second you do; I’ll walk out the door.”
My long, thick peppermint stick was ready to tame that smart mouth of hers.
“This is hard to share. The only person who knows about that day is my mother.” I exhaled.
Sitting on the edge of the brown sofa, I kept my hand on her knee.
“My mother’s parents meant the world to me. Granddad Piero loved my grandmother Aida with all his heart. Every year we spent Christmas here in this cabin. Grandad built it with his own two hands. Nana helped, but not as much as you. She was his support system. He and a friend performed most of the work. Throughout the years, he asked if I’d help him renovate. I jumped at the chance every time. The first time I assisted him, I was ten. I capitalized on those skills later in life. The money I earned eventually funded my business.”
Hope leaned forward and squeezed my hand.
“Nana passed away in December, twenty-two years ago. Mom carried on the tradition. She prepared Italian and American dishes for the Christmas holiday.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Noah.”
“Thank you.”
“Granddad never remarried. He buried himself in his work.” I threaded my fingers through my strands.
“He never retired. I begged him too. Especially after I received my first large check. He said it had nothing to do with the money. Granddad said he loved repairing classic cars.” Beads of sweat formed on my forehead.
Hope wiped the sweat from my brow. I loved how she cared for me. I knew I picked the right woman. “Continue.”
“A few years back, grandad refused to fly to Aspen for Christmas. Said he was working on a Nineteen fifty Packard Super Deluxe Eight Convertible. He said he planned to finish up on Christmas Eve. So he stayed home in Atlanta. He assured me we’d talk on Christmas day,” I paused.
Hope rubbed my arm as she listened. My heart beat in my throat at a rapid rate.
“We didn’t hear from him on Christmas day. I called a thousand times. Charley, one of his employees was in Florida for the holiday. I told my mom I’d check on granddad. I flew out Christmas night.”
I gripped my chin. “He wasn’t working on the car at the shop. Turns out he worked on it in his private garage at home. He promised my mother he wouldn’t do it anymore. We had keys to his house and the business. I walked into the house and called his name. He didn’t answer. The TV and a lamp were on in the living room. I walked through the entire house. He was nowhere to be found. I stalked past the first garage toward his mechanic’s workshop. I continued to call out to him. The pandora station was set on fifty’s classics. The music eased the eerie feeling I had in the pit of my stomach.
The hood of the car was raised. I thought goodness he’s still working on the car. Granddad, I called out. He didn’t answer. I ran to the front of the car. My eyes widened and my mouth fell open as I dropped to my knees. He laid on the ground, eyes open. Felt like he was staring at me. His tongue hung out the corner of his mouth like he just couldn’t go on anymore. Granddad had a heart attack and died on fucking Christmas. Alone,” I roared.
“This month stole two people I loved. So yes. I hate this holiday.”
She wrapped her arms around me. “It’s ok. I understand. We can get rid of the tree.” Her head shook against my face. “I’m so sorry,” she cried.
“I had no idea.” Clutching her body tight, I inhaled her.
“I apologize for not telling you sooner. Thought I’d find closure up here alone.”
“Instead, you found me.”
I pulled back and caressed her face. “Hope, you awakened a tiny bit of my Christmas spirit.”
She sat back and peered into my eyes. “It’s ok. You don’t have to decorate my house or any tree. I can hire someone to install the lights.”
“Not a chance. I’ll carry on my grandparents’ tradition with you. It may take me a little extra time to come around.”
She fell into my arms again. “Take as much time as you need.”
Hope caressed my hand. “You hated Christmas and shoved it aside after losing your grandfather. Me on the other hand, I embraced this holiday after losing my mother. Viola was a vibrant woman. Every year we decorated our Christmas tree more elaborate than the last.
She passed