4

Alistair

"It’s not a big problem right now, but I wanted to tell you," Sarah said, slipping her hand into her pocket.

She’d been working at Crystal Fountains long before my grandpa moved in. She often brought me bad news, and though I liked her, I always prepared myself for what she had to say.

“I appreciate you letting me know, Sarah. Thanks,” I said, patting her shoulder before glancing into the dining room where my grandpa was.

The news wasn’t unexpected. Lately, he sometimes forgot the names of the nurses when he woke up. It usually came back to him, but the forgetting was new.

I looked from his happy expression to Liliana’s. Julian was chatting away beside her, turning on his charm like he did with everyone, especially attractive women.

Shaking my head, I pushed down the jealousy that was rising.

I really liked Liliana. More than I had liked anyone in a long time.

And there she was, glowing with Julian’s attention like a firefly.

I knew I had messed up. The moment she noticed my wedding ring, she would shut down.

“Well, let’s get back to the party, shall we? Dave seems to be enjoying himself,” Sarah said, leading me back into the room.

Taking a deep breath, I headed toward Julian, Liliana, and our grandfathers. But before I could reach them, Mrs. Mills rolled up to me and stopped me to tell me what a good grandson I was for visiting my grandpa. Then Mrs. Jameson joined her.

We’d had this same conversation many times before. Mrs. Mills rarely had visitors, despite having a large family. I couldn’t bring myself to cut her off. So, I listened to her say the same things she always did. I held her hand when she reached for mine. I gave her the time she clearly needed.

But I couldn’t help glancing over at Julian and Liliana while I listened.

He kept laughing, leaning in close, touching her arm.

Damn it. Even worse, Liliana was responding with the same interest, showing clearly that she liked him.

If only I had taken off my wedding ring. Then maybe that could have been me.

“You take care now, honey,” Mrs. Mills said, squeezing my hand.

“You too, ma’am.” I quickly shook Mrs. Jameson’s hand, then headed toward Julian and Liliana.

Maybe I had misunderstood everything.

Perhaps Liliana would have been drawn to Julian the moment he arrived, regardless of what I did. They seemed to be getting along well, so maybe she would have liked him better anyway.

Then Liliana glanced at me over Julian’s shoulder, and I started to doubt myself.

I stood there while Julian flirted in front of me, trying to act like I was interested in everything else around us. When Julian asked if something was wrong, I shook my head.

I spent some time talking to Grandpa and then chatted with James, all the while hearing Julian make moves on Liliana.

Julian laughed at something Liliana said, lightly touching her arm as he responded.

"That's crazy! You really stood up to your boss like that? I wish I could have seen his face," Julian said.

Liliana laughed, clearly enjoying the attention.

"Well, someone had to stand up to him. He was being a jerk."

"I admire that you speak your mind," Julian said, looking into her eyes. “You’re beautiful and strong.”

"Oh, stop it," Liliana said, playfully swatting Julian’s arm.

"Just telling the truth," Julian winked. "We should continue this conversation over dinner sometime."

"I’d like that," Liliana agreed eagerly.

"Great, it’s a date then,” Julian grinned, confident that he had sealed the deal. “I know this amazing Italian place downtown. They serve the best lasagna."

"I love Italian food," Liliana said.

"Me too," Julian smoothly fibbed.

I rolled my eyes.

Julian preferred sushi.

But he probably sensed that Liliana was into Italian cuisine. He was good at reading people, which helped him excel as a top salesman.

I couldn’t bear to listen to this nonsense any longer.

I didn’t get another chance to talk to her alone. I had to accept that maybe it was for the best.

She clearly liked Julian. And I still wasn’t divorced.

And Liliana might have been a distraction I didn’t need.

But it was tough to stop looking at her and wishing things were different.

Later, I chatted with a few residents for a bit. When I turned back, Liliana was gone.

She left without saying goodbye to me.

If I needed confirmation that she wasn’t interested anymore, there it was.

Julian came up to me with that cocky grin of his.

"Hey, bro," he said, his voice filled with smug satisfaction. “I got her number.”

He waved his phone. I wanted to knock it out of his hand.

"Just debating whether to call her tonight or tomorrow. I don’t want to seem too eager, but I really want to take her out."

I clenched my jaw, holding back the urge to mention that I had already gotten her number. Before him.

"That's great," I said, though I didn't mean it.

“Liliana mentioned it was nice meeting you,” Julian said casually, sipping his punch.

"Is that all she said?"

He looked up thoughtfully.

"Oh yeah, she also mentioned it would be nice to meet your wife next time." He waved his hand playfully. "Something like that," he added with a chuckle. Then he adjusted his tie. “She’s really something, huh?”

“Yeah, seems like it,” I muttered, taking a sip. “You didn’t tell her about my divorce?”

“Nope, didn’t feel like it was my place or story to tell. And Grandpa was right there. You haven’t told him yet, have you?”

I sighed and nodded. That conversation would have to wait for another visit.

“What did the nurse want to talk to you about earlier?” Julian glanced over at our grandpa. “Is everything okay?”

“He’s just getting a bit more forgetful. That’s all. You should come by more often. Before things get worse.” I started clearing away empty cups and plates from the tables, trying to distract myself.

Julian joined in. “Yeah, I will. So, do you think I should take Liliana to dinner and a movie, or come up with something more unique? Maybe the zoo, or a picnic in the park. Or even paintball.”

He seemed to be thinking out loud more than asking for my opinion, and I was relieved he didn’t expect a response.

The last thing I wanted to do was give him advice on how to impress Liliana, especially when I was still regretting missing my chance.