My grandmother met my arrival with unexpected serenity.
The family resemblance between us was undeniable–the same defined facial structure, the same distant look in our eyes, even the same dimple that appeared when we smiled.
She glanced at me briefly before shifting her gaze away. “I figured you’d refuse my help. Stubbornness runs in the family.”
I lowered my head, feeling a mix of shame and gratitude. “I’m sorry for the trouble, Grandma.”
She looked at me again, the corner of her mouth turning up slightly. “Your father was as stubborn as they come, but at least he raised a daughter who knows how to talk to people. Come here. Let me get a good look at you.”
I stepped forward. She took my hand in hers, her eyes softening with genuine warmth.
“You know,” she said quietly, “I’ve been watching how you handled this mess. Gotta say, I’m impressed.”
“I didn’t have much choice,” I replied, my voice catching slightly. “There wasn’t anyone else to lean on.”
Her grip on my hand tightened. “That damn Sterling pride. Your father had it in spades too. Never would take a dime from me, even when things got rough.”
“I wanted to call so many times,” I admitted. “Especially after we lost them. But I thought-”
“You thought I wouldn’t want to hear from you,” she finished with a sigh. “Look at us–both too proud to pick up the phone for ten
years.”
[ reached into my bag and pulled out an old phone. “They found this after the crash. Mom and Dad left messages… just in case. Dad recorded something special for you.”
My grandmother’s hands trembled slightly as she took the device. “Ten years without hearing my boy’s voice.”
I can step out if you want some privacy,” I offered, starting to rise.
Don’t you dare.” She caught my wrist with surprising strength. “This family’s been apart long enough, don’t you think?”
is my father’s voice filled the room, tears slipped down my grandmother’s cheeks. She nodded occasionally, sometimes smiling hrough her tears, sometimes closing her eyes as if physically absorbing his words.
When the recording ended, the silence felt peaceful, almost comforting.
He was so damn proud of you,” she said, looking upward as if my father might be listening from somewhere above us. “As am I. You tood your ground. Kicked ass when you needed to.” She chuckled softly. “See that, Michael? She didn’t need anyone to rescue her, ust like you always said.”
he turned back to me, dabbing at her eyes. “But being strong doesn’t mean going it alone, honey. That was your dad’s mistake. And nine too.”
ler warm fingers squeezed mine. “We’re all that’s left now. I’d like to fix that, if you’ll let me.”
or the first time in years, I felt something inside me begin to heal.
I’d like that too,” I said, feeling the sting of tears.
16:06
Live My Own Life: How the Housewife Reclaimed Her Empire
Chapter 10
She smiled, revealing that familiar dimple. “Good. Now tell me everything, and don’t leave out a single detail. And when you’re done. I want to hear about this company of yours. I’ve got some ideas.”
