Tuesday tales: From the Word STINGY

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. December is almost here and there are only 26 days until Christmas 2022. Where did the year go? This week, our word is STINGY and I’m continuing with my paranormal romance.

“Aunt Selma, I told you before the surgery that I’m not leaving you again. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. As soon as you’re on the mend, I’m going to be working at the clinic with Walt, making use of that degree of mine.”

Her aunt’s eyes lit up and a wide grin split her face. “That’s wonderful! The Tanners and Coles together in partnership again. Hester must be so pleased. She’s waited such a long time for this.” She sobered. “Well, if Colby and I can’t go south, we’ll do our best to have a good time here.”

Anca wasn’t sure what her aunt meant by “partnership again.” Had the families been involved in commerce in the past? And if they’d been successful, would that have fueled the hatred others had for them?

“Walt says you can travel, but he wants you to wait until December, and as for Christmas, maybe I can get a cheap flight down for a visit. You’re going to Aruba this year, right?”

“Yes. We’ve rented a small cottage with a view of the ocean. You don’t have to be stingy. I’ll gladly cover the cost to have you come and visit us. At one time, I thought Colby and I might … might be more, but it didn’t work out that way. The goddess knows what’s best. We just have to be open to her. He’s a good man and a good friend.”

Anca smiled, all the love she had for this woman who’d essentially given up her own happiness for others filling her.

“He is and he cares deeply for you, but I’m sure you know that.”

“I do, and I feel the same way.”

“Love is a beautiful thing … at any age.” She took a deep breath. “Elise mentioned that I look like Russell Cole, my grandfather.”

Aunt Selma cocked her head. “Elise’s brother was Russell’s best friend, but I see more of my father than my brother in you. Both were good men.”

“Then why haven’t you told me about them? I asked you about photographs…”

“And there are none, Anca. Sit. I suppose it’s time for you to know the whole story.” She took my hand in hers. “They were all destroyed. That time in my life was filled with sorrow, but if things are to go as they must … my hands were tied.”

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.