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind and warm lips pressed against the side of my neck.

"No, but I need answers. I wish I could pretend like it's all a huge misunderstanding or someone is just messing with me but I know better." I sighed, leaning back into his embrace and letting his warmth soothe me.

"Just know that whatever happens, I'm here for you. You got this and I've got you." He said, his raspy voice in my ear wrapped around me like a warm blanket, filling me with a sense of peace and comfort. I wished I could just stay like this forever.

I turned myself around to face him, looking deeply into those ocean eyes that were so full of love and promise. "I don't know what I would do without you." I then wrapped my arms tightly around him, soaking him in as my eyes began to tear up.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes locked with mine as he tenderly wiped the lone tear from my face. "That's something you never have to worry about. I am here for you. I love you baby. Come back here when you are done and just let me keep being here."

"I love you too." I melted into his embrace once again, taking the warmth and strength with me. I was going to need it.

                                   **********

I stood at the front door of my grandparents house, wringing my hands nervously as I waited for someone to answer the door.

"Mia, come in sweetheart. It's so good to see you. I've missed you." My grandmother's sweet voice rang in my ear as she hugged me tightly. "Thank you so much for picking up food and getting the house ready for us. It was so nice to come into a warm home and a stocked fridge. That was so thoughtful of you darling girl."

"Of course grandma. I need to speak to grandpa. Is he still asleep?" I asked.

She rolled her eyes and sighed as if to say tsk tsk. "He left for the office about an hour ago. He was so anxious to get back to work." She shook her head with a wry smile.

"Alright. Thanks grandma. I should head there now." I really should have known he would be there.

"Is everything okay darling? You look...off." She asked, a concerned expression on her face.

"Yes grandma." I lied. "I just need to go over some things with him. I wondered if she even knew about the can of worms, all the secrets and lies and the cover ups her dear husband was responsible for. I made a mental note to ask him that.

"Okay sweetheart. Come by for dinner tonight. We have a lot to catch up on." She offered.

I simply nodded. I didn't have the heart to tell her that a family dinner would not be happening tonight. Probably not ever again.

                                  ***********

"Good morning princess. It's so good to see you." My grandfather smiled warmly at me, yet I felt chilled to the bone as I barged into his office. "Did I not get the memo that today is casual day?" He chuckled. His eyes glanced over my attire of jeans, sneakers and the chunky knit pink sweater I was wearing.