released because of a heart murmur he didn’t know he had. He never got over the guilt of feeling relieved he didn’t have to participate in a war he didn’t support. His younger brother was killed in ’Nam.”
“How awful for him,” Blythe said. “As irritating as they can be, I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to my two little brothers.”
“Having a stepparent and a new family can be difficult. How are things going? I dislike how Constance continues to put you down. And I know the troubles with your mother continue.”
Blythe knew Gran wanted her to be okay with everything, but she couldn’t lie. “Though it’s irritating, I can deal with Constance. But my mother is, as she’s always been, a mess. Last I heard, she’s back in a mental institution. I tried reaching out to her, but it was painful. It is clear she wants nothing to do with me.”
“I’m sorry, Blythe. It’s such a difficult position for you. And so unfair. As much as I’d like to blame her, I understand she’s mentally ill. It’s not really about you, but about anyone from her past. Especially your father.”
“Truthfully, it hurts. As far as Constance is concerned, I’m pleased for Dad that he’s found a second chance and has had more children. But Constance and I will never get along. Her values and mine are too different.”
Gran beamed at her. “That’s my girl.”
Blythe returned the smile. “You’ve never liked her.”
“No, but I do what I can to make your father happy. Like you, I will never see eye to eye with Constance about many things. That’s why this trip with you is so important.”
Waiting for an explanation, Blythe glanced at her grandmother and turned back to the road. She’d taken the Mass Pike to I-84 and was now heading toward Hartford.
“Constance doesn’t know I’ve retained majority ownership of The Robard Company, the corporation overseeing our hardware stores,” continued Gran. “Your father and I agreed it would remain private information until we were ready to bring you on board. That time will come sooner rather than later.”
Blythe’s jaw dropped. “What do you mean?” Her heart was beating so loudly she almost didn’t hear the roar of a truck behind her. She speeded up and pulled over into the lane on her right, allowing the truck to roar by them as she slowed down.
Gran placed a hand on her arm. “You know I’m not going to be around forever.”
Blythe’s fingers turned cold on the steering wheel. She glanced at Gran. “Oh, my God! Are you dying?”
“Not yet,” said Gran, giving her a wink. “But I want these last years to be free from worry so I can have some fun. As long as I know you’ll take over the business for me, it will put my mind at ease. And because I retain majority voting rights, Constance can do nothing about the decision I’ve made.”
“She tells everyone that she and Dad own all the stores, you know,” said Blythe, unable to hide her disgust. If her father were poor, she wondered if Constance would have married him.
“I know she does. She’s proud of them, though, and that’s good. She has some good qualities too, or else your father would never have married her. We need to keep telling ourselves that.”
“Yeah, we do.” Blythe knew how charming Constance could be, and she loved her father enough to force herself to get along with her stepmother.
“I’m not bringing up the subject of your running the stores out of the blue,” said Gran. “We’ve talked about it many times before. But ever since your father and stepmother maneuvered me into New Life, I realize how easily things could get out of my control. I need to be watchful to make sure it’s doesn’t happen.”
Blythe glanced at Gran. Petite, she was still in pretty good shape for her age. She wore her hair, dyed a soft blonde, in a short, curly style that suited the classic features of her face. Her blue eyes sparkled with life and intelligence. Not beautiful, she was striking because of the way she carried herself with authority. Blythe had thought of her as being bigger than she was. They’d always been close.
“I understand what you’re saying, Gran. I’ve wanted to be part of the business since I was little, but I thought I’d have some time of my own before then.” Becoming CEO of Robard’s string of hardware stores was a big job. Was she ready to take it