Page 19 of Until You

I wonder, in that moment, if I should tell my brother that this woman is one and the same as my truck girl. That’s what we’ve been calling her for shorthand. I shouldn’t have ever even told him. I don’t normally disclose such details, but he’d caught me in a weak moment and I’d spilled everything.

Henry: Have you asked mom and dad?

I’m typing a response when my phone buzzes three times in rapid succession.

I look at the screen.

Henry added Kelsie to the conversation.

Henry added Addison to the conversation.

Henry added Payton to the conversation.

I close my eyes.

Me: Henry. Why?

Henry: This is a family matter.

Kelsie: What did I miss? Why is Oliver texting during daylight hours? Is someone dead

Payton: ^^^ also hi, what’s happening?

Addison: I’m in the middle of something; this better be good.

Henry: Oliver discovered that Mimz and Pops have a live-in health aide

Kelsie: They have a WHAT?

Payton: Like a nurse??

Henry: Oliver said she was wearing a towel, so I don’t think she’s a nurse.

Me: Don’t be gross, Henry.

Me: She’s someone who lives in their house and supposedly takes care of them.

Addison: Since when do they need someone to take care of them? Pops rebuilt the back porch railing last month. With his hands. For fun.

Me: I’m aware.

Kelsie: Wait… are they sick? Is someone sick and they didn’t tell us??

Payton: Oh God. Is it Mimz?

Me: No one is sick. They’re on a cruise. They’re doing limbo.

Kelsie: Then WHY do they have a live-in aide??

Addison: Better question: who is this person and how did she get access to our grandparents?

Me: Her name is Cora. She says she’s licensed. She’s living in the guest room off the kitchen.

Payton: The good guest room?? With the bathroom??

Me: Yes.

Henry: Isn’t that where you were planning to stay?