the arguments you and Donovan got into over politics. I always thought you two would end up together, but then you married Arnold.”
“Donovan was my first real love, but Arnold was the love of my life,” said Aggie, feeling a smile cross her face. “We had many wonderful years together. He’s been gone three years now. Dropped dead right before me.” Her vision blurred. “I’ll never get over it.”
Mack reached for her hand. “I’m sorry. Before I met Simon, I watched a partner of mine die, too. He was a wonderful man.”
“Life is full of twists and turns, isn’t it?” Aggie said. “I’m happy Margaret made sure we all got in touch with one another. Now, she’s not able to participate. It doesn’t seem fair.”
Mack’s expression was tinged with sadness. “Life isn’t fair. But we take what we’ve been given and work with it. That’s the best way I know of to succeed.”
Aggie studied him. “Good advice. You’re clearly happy.”
“Yes. Life is good. I’m grateful for that.”
“Me, too. I’m especially grateful that Blythe is going to come into the business, taking over for me. Brad works with me too, but I wanted to make sure she’d be part of the operation. Another female in the family and all that. And Brad’s heart isn’t really into it. He’s stayed to help me, but he’d love to be able to leave.”
“I get it. As I recall, you were the one who encouraged Arnold to grow the business. I remember hearing you talk about the plans you had for it.”
“True. The Robard Company has always been a big part of my life. I was so angry when my daughter-in-law, Constance, tried to orchestrate my moving out of my house and into the assisted living facility where I reside. I think she thought I’d retire and hand the entire business over to Brad. But I couldn’t. And as it’s turned out, New Life is a nice place for me. Getting old is something we can’t stop. Besides, the alternative isn’t that great.”
He laughed. “Aggie, you don’t look or act your age. You’ve got a dance or two left in you yet.”
Blythe approached. “I heard that! That’s what Gran keeps saying.” She sat on the arm of the couch next to Aggie and put an arm around her. “I want to be just like her when I grow up.”
Aggie beamed at her. “You’re already way ahead of me, honey.”
“Anyone hungry?” asked Simon coming over to them. “I’m ready for you.”
He ushered them to the dining area, where they each took a seat at the oval oak table.
Gazing at each of them, Aggie was pleased she’d planned this trip. Seeing Mack brought back many happy memories. It was fun to reminisce about earlier days and see old friends, part of the process of letting go.
CHAPTER SIX
BLYTHE
Blythe listened to the conversation around her, hiding her dismay at how many changes had taken place in their lives since Gran and Mack were in college. In the past fifty years, with the advent of, first, cellphones and then smartphones and all the other things that went with them, communication alone had exploded. It was hard to imagine a time when you couldn’t easily be in touch with someone or spend many hours alone, content to play 3-D games. And those were only some of the changes that had evolved. She studied the three older people, observing their interplay, realizing how disconnected she felt from her friends. Texts and talk on the phone couldn’t compare to real face-to-face conversation.
Mack turned to her. “Did you know your grandmother was quite the dancer in her time? She took the Hustle to a whole other level.”
Gran’s cheeks turned pink. “Hey, if you got rhythm, go with it!”
“You and Donovan were quite the pair,” said Mack, chuckling.
“Whoa! Who’s this Donovan?” Blythe said. “I thought you met Papa in college.”
“I did. But not until I’d dated Donovan for a couple of years. He lives in Florida now. You’re going to meet him.”
“Another one of our scheduled stops?” Blythe asked, raising an eyebrow.
Gran’s lips curved. “Yep, all part of the plan.”
Suspicion coiled inside Blythe. “What plan?”
“You’ll see.” Gran lifted her empty glass. “This wine was delicious.”
“So glad you liked it. It’s one of my favorites,” said Simon. “Are you ready for more?”
“You bet,” said Gran, winking at Blythe. “We don’t have to worry about drinking and driving tonight.”
“You shouldn’t have to worry about driving anyway,” said Mack. “Blythe is the driver.”
“And Gran is the backseat driver,”