Chapter 81 - His Betrayal

Josie

Grandma Susan’s question did catch me off guard as well, but I wanted to make sure that I answered her as neutral as possible. After she went back to sit with Grandpa Timothy I got up and told Joey I was going to go stretch my legs for a while. I told him I would be back in a few minutes and started walking down the hall. I figured I would just walk around this section of the hospital a bit before I would head back. I thought about Joey’s shocked reaction to my statement, and while I didn’t want him to think I was still dating Drew I also wanted to make sure it was clear that we would end up together if it was meant to be.

I walked around for about ten minutes then walked back to the waiting room, “Did your grandma come out with any updates on your grandpa?” He smiled up at me, “Yeah, she said the doctor thinks they can move him to a regular room tomorrow since he is doing so well. I just sent the update to my parents and sister.” I quickly sent the update to my parents also, they replied that they were thrilled and to let them know if anything is needed.

I sat with Joey while he was chatting back and forth with his parents and sister. Joey smiled as he put his phone back in his pocket, “My parents said that after they eat they will come back here and appreciated that we gave them time to rest and clean up.” Joey went in to visit his grandfather and his grandmother stepped out to sit with me since only one visitor was still allowed at a time.

“Josie, I hope I didn’t upset you earlier with my comment. You are such a sweet girl and I could always see a connection with you and my grandson. I watched how you always looked at him and his eyes would always gravitate to you in a room also. It was apparent though that he needed to figure out his feelings. I hope it does work out with you both because you both deserve to have this happiness also.” We sat and visited for a while longer. Joey came back out to tell his grandma that grandpa was up and asking for her. I hugged and thanked Grandma Susan and told her to let me know if she needed anything anytime.

Aunt Jessie and Uncle Morgan arrived and thanked us both for giving them time to get rest. Uncle Morgan handed Joey some cash and told us to go out and get something to eat and do something fun. Joey thanked his dad and we took off to go eat, I was famished because I only grabbed some toast before I left today. We decided to go grab a burger and fries and eat out at the park to enjoy some fresh air.

We sat in the park enjoying what was left of the day eating and watching the activity around us. “How are you holding up Joey, I know this has been a lot for you and your family?” He sat there for a moment in thought, “Now that I know he is doing better, I feel like I can breathe, I just appreciate your help yesterday and today. It means a lot to me and my family everything you and your family has done for us.”

I smiled at him, “Your grandfather was like a grandfather to me growing up, just like my parents consider your grandparents family. We will always be there for your family.” I meant every word, I remember the many trips our family took to Timothy and Susan’s house for barbecues or other special occasions and we were always treated like family. I remember he would take all the kids out looking at different things out in the wooded area around their house or even doing something as simple as playing hide and seek with us outside. “Joey, I have loved your family my whole life because they are part of my family. Once things get more settled I want to sit down with you and talk again, we have a lot to talk about but now is not the time. I appreciate you giving me space like I asked.”

Joey just looked at me with an understanding smile and nodded, “I told you I would give you time and you can have as much as you need.” I believed him with everything in me and I hope that when we finally get a chance to talk after everything calms down we can still move forward.

We cleaned up after we ate and then made our way back home. Joey dropped me off back at my house and before he could leave my parents came out to get a full update before they made their way to the hospital to see if Joey’s parents needed anything. When they said Eli was staying with his friends overnight I told Joey to take me to his place and I would help him and Lilly with the kids. At least there I would feel like I was doing something useful.

Lily was thrilled when I walked in the door with Joey, we set up camp with the kids and joined them watching movies. The kids it seemed were on a Marvel movie marathon, which was awesome because one of my favorites was Ms Marvel. We all spent the night watching movies until everyone eventually passed out. I got up to go get a drink later in the night and Lily walked up behind me. “Joey said grandpa was doing good and they will probably be moving him to a regular room. I can’t tell you how much of a relief that is, I don’t think grandma or any of us could have handled losing him.” I hugged Lily and we sat at the table with some water and talked for a while before finally calling it a night. Lily and I went back into the room to see Joey, Austin and Allie all passed out on the floor so we covered them all with blankets and I fell asleep laying down on the couch while Lily took the love seat.