"My grandfather isn't doing well, so he's living in a nursing home now. I'm all alone at home, and it's always so quiet and empty when I go back, so..."
"If you're busy, go on and do what you need to do. Don't worry about me. I'll just walk around for a bit and find a place to eat." Archer Rhys forced a bitter smile, his expression turning thoroughly dejected as he finished.
Grace Winslow felt a pang of sympathy. After a moment's thought, she said, "Anyway, I promised to treat you to a meal last time and never did. Why don't you come over to my place for dinner later?"
"Really? Can I?" Archer Rhys's eyes were filled with anticipation.
Before Grace Winslow could answer, Irene Lynch walked out of the store.
Her eyes lit up when she saw Archer Rhys, her face beaming with delight. "Archer, is that you? When did you get back? I haven't seen you in ages! Oh, that's right, your family is in Coronet. What are you doing over here? Are you here to see our Grace?"
