Page 122 of Loving Kai

“Okay. Sounds great.”

Luke took a slice of pizza. “If the meeting is over, let’s eat.”

When they’d finished eating, they closed up the restaurant, and Abe walked Maggie to her car. “Are you sure you’re okay with losing out on some tips and an extra day of work? You don’t need to take two days off. I know you’re saving for your dream home.”

“I’m very excited to work in the kitchen with you. And two days off, especially if one is with you and Kai, sounds great.”

“Okay. I just want to make sure.”

“I’ll buy the Mayhew place. It just might take a little longer.”

He opened the car door for her. “I’ll see you at home.”

“Say hi to your mom and dad for me.”

“Will do.”

Maggie drove off, and Abe went to his car, then sat for a moment. He smiled. “That’s it.” He started the car. “One hell of a gesture.”

Chapter thirty

“To the new owners of Paradise Hill.”

Before work on Friday, Abe went to the Riverside Retirement Home in Fairfield. When he went to the reception desk, he asked for Mr. Mayhew.

The woman behind the desk smiled politely. “Are you a relative?”

“Not exactly. Well…no.”

“Mr. Mayhew only allows family to visit him.”

“Um…he knows my girlfriend. Will you tell him a friend of Maggie’s is here?”

“Is she a relative?”

“No. But I’m pretty sure he’ll…can you just ask, please.”

“I’ll be right back. Have a seat in the lobby.”

The room was empty, and Abe took a nearby seat. He never considered that the old man might not want to see him. The woman returned, and Abe stood.

“Right this way.”

“Thank you.”

“He tires easily, so don’t overstay your welcome.”

“I won’t.”

He followed her down a hallway resembling a motel, but much less aesthetically appealing with gray carpeting and sterile white walls. They stopped at a door. She knocked softly. “Mr. Mayhew, it’s Alice with your visitor.”

A gravelly, “Come in,” came through the door.

Alice opened the door, and Abe stepped through it. He’d seen Mr. Mayhew from time to time when he was younger, but it had been years. The man was old and frail, barely recognizable. The room smelled of antiseptic and old food, and if Abe wasn’t mistaken, the old man had recently taken a sip or two of bourbon.

Mr. Mayhew waved toward a chair with a trembling hand. “Have a seat, young man.”

Abe sat.