Page 44 of Just Desserts

Her concern was delightful and only increased my interest in meeting Grams. Much to my dismay, Isla was unbuckling herself and popping out of the car before I even made it around to her side. I closed the door behind her then took her hand as we entered the facility. She greeted the woman at the front desk before continuing walking what must be a familiar path.

I looked down at our entwined hands and smiled. I don't know when the last time something as simple as holding hands felt like such a win. The sound of voices grew louder as we walked past open doors, different residents mingling in their rooms or walking down the hallways. We reached the end of a long corridor and loud peals of laughter rang out from the far room on the right.

Turning into the room there was an older woman, she was tall and willowy with her white hair styled in an edgy pixie cut. She had on dark black glasses that made her eyes pop and emphasized her purple lipstick. She was wearing a brightly patterned dress over silk pants with large blue earrings and several chunky bracelets. She had a semi circle of guestsaround her chair where she was entertaining them with a story.

Isla disengaged her hand from mine to go and hug her grandmother, but not before Grams clocked the gesture. Her eyes sparkled with mischief when she saw us walk in.

"My darling! I'm so happy you could make it, as soon as I was elected to lead the planning committee I just knew you would help." Grams said as she walked over to embrace Isla. Taking a step back she put her hands on Isla's face and tilted her head from side to side.

"Hmmmm. You look much better than last time I saw you, your aura is radiating warmth. Yes, much better. Now introduce me to your fellow." I held back a chuckle and took a step forward and extended my hand.

"Myles Bennett ma'am. It's lovely to meet you." I passed her the vibrant bouquet that Isla had picked out. They were an array of brightly colored flowers with pops of purple, pink and yellow.

"I wanted to bring something that would brighten up the space, clearly I didn't need to." I winked at Grams as she let go of my hand.

"Oh, you're trouble I can already tell." Grams said as she giggled like a little girl.

I saw Isla's eyebrows shoot up into her hairline and watched with bemusement as Grams took the flowers from me, smelled them then made a fuss of placing them in the center of her room.

"These are just delightful! Acacia flowers are one of my favorite blooms. Did you know yellow ones represent concealed love?" She said cheekily.

"Grams!" Isla gasped, her face turning beet red. We all laughed and then Grams hustled Isla over to the seat next to her. I took an empty seat next to an older gentleman to the side of the duo.

"Okay!" Grams exclaimed. "Down to business. The party, I want it to be classy but effortless. I was thinking we could have a variety of canapes to start, and then could you make a batch of those mini baked brie puff pastries? With the jam on top? They're so delightful."

I sat back and watched the two women coordinate, noticing how similar their mannerisms were. The man next to me introduced himself as Oliver and we chatted for a bit. He was a retired judge with a huge crush on Grams. He was overly concerned about the newest male resident, Frederick, stealing her affections.

"He hasn't even been here a month and they're letting him host his own dance class! Can you believe that! And of course hehadto have Dorothy as his dance partner. I know that snake is out to get her. I don't even think his name is really Frederick. I think he's just saying that to sound fancy. Artsy, fartsy you know what I mean." Oliver grumbled beside me.

A short woman dressed in layered skirts with long copper hair came in followed by a larger man in a printed shirt with a jet black toupee on.

"Maggie, you remember my granddaughter Isla right? Oh and Isla, this is Frederick, he recently joined us." They shook hands, with Maggie and Isla hugging.

Oliver shifted beside me and I saw him prepare to stand up, upset to have Frederick anywhere near Dorothy. Before either gentleman could make a move, Grams started rallying the troops and delivering orders. She clapped her hands to geteveryone's attention.

"Oliver, I need you to make sure we can get a proper roulette table in addition to the felt top tables. Frederick, you're in charge of music for the night. Work with Mike from maintenance he'll show you how to work all the gadgets." Before either could respond Dorothy shot them a look that had them both scurrying to get her tasks done ASAP.

"Now, Maggie, would you be a doll and show Isla the kitchen? That way she knows what pans and things she may need to bring?"

"Grams, I've been in the kitchen before I think I have a good idea."

"Nonsense, you know how important this is plus they change what's in there every week. Here, take this paper and pen and make sure you write down anything you need to bring or need us to purchase." Shoving the notebook into Isla's hand she turned her around and nearly shoved her out the door.

I couldn't tell if Isla was oblivious or in on it but she took her Grams suggestion and let Maggie show her the kitchen. As I stood to join them, Grams stuck her arm out across my chest, firmly barring me from following Isla. She turned and sat down at the small table in her room, then started shuffling a deck of cards.

"Sit." She motioned to the seat across from her. With a raised brow I pulled out the chair and sat down. She dealt a hand and I picked up my cards.

"I'm not allowed to bet money anymore, got in trouble so let's put a favor on the table."

"What favor do you have in mind?" I asked warily.

"Not sure yet, lets just say whoever wins gets an open IOU from the loser?"

"Alright, sounds good to me, what are we playing?"

"Poker, five card draw." She replied quickly.

We sat in silence for a moment, studying our cards and adjusting our hands. Grams went first, discarding and picking up two cards. I went to pick a card up and felt Gram's gaze on me.

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