Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“I’ll go up against your mother for you again.”
“Oh God,” I said, widening my eyes. “What story will you tell her next time?”
She laughed, and I loved the sound of her amusement. It made me want to laugh with her.
“I’ll think of something.”
“I’m sure you will. Try to keep it PG this time.”
“I can’t promise anything. My mouth does get me in trouble at times.”
I traced her full lips. “I’m rather fond of this mouth.”
“Yeah?” she whispered, kissing my finger, teasing it with the end of her tongue.
“Are you done with that sandwich?” I asked, my question coming out on a low growl.
She nodded, sliding her plate on top of mine.
Seconds later, she was on my lap, our mouths fused together.
I reclined back on the love seat, Myers a snuggled ball of warmth on top of me. As we’d discovered, her love seat was a lot sturdier than my office chair. Our kisses led to touching, then to our clothing being discarded carelessly once more. Luckily, I had another couple of condoms with me I’d grabbed from my private bathroom at the office, and I had the pleasure of watching her ride me again, this time the act happening leisurely with a sea of pillows around us. I pulled a blanket over us once we were cleaned up, and I discovered how much she loved to be held. She made the softest noises in the back of her throat as I stroked her neck and spine, tracing my fingers over her tattoo.
“When did you get this?” I asked.
“When I was twenty-one. I was named after my grandmother, and she died just before my birthday. I got it in her memory.” She tapped her shoulder. “The date is here.”
“Ah,” I said, pulling her back down. “I’m sorry, Maggie darling.”
She snuggled closer. “I like it when you call me that.”
“Tell me about your grandmother.”
“My mom died when I was very young. I barely remember her. We came to live with my gran. In this house.”
“What?” I asked.
“I grew up here.”
“Why are you living in the basement?”
She sighed. “After Gran died and Dad got sick, I knew I had to sell the house. I needed the money to make sure he had a safe, nice place to be looked after in once I couldn’t care for him myself. The government-run homes are terrible. I wanted him to have a place where he’d be happy.” She paused, and I felt the emotion coursing through her, so I held her tighter.
“How long ago was that?” I asked.
“Four years. The disease really took hold last year, and his memory is almost gone.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s an awful disease. He’s here, but he isn’t. I see the dad I love. He sees a stranger most of the time. Especially now.”
Her voice was low as she spoke. “When his memory started to fail, once the doctors gave him a diagnosis, we sat down and talked about the future. He was accepting, still having the capability of knowing he was forgetting more and more. We toured homes and both liked the place where he is now. He balked at the cost, but I knew what I would have to do for him to be placed there. Once I could no longer leave him home alone, he went there and stayed in the ward until the house was sold and I could move him to a private room. I furnished it with pieces from the house, and he was comfortable. He knew me still, and visits were filled with recollections of his life.” She was quiet for a moment. “Gradually, he forgot about me, living in the past. Some days, he doesn’t communicate at all, lost to a world I don’t know. Those are the hardest days. I miss him so much. His guidance. The laughter we shared.”
“You were close,” I stated, hearing the love she had for him in her tone.
“Yes.”
“And you’ve been alone all this time?”
“I’m not alone. I sold the house to friends, with the arrangement I could live down here at a fixed rate. Gran used to rent this space for extra income and it worked well, so I became the extra income for Grant and Lily. Grant does financial planning, and he helped me invest the money so most of the interest pays for Dad’s care. I only have to draw on the capital when needed, and it should last as long as Dad is alive. My salary pays my rent and living expenses.”
I couldn’t help the swell of pride I felt as I looked at her. I thought she was incredible. Strong and resilient. Brave. I touched her cheek, feeling the dampness of her skin.
“Does it upset you living here?”
“No. I like it here. I have so many things of my gran’s around me, it still feels like home. I didn’t need the huge space upstairs. I would have rambled around all the time. They let me store stuff up in the attic too, and if I want to go in the backyard, I’m welcome. I have dinner with them and see the space often.”