"Meaning?"
"Just how much do you love your dear old grandmother?"
I could see what she was doing. First she asked me about moving to Boston, knowing full well I’d say no. She also knew I’d feel guilty as hell. And now she would make a second request, knowing I wouldn’t deny her again.
"That house you have in Martha's Vineyard is gorgeous. I've always loved it," she commented.
"Yes, I know. It's one of your favorite places."
I bought it because I needed a place to retreat. Everyone was on my case all the time for working like a madman, so I made time for a getaway once a month, a whole weekend just for myself at Martha's Vineyard. My grandmother and the rest of the family used it when I wasn’t there.
"I'd like to have the party there."
"How big is the party?" I hadn't paid attention when she’d told me how many guests she’d have. That was a crucial detail because although my home was large and could accommodate a lot of people, it wasn’t able to house hundreds.
"I don't know. About thirty, give or take."
"Thirty people?"
"Yes, and I sent Natalie pictures of your house. She thinks it would be a lovely place to host it." I already disliked this Natalie. "I agree with her. The spot is lovely. You have that beautiful yard."
I couldn't tell my grandmother no. I'd already disappointed her by not playing interim CEO to Whitley Advertising, but I could do this for her.
"You have the green light from me."
"Excellent. You're such a darling. I want Natalie to fly out there to see the property. If I'm not mistaken, your retreat is coming up in a week?"
"Yes," I said in a measured tone, moving away from the desk and stretching my legs. "But the whole point of a retreat is for me to be alone and relax."
"You won't even notice her. She'll be discreet, and you can just show her around so she can begin planning."
I didn't point out that my showing her around implied that I wouldn't have time to myself.
"I can arrange for Natalie to go on her own," I said.
"But do you really want her to stumble around alone on that huge property?"
"I have Mrs. Winters taking care of everything." She was a property caretaker and managed day-to-day business for transient homeowners.
"I still think you’d be a better guide." My grandmother knew my one weakness: I couldn't tell her no twice in a row.
"Fine. I'll make arrangements for her to join me next weekend. She can stay there for one night."
"Oh, that's excellent. Thanks so much, darling. This means a lot to me. I can't wait to celebrate with all of you. My friend Marlow might bring her niece, by the way."
"I don't know who Marlow is." Why would she tell me this?
"It doesn't matter who she is. Her niece, on the other hand, is a darling. She's in her late twenties, gorgeous, and smart, and sometimes she talks a lot."
"Grandmother, what are you doing?" I asked.
"Why, I'm trying to set you up, of course."
I burst out laughing.
"This is not funny," she said, sounding a bit affronted.
"It really is," I replied. I hadn't laughed like that in a while. "What makes you think I need your assistance?" I phrased it politely.