“Wonderful. I enjoy your company too.” Bev's brown eyes twinkled as she smiled broadly.
Diane wasn't sure what it was about the woman, but she had taken an immediate liking to her the moment they met, and she meant that she enjoyed her company. Bev had such a warmness that easily drew her in. She found that she could talk to her about anything without fear of judgment, and she was sure to receive sound advice.
Diane directed the older woman to the table she sat at. “Would you like some tea or coffee? Or maybe some hot chocolate and some cookies? They're still warm.”
“Some tea and maybe two or three cookies would be nice.” Bev smiled appreciatively.
“Coming right up.” Diane turned behind the counter and plugged in the kettle. “I have mint, chamomile, and green tea,” she informed Bev.
“Mint with two cubes of sugar. No milk.”
Diane nodded and then proceeded to put the tea leaves in the tea strainer. “So did you come to town to shop?” she inquired.
“No,” Bev simply answered. Diane looked over at her. “I came to see the doctor.”
“Everything okay?” Diane's brows constricted with concern.
“Just a little arthritis. Poor old frame isn't what it used to be. You know?” Bev replied with a short chuckle at the end.
“Oh no.” Diane's hand covered her mouth. “I'm so sorry you're going through this, Bev,” she spoke sincerely.
“It's fine.” Bev waved off her concern. “Once you get my age, you must be prepared for anything.”
“It still sucks,” Diane said, placing the cup of tea before her, then returning for the dish of oatmeal cookies. “They’re gluten-free,” she informed her as she slid it onto the table.
“You're such an angel.” Bev smiled warmly, the corners of her eyes crinkling with the action.
Diane felt a warmness blossom in her chest before spreading to her cheeks. “You're too kind,” she cheesed.
“It is the truth,” Bev spoke affirmatively.
“You're like the bonus grandmother I didn't realize I needed until now. Is that too weird?” Diane's lower lip slipped between her teeth as she stared at the older woman, her eyes begging for an answer.
“Not at all,” Bev replied, placing her palm on top of hers lying on the table. “I already feel very close to you. You're like the granddaughter I never had.”
Diane released her lip, and her mouth turned up into a bright smile. She flipped her hand to grip Bev's and gently squeezed.
“I even told my grandson how I felt about the bond I already feel like I have with you. I believe the two of you would get along just fine,” she said with a sly grin.
“Do I need to remind you that I'm engaged and getting married in a few months?” Diane cocked her head to the side and arched her brow.
“So?” Bev raised both brows as her eyes rounded innocently. “It doesn't mean you two can't be friends,” she reasoned.
Diane looked at the woman through hooded eyes with a half smile on her lips. “Sure. Why not?” she slowly agreed. “Of course, I would have to meet him first...”
“He should be getting some time off for Veterans Day. If he comes to visit, you're the first person I’m introducing him to,” she readily replied.
Diane chuckled. One thing she was learning about Bev was that she was very persistent. There hadn't been a conversation between them when her friend didn't mention her grandson. It felt like the woman was advertising him as a suitable candidate for her.
“I just need him to find someone to settle down with. He's worked so hard to get where he is, but he's missing out on so much,” Bev expressed. She looked at Diane, her expression “I want him to be happy.” Diane nodded in understanding. “He's lost so much. Even more than some. He needs more stability than just his job and me.”
“What do you mean?” The woman's statement piqued Diane's curiosity.
Bev sighed heavily. “His parents died in an accident fourteen years ago when he was only twelve.”
“I'm so sorry to hear that. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for him.” Diane sympathized. After a brief pause, she shared, “When my father died, it felt like the world had stopped spinning...I didn't know which way was up. I... but with each day that passes, it gets a little easier…to cope.” She swallowed through the strain of her barely contained grief. Her eyes became unfocused as tears pooled at the corners. The feel of Bev's hand firmly gripping hers pulled her away from her thoughts. The woman's brown eyes held understanding.
“It's okay to miss him still...to mourn his loss,” she spoke knowingly. “There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss my husband and my son.” Bev's eyes glazed over with a faraway look. “There is so much that I wish I had been able to do for my son ... to let him know just how much I loved him and was proud of all he had done. But that's the thing with death. It comes when you least expect it.” She sighed softly and looked at Diane. “How is your relationship with your mother? Have you made any progress?”
