Todd swept me into a hug before I could even sit down. “Grandma! You look amazing. How are they treating you here? You know, I’ve been meaning to visit sooner…”
I smiled thinly. “Of course, dear. Life gets busy.”
He launched into his usual script—how much he missed me, how proud he was of me, how he was so glad I was doing well. Then came the pivot.
“So… I heard about Uncle Donovan’s estate. Wow, Grandma, that must feel like such a blessing after everything. You know, I was actually thinking… maybe it’s time you finally moved out of here. I could help you look after things. I mean, managing money is stressful at your age. You’d be better off letting me handle it.”
I sipped my tea slowly, keeping my eyes on him. Same performance as always, just polished a little shinier.
Five years ago, when I lost my house, I let myself believe his promises. I told myself, he’s family, he’ll do right by me. Instead, he dropped me here and visited like I was some seasonal decoration. But I’ve had five years to watch, listen, and learn.
I set my cup down. “Todd, you’re absolutely right. Managing things is stressful. Which is why I’ve already hired someone—a financial advisor. Lovely young woman. Sharp as a tack. She’s taking care of everything.”
The smile flickered on his face. “Oh, Grandma, you don’t need strangers for that. I’m family.”
I leaned in, lowering my voice so only he could hear. “Family doesn’t sell a grandmother’s house out from under her nose and leave her to rot in a rest home.”
His face went pale.
Before he could stammer a denial, Sophie—sweet Sophie who runs the front desk—walked over with a clipboard. “Mrs. Watson, just need your signature for the moving arrangements. Your new place will be ready by next week.”
Todd blinked. “Moving? What do you mean, moving?”
I smiled at him, the kind of smile that had fooled him years ago. “Oh, didn’t I tell you? I bought myself a cottage near the lake. Quiet, sunny, with a garden. Sophie’s been helping me with the details. I won’t be needing your help—or your visits.”
I stood, smoothing my skirt. “Todd, dear, you’ve had five years to show me what kind of man you are. I don’t need to hear another word. Enjoy your life. I certainly will enjoy mine.”
And with that, I walked away, leaving him sitting in the lobby with his fake smile finally gone.
This time, I wasn’t the naïve grandma he could park in a chair and forget. This time, I was free.