that's it.
"Did you know Walter donated some of his woodworking to the church's craft fair last year?" I ask Grams.
"Is that so?" she says, finally looking at him. Up until now, she's avoided even looking in his direction.
"Yes." He wipes his mouth with his napkin. "I made some toy trains. I didn't think anyone would want them since they don't have any fancy bells and whistles like the toys you buy in a store, but the parents who bought them said they were quite a hit."
"He used to make me those when I was a kid," Tyler says. "I had a whole set."
Walter chuckles. "He loved those trains. He used to beg me to make more and then his mother would beg me not to. She didn't have room in her apartment to fit them all."
"So he made more but kept them at his house," Tyler says. "I'd play with them when I'd go there to visit."
"Do you make anything else?" Grams asks Walter.
"I can make most anything. I've been doing it for years."
"He made all the furniture in his bedroom," Tyler says.
"That was a gift to my wife." Walter looks down at the table. "For our tenth wedding anniversary."
"That's quite a nice gift," Grams says, sounding impressed. "I've always thought handmade gifts make the best ones."
He looks up at her. "I'd be happy to make you something if you'd like."
"Thank you, but I don't need anything. But would you be willing to make some toy trains again for the craft fair?"
"Certainly, but I'll need to get started now."
"Pops, you sure you want to do that?" Tyler asks, sounding concerned. "That's a lot of work."
"It's the type of work I enjoy," he says, his eyes on Grams. "And it's for a good cause."
"Yeah, but—"
"I said I would do it." Walter gives Tyler a look to keep quiet.
What's going on with those two?
"If it gets to be too much," Grams says, "I could step in and help, at least until you're done."
He smiles at her. "You have woodworking skills?”
"Heavens, no. I simply meant I could bring over a meal or help clean up a bit. Whatever you need that would give you more time to get the trains done."
"I would appreciate that. Thank you."
They're getting along. Finally! Maybe now they'll go back to being civil to each other.
Our lunch continues and Grams becomes more talkative, telling us about this year's plans for the craft fair, which isn't that interesting but Walter listens to her every word, like what she's saying is the most fascinating thing in the world.
"Would anyone like more coffee?" I ask.
"I think I've had enough," Grams says. "Walter, you didn't finish your lunch."
I look over and see that she's right. The rest of us cleaned our plates but Walter still has half his food left.
"I guess I'm not that hungry today."
Tyler looks over at Walter's plate and that concerned look he had earlier returns.
"You're done eating?" Tyler asks Walter.
"I'm an old man." He pats Tyler's hand. "I don't have the same appetite I did when I was your age."
"Maybe you should go lay down," Tyler says.
"You do look tired, Walter," Grams adds.
"I don't have time for a nap. I need to work in the gardens. The weeds are taking over again."
"I can do the weeding," Grams offers.
"Cora, no. I'm not having you do my chores."
"It's the least I can do after my granddaughter took your flowers without asking," she says in a teasing tone.
"Grams!" I pretend to be offended.
Her attention remains on Walter. "I really don't mind. It's a beautiful day and I'd like a reason to be outdoors. This way I'll have one."
He smiles. "Then it's a deal, but when my nap is over, I'll come out and help."
"You might want to get started on those trains."
"My workshop is in the shed out back. Either way, I'll be out there working."
She tries to hide her smile. "Very well, then, I suppose I should change and get started." She turns to me. "Thank you for lunch. Are you okay cleaning this up yourself?"
"Of course. I'll get Tyler to help." I smile at him.
He smiles back. "And then you can help me with the car."
I get up. "Sounds like we all have a busy afternoon."
Grams and Walter leave and Tyler and I begin cleaning up.
"That was a good lunch," he says, stacking up the dirty plates. "I didn't know you could cook."
"I'm not great at it but I can do simple stuff. I'm hoping Grams' cooking skills will rub