Remembering You by Tricia Goyer Read Free Book Online Page A

gathered up her things, and Ava took a step, following the men. Tana’s grasp on her wrist stopped her. “Who’s he ?” she whispered in Ava’s ear.
    “That’s Dennis, Paul’s grandson,” Ava whispered back, trying to sound unimpressed. Tana’s eyes widened in acknowledgment, and it was then Ava remembered there was one person she’d told about Dennis. That was one thing about being former roommates. There wasn’t any need for explanation when it came to old flames.
    Tana’s eyes widened. “That’s him? That’s the guy ?” She elbowed Ava. “If he’s here, what do you need me for?”

    Ava didn’t want to admit it, but when she had first seen Dennis, she almost wished she were going out to dinner with him tonight, but now she was less impressed. He had rushed in like Prince Charming, saving her from the evil taxi fares, and then pointed out that she’d packed too many glass slippers.
    Then again, maybe he wouldn’t have wanted to take her out even if he’d had the chance. She thought of the pain in his eyes. Surely he’s not still hurt by something that happened so long ago.
    She looked at her friend. Dinner with Tana would be more fun anyway. She’d have fun with Tana. It was Paris after all. Then, she’d have a whole week with Dennis to try to get to the bottom of his attitude. Maybe they could sit together on one of the bus rides and catch up. Or maybe he’d be civil but keep his distance. She hoped that wouldn’t be the case. Just the thought of being near him and not talking and laughing like they used to caused her heart to ache.
    Ava hadn’t made it five feet into the lobby when she noticed that a cluster of gray-haired men had stopped Grandpa Jack and circled around. She approached, and Tana paused at her side, her arms full of equipment.
    “Jack, there you are.” The elderly men’s voice quivered with excitement, and Ava noticed tears springing to her grandpa’s light blue eyes beneath the Eleventh Armored Division cap he had pulled low over his bushy gray eyebrows.
    “How was your trip?” another elderly man asked.
    “Is this your granddaughter?” a third asked.
    Grandpa Jack paused in the middle of the cluster of men and scanned their faces. He placed a hand over his heart. He opened his mouth to say something, but—overcome with emotion—he closed it again. He looked at the faces, his eyes resting on each one before moving on, and she wondered if he saw them as they used to look—young, strong, handsome, brave, a bit scared. From the look in his eyes, he did.

    “I’m Ava.” She stepped forward. “Yes, I’m Jack’s granddaughter, and we’re excited to be here.”
    “Jack, it’s good to see you.” The jumble of voices started up again.
    “Jack, remember that time back in forty-two when you passed out when you saw it was a female nurse who would be giving you your physical?” The man’s chuckle was deep and filled the ornate foyer.
    “Or the time your boots got baked in the oven when you’d been trying to dry them?” another man chimed in.
    Everyone seemed to be talking at once. Their faces were bright with excitement. Their eyes sparkled. Gray heads bobbed as they spoke. Hands patted her grandfather’s shoulders and arms pulled him into hugs. Ava looked around for Dennis and Paul but didn’t see them. Maybe Dennis had taken his grandfather upstairs to his room before parking the car?
    The men continued, their voices ricocheting off the sparkling tile floor, the burgundy plaster walls, and around the crystal chandeliers, before drifting back down to them.
    Ava turned to Tana, attempting to speak up over the many voices. “What do you think? Should I ask the front desk clerk if he has one of those portable defibrillators on hand?” She chuckled.
    “This many excited seniors worries me,” Tana said.
    Ava laughed and gave her friend a one-armed squeeze and then went to the front desk to check in.
    “The room is under Jackson Andrews.” Ava leaned against