1105 Yakima Street - Debbie Macomber [45]
Her brother took a moment to mull this over.
“This is more than just a case of forgetfulness,” Olivia felt obliged to say. “As we’ve discussed, Mom is either suffering from dementia or in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s.”
“What about the appointment you made for her with the gerontologist?”
She threw back her head, groaning in frustration. “Mom forgot the appointment. Ben was supposed to take her, but either he forgot, too, or he fell asleep. We couldn’t reschedule until after the first of the year.”
“Oh, no…”
“I reminded her that morning, too. I even put a note on the fridge.”
“Next time I’ll take her,” Will suggested.
“Good idea, but, Will, it isn’t just Mom. Obviously Ben hasn’t been doing that well, either.”
Will brought his hands up to his face. “Okay, he didn’t remember the gerontology appointment. What else?”
“All this trouble with his son over Mary Jo and Noelle has taken its toll. Ben tires so easily these days. He takes a nap every afternoon. A long nap.”
“Well, that explains missing the appointment.” He paused. “Every afternoon?”
“Yes, and Harry, too. It’s the only time I see the cat. He crawls into Ben’s lap and the two of them snooze away pretty much the whole afternoon, seven days a week. Ben’s mind isn’t as sharp as it once was, either. Mom shows more signs of memory loss, but Ben isn’t far behind.”
Will exhaled slowly. “Are you saying you don’t think they should return to the house at all? Not even for the short term?”
Olivia nodded regretfully. “I’m afraid Mom might forget to turn off the stove again and next time we might not be so fortunate.”
“Who’s going to talk to them about this?” The way he asked implied that he wanted to nominate her.
“I thought we should tell them together.”
“Okaaay,” he drawled. “Do you have any idea about how to approach them?”
“Not yet. I think it might be wise to know exactly where they should move first, don’t you? Or at least have some options to present. We have a list but I haven’t got around to doing anything about it yet.”
Will sighed, then nodded. “If you want to make us some appointments, we—”
Someone knocked politely at the office door. Will looked mildly surprised. “Yes?” he called out.
Miranda opened the door a few inches. “Excuse me, but Shirley Bliss is here—”
Will was instantly on his feet, his face eager. “Shirley’s here?”
“With Larry Knight.”
Will’s smile faded as quickly as it had come. “She’s with Larry,” he muttered, as if he found the other man’s name distasteful.
“They’d like to speak to you for a moment.”
“Sure, send them in,” Will said. He remained standing as Miranda ushered Shirley and Larry into the office.
Will made introductions; Shirley smiled and Larry shook hands with Olivia.
“I hope we’re not interrupting anything important,” Shirley apologized.
“It’s fine,” Will said. “Olivia and I were discussing a family matter. What can I do for you?”
Larry placed his arm around Shirley’s waist. “We wanted to tell you in person that I’ve asked Shirley to be my wife.”
Olivia noticed that Will’s smile looked decidedly forced.
“If it wasn’t for you, I never would’ve met Larry.” Shirley held out her left hand and displayed a beautiful solitaire diamond ring.
“Have you set the date?” Will asked.
“Not yet,” Shirley said.
“But it’ll be soon,” Larry added. “I’ve been alone long enough. I want Shirley with me.”
“I’m so grateful you asked me to attend that show at the Seattle Art Museum,” Shirley said, her expression radiant. “I almost decided not to go and I’m so glad I did.”
“Congratulations,” Olivia told the happy couple. If Will wasn’t going to say it, she would.
“Yes, by all means. Congratulations,” Will said.
“We’ll be in touch.” Shirley started out the door. “Bye, Will, Olivia.”
“Thanks again,” Larry said, turning to follow her out.
Will closed the door firmly behind them. “Shirley was my date that afternoon and then Larry swooped in on her and—”
“Will,” Olivia said. “What’s your problem? Anyone with eyes can see how much in love they are.”
“I know, I know. But I’d hoped Shirley