the voices. Vivian and Ben were in the kitchen. I took my seat, which gave me
the perfect view of the mountains.
“Every Tuesday, my boy, Grant, insisted I make my famous chicken salad,”
Vivian bragged.
I understood why her son said it was the best. It definitely was the most delicious lunch I had ever eaten.
“Is Grant your only child?” I asked.
Vivian’s eyes grew sad. “Yes, I was blessed to carry him to full term. The gods have been cruel to me in regards to bringing children into this world, but I am grateful for my baby boy. It took husband number four to give me this blessing. Of all my marriages, I can truly say that one broke my heart when it ended. Burying Jackson almost killed me until I found out I was pregnant.
“When my blue-eyed baby arrived, I vowed I wouldn’t marry again. I had the money I needed to live a rich life, and I would never need another man to take care of me. Now, don’t get me wrong, there have been men in my life to satisfy a need or two.” Her eyes met Ben’s. Once again, I saw something
unspoken between them.
“Will I get to meet any of these men?” I asked coyly.
“Oh my, no. There will not be any strange men coming in and out of my sanctuary.”
Will she confide in me later about her relationship with Ben? I wondered.
Pushing away my detective hat, I decided Vivian would share what she wanted
at her own pace. For now, I just wanted to enjoy her company and share the story
she wanted to tell. My curiosity was pushed to the back burner.
After lunch, Vivian told Ben to bring me to my suite since she had an appointment with her hairstylist, followed by her daily massage.
“I’ll see you for dinner, honey. Make yourself at home and let me know if you need anything,” she called as she whisked away.
When I walked into my room and was able to take it in, I was so pleased. It
was colorful and bright with pictures hung on the walls. No more bare white walls with no personality. It was warm and inviting, unlike the home I had come
from.
As I was hanging up my clothing, Ben arrived with another box I had mailed.
My promise to not investigate was broken. I decided to cut to the chase. “Are you and Vivian a couple? Watching you, it seems like there’s something between
you.”
His eyes narrowed. “The stories Miss Vivian wants to share are hers and hers
alone.”
“Ben, this isn’t for the book. I just saw love between you two. It is clear there’s something there,” I said gently.
His face softened. “You’re right. I love Viv. And that, Miss Nosy, is all you
need to know.”
I smirked at his scolding confession. “I understand. Maybe, one day, you will
feel comfortable enough to confide in me?”
“Humph,” was the only thing he said before turning and leaving.
Chuckling as he walked away, I felt confident that I was going to like this chapter in my life. Ben was an upfront guy who I could see becoming friends with. Thinking of friends, I picked up my phone.
Caitlyn: I am in ❤ with this place. All well in LA?
Thomas: So glad. That jerk, Jeremy, showed up threatening to beat my
queer ass if I didn’t tell him where you went. What decade is he living
in? To his surprise, Jacob was there to scare the crap out of him.
Caitlyn: OMFG. I am so so sorry!
Thomas: No worries, Cat. Has he contacted you?
Jeremy did send several text messages I had not read. Thankfully, I had been
