Cheater by Karen Rose

Author:Karen Rose [Rose, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-26T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Shady Oaks Retirement Village

Scripps Ranch, San Diego, California

Tuesday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.

“Siggy!” Miss Eloise opened her arms and, tail wagging, Siggy ran into the common room for pats and love. The Lab mix was a frequent visitor to Shady Oaks and even had his own ID badge. It was studded with rhinestones, so Sam figured Eloise had made it.

Eloise and Georgia sat at one of the card tables, looking sad despite Siggy’s grand entrance. Sam understood. This was where they’d played cards with Benny and Frankie for years.

“You’re back,” Georgia said, relief evident in both her voice and her posture.

Sam kissed them on the cheek, first Eloise, then Georgia. “I told you I was coming back. I’ll sleep on your couch tonight, Georgia. But first, we’re going to have a movie night.”

Eloise smiled, but it was forced. “That sounds lovely, Sammy. You’re such a good boy.”

Sam joined them at the table, putting the bag of groceries he’d brought on the floor. “I try. I brought ten different movies. I figured you could pick which one you like. Fair warning: I raided my parents’ DVD cabinet, so I had to pick from what they had there. I always stream movies to my computer.”

Georgia sniffed. “So do we. We are not Luddites, Sam.”

He grinned. “Excellent. I didn’t want to watch Steel Magnolias again.”

“That one always makes me cry,” Eloise complained.

“And it’s got death in it,” Georgia added, her lips thinning in disapproval.

“I know,” Sam said, putting his hands up in surrender. “But my mom said I should bring it anyway. Blame her.”

“I shall,” Georgia said, then looked at the bag of groceries. “Did you bring snacks?”

“I sure did. All your favorites. Lots of chocolate.”

Eloise whispered, “Don’t say that too loudly. Everyone will show up in our room and we’ll have to share.”

He chuckled. “Mum’s the word.” He pointed to the deck of cards on the table. “Are you playing?”

“No,” Eloise said with a sad sigh. “Just reminiscing. Everything changed so fast. Last week we were all here. Now…”

“Do you want to play a game with me?” Sam asked.

Both women shook their heads.

“I can’t,” Georgia said, her voice trembling. “Not yet. Maybe in a few weeks.”

“I understand.”

She patted his hand. “I know you do. Maybe we should go upstairs and start this movie night. Sitting here at this table is bad for my joints anyway.” She pushed herself to her feet, grabbing the cane she used only when she was in a lot of pain.

“I keep telling you to smoke some weed,” Eloise said with a shake of her bright blue head. She gripped her rhinestone-studded walker and clicked her tongue at Siggy. Obediently, Siggy followed her. “I do miss a good bowl,” she added with a sigh.

Sam choked on a laugh. “You don’t smoke here, do you, Miss Eloise?”

“Oh no, not here. No smoking allowed here, plus my lungs can’t take it anymore. But in my youth? I was at Haight-Ashbury, you know.”

Sam grabbed the grocery bag. “I did not know that.

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