the stores during summer breaks, but you must meet them on a different level—as their boss, not their co-worker.”
“I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t marry Chad. He wanted to be a big part of this.”
Gran clasped Blythe’s hand. “When you meet the right man for you, we’ll both know it.”
“God! I was so stupid. Chad made it seem as if I owed it to him to do whatever he wanted. And Dad and Constance liked him.”
“I love your father,” said Gran, “but he didn’t see Chad in action as I did. Funny, some people feel that as people age, they don’t hear or see what’s going on around them; they just fade into the background. It worked to your advantage for me to be able to see the side of him that he kept hidden from your parents.”
“He was handsome, ambitious,” she paused and let out a long sigh, “and a real loser.”
Gran clucked her tongue. “I’m sorry, darling, but it’s the truth.”
“I just want to learn all I can about Robard’s stores and do the best job I can for you and Dad.”
###
By the time Blythe pulled into the hotel in Arlington, Virginia, she was ready for a break. Groaning with fatigue, she got out of the car and stretched. The car was comfortable, but traffic along the way had been a constant concern, causing stiffness in her shoulders.
She looked around. It seemed like a nice hotel with easy access off and onto the highway. Better yet, several restaurants were within easy walking distance. Gran had been particular about where they were staying but had refused to tell her why. “You’ll see in the morning,” was all she’d say.
Blythe pushed her questions aside and unloaded the suitcases from the car while Gran cleaned out toffee candy wrappers and empty water bottles from the front seat.
After they checked in, Gran said, “What do you want for dinner? It looks like we have many choices.”
“How about something simple? The menu from the Hometown Cafeteria has a broad selection. Want to give it a try?”
“Sure. That will make it nice and easy. We need to get up by six tomorrow morning.”
“We do?” Blythe asked, wondering what Gran had planned.
“Yes. That timing should be perfect.”
“And you’re still not telling me why?” said Blythe.
Gran shook her head. “Nope. It would spoil my surprise.”
###
The next morning, after a fractured sleep, Blythe awoke to the sound of the alarm clock. Gran was already standing by her bed.
“Time to get up?” Blythe groaned.
“Yes. Hurry and get ready. I’ll make coffee. We can take it with us.” Gran peered out the window. “Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day.”
Blythe heard the excitement in Gran’s voice and climbed out of bed. After performing her morning routines, she gratefully took a sip of the coffee Gran handed her.
“Let’s get on the road. We’ll grab breakfast later,” Gran said, zipping up her suitcase.
When they stepped outside into the cool air, a streak of light showed itself on the horizon in the brightening sky—a glimmer of the day to come.
“We’re going into the District. At this early hour, I’m hoping to beat the worst of the traffic.”
As Blythe followed Gran’s directions, she soon realized their destination. After finding a parking spot, Blythe got out of the car and helped her grandmother walk up to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial.
“It’s so big,” whispered Blythe, staring at the impressive, white-marble building. Soft lighting backlit the massive columns in front, creating a breathtaking presence. But it was the huge figure sitting in the chair facing outward that kept her gaze. With the light shining on the white marble that formed him, the sculpture seemed almost heaven-sent against the brightening sky around the building.
In a daze, Blythe climbed the steps to reach the statue of the 16th president of the United States. With all the political in-fighting and constant bickering of present-day politics, she needed this reminder of the greatness of this country and its leaders through the years.
Blythe didn’t know how long she’d been standing looking at the man and the words carved into stone above him when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“So humbling,” murmured Gran.
Blythe nodded, moved by what she saw. “I feel as if I’m in a church.”
They stood together, staring at the words above the statue:
"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever."
“Let’s take a look at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.