She also hated that every conversation she ever had with Grandma Tate on the phone usually boiled down to generic one-liners and non-detailed answers. How about you? Rachel asked. Its not often you make a phone call.

There was a sigh in Grandma Tates voice when she said, Yeah, yeah, I know. I actually called to speak to you, as you might have already figured out. I hate to be so vague, but Id really like to meet with you in person, if possible. I can come there, or we can meet in the middle. Whatever youd like.

Is everything okay?

I believe so, yes. But there are some things I need to discuss with you and its not the sort of thing I want to talk about on the phone.

Rachel felt a stirring of worry rise up on her…worry that was replaced by a strange sort of annoyance. Well, thats just a little cryptic, Rachel said. But, sure…I suppose we can make that happen. When were you thinking?

You let me know, sweetie. I can tell you that the next week or so is not good for me. But I know how busy your job keeps you, so I wanted to make sure I allowed enough time.

So lets shoot for the week after that, Rachel said. Ill take a few days off and come down to visit you.

Are you sure?

The vague nature of Grandma Tates news made her uneasy and no, she was not sure, but she felt it was something she needed to do. Yeah, Ill make a tiny vacation out of it. She hesitated here, almost afraid to ask the question that rose to her tongue. Should it just be me?

There was a hint if sadness in her grandmothers voice when she answered and that was all it took for Rachel to feel quite certain that something was wrong. Oh, as much as I would love to smother Paige with hugs and kisses, I really do think it should just be the two of us. Is that okay?

Thats perfectly fine. Let me take a look at my schedule tomorrow and Ill call you back with a few days to choose from by the end of this week. That sound good?

Sounds great. Thanks so much, Rachel.

Youve got me worried, Grandma. Is everything okay?

Yes, everything is fine.

But Rachel doubted that. In fact, she heard something very familiar in those four words. And she could recognize it easily, because shed been telling the same lie for the last several days.

She said her goodbyes and ended the call, looking blankly at the phone for a moment.

Everything okay? Peter asked, his tone indicating that he had also picked up on something fishy from the conversation.

I dont know. She wants me to come visit her because she says theres something she wants to talk about, face-to-face.

That…well, that doesnt sound good, Peter said.