Chapter 9

25 BONUS Zeke took in the tense posture of Thalasso and her fisted hands, immediately realizing that she was afraid that he was going to hurt her.

“Hi.” He said it calmly and casually, hoping that would calm her tension.

It didn’t “What do you want? How did you know that I was staying at this motel?” She questioned me gruffly.

“D**amwas very rude to you, even though you didn’t deserve it. My grandma told me about how you saved her from a kidnapper, and I wanted to thank you for that. I’m so sorry for how I behaved.”

The tension in Thalassa’s shoulders eased a bit. “Well, I’m glad you realized your mistake, but next time, try not to project your own irresponsibilities on other people.”

The man stiffened, and for a moment, Thalassa thought he was offended, but a smile soon tipped the corners of his lips. It was a beautiful smile.

“You’re right. I was irresponsible. We were supposed to make sure that my grandma was safe, especially since we don’t live in Baltimore and are only here for a visit. She slipped out without us noticing.”

He sighed. “Look, I’m truly sorry once again for how I spoke to you, but it’s just that I was worried out of my mind. My grandma-

she’s not well. She has been showing early signs of dementia for a while now. She gets confused and lost in her mind; she forgets stuff and people. I’m sure you must’ve noticed yesterday.”

Thalassa nodded slowly, recalling how the old woman had been touching her so weirdly. It finally made a little sense.

“Thank you for telling me. And apology accepted. Goodbye.”

With that, she was about to close the door when he spoke, “That’s not the only reason I came here.”

Thalassa stared at him, a frown marrying her forehead “What else?”

“Can I come in so we can talk?”

“No.” She refused instantly.

“Fair enough.” He let out a soft chuckle.

Thalassa didn’t even smile, staring pointedly at him as he spoke.

“I came here because, you see, my grandma Ever since she started showing signs of dementia, she never remembers a new face or someone she meets after a few hours. But it has already been a day since she met you, and she won’t stop talking about you. She refuses to eat unless she sees you.”

“Unless she sees me or Agnes?” Thalassa questioned, recalling the old woman calling her by that name. Zeke bit his lips as if he didn’t know where to start explaining 1/2 T Thalassa was curious. “So who’s Agnes? Her daughter? Where’s she?”

“She died several years ago.” Zeke explained. “She was my mother. One day, she and my grandma got into an argument about something. She left home angrily, and we later received news that she’d died in an accident.”

Thalassa frowned, recalling that he’d said his grandma’s dementia started only recently. Thankfully, she didn’t have to ask before he explained, “My grandma took care of me and my little sister after that since our dad had left our mom. We all grieved my mother’s death, but I guess my grandma never got over the guilt she felt that my mother’s death was her fault. Her doctor believed that that is why she started developing dementia.”

After that, silence ensued for about a minute because Thalassa didn’t know what to say. But she could see that he still had something to tell her.

“That’s still not the only reason you’re here, is it?” she said.

He smiled sheepishly. “No. Like I said, my grandma hasn’t stopped asking about you since yesterday, and her doctor believes that spending some time with you might help to improve her condition greatly.” Thalassa frowned. “So?”

He pursed his mouth. “Look, I don’t mean to come off as weird, but I know that you don’t have anywhere. to stay. Why don’t you come stay at our house where my grandma can spend time with you?”

Thalassa was caught off guard, her brows pulling together warily. “I don’t even know you.”

“I know, but please help me here. You might be the only one who can help my grandma get better. She means a lot to me, and I would like for her to be with me for as long as possible. I promise you’re only going to have to stay with us until we leave in a month’s time. Afterwards, I’ll get you an apartment and give you any help you need.”

Thalassa was conflicted, but she could see in his eyes that he truly loved his grandma. Then her mind sent her back to yesterday, recalling how vulnerable the old woman had been. She would be cruel not to help her when it was within her means.

She nodded. “I accept.”

Zeke beamed. “Thank you so much. You don’t know how much this means to me. You have a heart of gold.”

Thalassa forced a smile onto her face, wondering whether she was making the right decision. People had told her before that she had a heart of gold, but in the end, they’d taken advantage of that heart to hurt her In the worst way.

She was never going to allow that again, “I know we got off on the wrong foot, so maybe I should Introduce myself to you again.” He stretched out his hand I’m Zeke Mathews.

Thalassa’s eyes widened.