Always Be True (18 page)

They fell into step with the rest of the group and wandered on down the path that looped its way through the zoo. “That was quite a conversation you had going with Maya. Was it all about elephants and rodents?”

“No. I'd noticed how she kept hanging back. All those matching green T-shirts help the adults to keep an eye on the kids, but it's pretty easy for one little girl to get lost in the crowd.”

“Is she not having a good time?”

“Good enough, I suppose. It took some coaxing, but she finally said she'd only been at this foster home a few days. I'm guessing she hasn't quite got her legs under her yet.”

“Did she say how she came to be in foster care?”

“Some temporary family thing.”

Tino unscrewed the cap on his water and took a long drink. Rather than press him for more details, she changed the subject.

“Are you busy Tuesday morning? I thought maybe you'd like to go with me to visit my grandfather. He always appreciates company, and he'd like to meet you.”

“If Jack doesn't need me on a job, I'll be glad to go with you. Any chance your grandfather plays chess?”

“He loves chess, but sadly the last time we played, he suggested we go back to playing checkers instead. I'm sure he'd appreciate a worthy opponent.”

Tino looked intrigued by the idea. “I'll let you know after I talk to Jack.”

“Great.”

Then she skipped ahead several steps before adding, “Now, let's go see the elephants and see if any of them are up in the trees after seeing a mouse.”

With his longer legs, it didn't take him long to catch up with her, but at least the last of the shadows had disappeared from his eyes. “Very funny, lady. There will be retribution for that crack.”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “Oooh, I'm scared.”

“No, you're not, but you should be. I will get even, and when you least expect it. The only reason you are safe right now is that I don't want to scare the kiddies.”

He arched an eyebrow and took a step back to give her a top-to-bottom look that curled her toes. “Of course, if you'd rather, I'll let you apologize for insulting my manhood later when we're alone.”

His grin turned hot and wicked. “I can always borrow my dad's pickup truck back from Jack if you still want to give it a try.”

What did it say about her that she was actually considering it? She wasn't sure, but that wasn't going to stop her. Unfortunately—or maybe fortunately—they'd caught up with the kids and their chaperones.

She shot Tino a flirty smile. “I'll have to get back to you on that.”

“You do that.”

Before they could continue, Maya was back. She slipped her hand into Tino's. “Can I walk with you?”

He smiled and said, “Sure thing, but we'll have to ask your assigned adult if it's all right.”

The little girl looked decidedly happier as they headed toward the woman, but Tino sure didn't. He might be smiling for Maya's benefit, but there wasn't anything happy about the expression in his eyes. It was as if the sun had gone behind a cloud and the air around them took on a sudden chill. Now wasn't the time to ask him what it was about the little girl that had him looking so grim when he thought no one would notice.

And truth be told, she wasn't all that sure she wanted to find out.

Early Tuesday morning, Tino followed her into her grandfather's driveway. They'd come in separate cars. She had to head directly back to the office after their visit with her grandfather, and Tino needed to meet up with his brother.

She took a deep breath before getting out. Funny, but she was more nervous about introducing Tino to her grandfather than having him meet her parents. She'd never admit it to them, but Cyrus's opinion carried more weight. Yes, she'd hoped they would like the new man in her life, but she actually wanted her grandfather to approve of Tino.

She also suspected Tino realized that there was more riding on this visit than just the chance to meet another member of her family. Instead of his usual T-shirt and jeans, he'd worn a sports shirt and khakis. “Ready for this?”

He nodded as he studied her grandfather's home. She tried to see the sprawling brick house through Tino's eyes. It had been built in the late nineteenth century by one of the lesser-known timber barons, who had spared no expense in the process.

Tino tipped his head back, maybe to better see the upper floor. “Nice place. My dad used to drive us through this area and point out the different elements of construction that went into building the various styles of houses. I'd guess this one has been around for a hundred and twenty years, maybe more.”

“You're right on the money. It was pretty run-down when my grandparents bought it, but apparently it was love at first sight. It took a lot to restore the place to its former glory, but they both thought it was worth the effort. Although they did upgrade the wiring and plumbing, they kept as much of the original style as they could.”

Tino did a slow turn. “The grounds are beautiful, too. Someone did a nice job of planning the landscaping. Elegant without being fussy.”

His assessment pleased her. “That was my grandmother's doing. Some of my fondest memories are helping her weed the flower beds and cutting bouquets to bring into the house. Grandpa always claimed I had a real eye for arranging the flowers, but I suspect he only said that to make me happy. I distinctly remember liking the way dandelions looked mixed in with roses.”

Leaning into Tino's strength, she sighed. “I really miss Grandma, but I always feel close to her when I walk the grounds here. She was especially proud of the rose garden out back.”

Tino put his hand on the small of her back as they started up the steps to the door. “If it was one of her rosebushes that beagle dug up, I'm surprised your grandfather didn't end up with a doggy-skin rug nailed up on the fence. You know, to serve as a warning to any other marauding critters in the area.”

That comment had her relaxing for the first time all morning. “That sounds like something Grandpa would threaten to do, but he'd never go through with it.”

Esther opened the door before they reached the top step. “Good morning. I'm glad you got here on time. Your grandfather has been watching the clock and mumbling under his breath about the darn thing running slow.”

Natalie hugged her and then stood back to perform the introductions. “Esther Carlin, this is my friend, Tino Gianelli. Esther is Grandfather's housekeeper, but she's really family.”

“It's nice to meet you, ma'am. Natalie has regaled me with stories about your amazing baking skills.”

The older woman blushed but looked pleased. “I don't know about amazing, but I try. I made some of Natalie's favorite muffins today, but they're nothing fancy. The day is nice enough that Cyrus might like to sit outside for a while. The sunshine would do him some good.”

That didn't sound promising. “How is he feeling today?”

Esther's smile dimmed a little. “As well as can be expected for a cantankerous old coot. He'll perk up once you're with him, though, and getting to visit with someone new will help. You know how he likes having an audience.”

“So true. He'll also be happy to find out that Tino is a chess player.”

“Oh, yeah, he'll love that. It's not often he finds a new victim to play with.” Esther grinned at Tino. “Sorry, I mean a new opponent.”

Tino winked at Esther. “I'll do my best to prove a worthy opponent—or victim if that's how it works out. I guess it all depends on how well matched the two of us are.”

“Well, don't let that old man run roughshod over you. He loves a challenge and will respect you more for standing up to him.”

Esther turned her attention back to Natalie. “I'll let you wheel your grandfather out to the patio. By the time you get him settled in, the refreshments will be ready.”

“Sounds great, Esther. Now, we'd better go find him.”

She took Tino's hand and led him toward her grandfather's library. The old man was sitting in his wheelchair near the door. He was pretending to read the newspaper, but she suspected he'd been eavesdropping on their conversation with Esther.

“Hi, Grandpa, how are you doing today?”

“Not bad for a— What was it that woman called me?” His eyes narrowed as he continued, “Oh, yes, I remember now. A cantankerous old coot. I believe that's how she described me.”

Natalie couldn't help but laugh. “You know if you behaved yourself once in a while, she wouldn't have a reason to complain about you. Besides, we both know I love you no matter how grumpy you get or maybe even because of how grumpy you get.”

“Brat, you're as bad as she is.” Then he laughed as he held his cheek up for a kiss. “So, introduce me to your young man.”

“Tino, this is my grandfather, Cyrus Waines. Grandpa, this is Tino Gianelli, the friend I told you about.”

Her grandfather gave Tino the once-over and then stuck out his knobby hand. Tino stepped closer and shook hands with him. “It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

Now that the introductions were over, it was time to head out to the patio. “Let's go outside, Grandpa. Tino was admiring Grandma's landscaping out front, and I'd like him to see the rose garden.”

Her grandfather normally didn't have a problem with her pushing his chair for him, but this time he immediately spun it around and headed for the French doors that led directly to the patio. No doubt he didn't like looking weak in front of Tino. She followed a couple of steps behind him in case he ran out of energy while Tino did an end run around him to open the doors.

Outside, Esther was just coming through the kitchen door carrying a tray piled high with goodies. Tino immediately veered off to take it off her hands. “Let me get that for you.”

Her grandfather watched the interchange. “Somebody raised that boy right. If that had been Benton, he would've parked his ass in a chair and expected Esther to wait on him hand and foot.”

No arguments there. “I know, Grandpa, but let's not talk about him now. Not in front of Tino.”

She tried hard to make that sound like a casual request, but her grandfather straightened up in his chair and glared up at her. “What did that fool do now?”

Unfortunately, Tino had overheard their conversation. “He didn't much like seeing me with Natalie and wasn't shy about letting his displeasure be known.”

“Spoiled brat.”

“You won't get any arguments from me on that score.”

While he talked, Tino set the tray down on the patio table and then pulled a chair out for Natalie before sitting down himself. At least he didn't go into details about how ugly the encounter had gotten the other night.

“My granddaughter tells me you just got out of the military. Which branch were you in?”

“The army. I served in the military police.”

“Did you like it?”

“I did. But after ten years, I was ready to quit bouncing around the world. Also, my father died last year, which has been hard on my mother.”

Cyrus stared out toward the roses along the fence. “My condolences on your loss. It's never easy to lose someone you love. Things haven't been the same since I lost my wife.”

Natalie blinked back the burn of tears. Her grandfather might be a grump, but he'd clearly adored her grandmother. Just as with her parents, theirs had been a love match. After pouring the tea, she offered each of the men a muffin before taking one for herself.

Her grandfather took a deep breath and shook his head, maybe dragging himself out of the past. “You know, I was in the army back in the day. I did two tours in Vietnam.”

The two men exchanged a long look, maybe two warriors sensing they'd each found a kindred spirit. “I've read books about that war and talked to a few veterans along the way. It was tough duty.”

Cyrus shrugged. “Well, I'm guessing you've been through some rough times yourself.”

“Rough enough, sir.”

For the first time since they'd arrived, Tino's smile didn't reach his dark eyes. “My mom is really glad to have two of her three sons safely home and out of the service. Although she'd probably deny it, worrying about my younger brother keeps her up nights. Mikhail is a recon marine. He's stateside right now, but that could change anytime.”

Her grandfather showed amazing sensitivity by redirecting the conversation. “Natalie tells me that you let her try out your power saw.”

Tino kicked his grin up a notch. “From what others have told me, that was mighty brave of me.”

She immediately protested. “Hey! You said I did great.”

Her grandfather's laugh came out a bit wheezy. “The man's not stupid, Natalie. What else was he going to say when he was trying to impress a pretty girl? I'm guessing the man would've said the same thing even if you'd cut a hole in the wall big enough to drive a truck through.”

She glanced toward Tino and waited to see what he had to say on the subject. “That's true enough, sir. But in this case, I didn't have to lie. She did just fine, especially for a first-timer. All she needed was a little coaching.”

“There's not much my granddaughter can't do when she sets her mind to it. I'm glad to hear that you recognize that about her.” He set his cup aside. “Now, what's this I hear about your liking to play chess?”

Natalie sipped her tea and watched the two men hunched over the chessboard. When they'd gotten lost in the game, she slipped away to join Esther in the kitchen. Even from a distance, the intensity and determination to win that both men had brought to the game was palpable.

Esther joined her at the window. “Those two are having fun out there.”

“Yeah, they are, even though you wouldn't guess it from those matching grim expressions.”

When Tino moved one of his pieces, her grandfather studied the board and then knocked over his own king with what could only be a curse. Even so, he was smiling when the two men shook hands and started packing the carved jade pieces back into their box. If she knew her grandfather, he'd want to rehash the game, examining each move that had led to his defeat.

Unfortunately, she needed to leave or she'd be late for a meeting, and Tino also had to catch up with his brother. “Well, I'd better get back out there. We should be going, and I suspect Grandpa needs his nap even if he's too stubborn to admit it.”

“Yeah, he does,” Esther agreed. “I like Tino, by the way, and it's clear that he and Cyrus have really hit it off.”

Natalie nodded. “I'm glad.”

“He's important to you.”

There was no use in denying it. “Yes, he is. We haven't known each other all that long, but he understands me better than Benton ever did even though he and I practically grew up together.”

She wished she could say that she understood Tino as well, but every so often she caught that odd glimpse of darkness in his eyes that left her puzzled and not a little worried. Of course, it could be herself she didn't quite trust. After all, look how long it had taken her to realize that Benton's value system was so different from hers. Regardless, she remained convinced that Tino had secrets, ones he had yet to share with her.

The man in question caught her staring at him. He smiled at her and pointed at his watch. She gave Esther a quick hug. “I'll be back next week at the usual time.”

“Bring Tino with you and stay for lunch next time.”

“I'll think about it.”

It spoke to how comfortable her grandfather was with Tino that he let him wheel him back inside. Natalie caught up with them in the library. “I take it Tino won.”

Her grandfather looked surprisingly pleased by that fact. “He did, indeed, sneaky bastard that he is. I'm still not sure how he managed to corner my king like that.”

Tino grinned. “We're actually pretty evenly matched. You had me on the run early on.”

“I expect a rematch.”

“I look forward to it. Just name the day and time, and I'll be here. Natalie has my number.”

“I just bet she does.” Her grandfather gave them each a long look. “Has she mentioned I want some great-grandchildren before I kick the bucket?”

“Grandpa!” Her face flushed hot. “Don't embarrass us like that. We've only started dating.”

Rather than adding his own objections, Tino grinned and patted her grandfather on the shoulder. “I'll take that information under advisement, sir.”

“You do that, boy. Now, you two have better things to do than hang out here with me all day.”

Still blushing, Natalie kissed him on the cheek. “I'd tell you to behave yourself, but I know a lost cause when I see one.”

Cyrus followed them to the front door. Natalie gave him one last hug. “I love you, Grandpa.”

“I love you, too, little girl.” He jerked his head in Tino's direction. “And I have to say your taste in men has improved. It's easy to see this one will give you strong, smart offspring. Not like that inbred fool you were engaged to.”

So much for her blush fading. “I'm glad you think so, but you're going to scare him off if you keep talking like that.”