The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 57

Petty took a slow, steady breath, pushing back the sharp sting of jealousy rising in her chest. She’d already made up her mind about divorcing Franco. There was no point torturing herself with these messy feelings anymore.

Once they split, Franco would only get closer to Laura. That was a given. Just picturing it, she made herself look away and shifted her body slightly, blocking Adelaide’s line of sight.

Her grandmother wasn’t in great shape these days. If she caught a glimpse of Franco with Laura, she’d probably throw a fit—and that was the last thing her health needed.

“Grandma, after your checkup, I’ll take you out for something amazing. I promise you’ll be hungry in no time.”

Adelaide, blissfully unaware of everything swirling beneath the surface, squeezed Petty’s hand and beamed. “That sounds wonderful. Just having you home with me lifts my spirits. I feel like I could jump for joy right now!”

Hearing that coming from her grandmother almost made Petty laugh. She looped her arm through Adelaide’s, gently teasing, “Let’s hold off on the jumping for now. I don’t want your blood pressure to spike and scare all the doctors.”

Even though it was the weekend, the hospital’s top brass had come out to welcome Adelaide for her exam. Petty didn’t expect to bump into someone she knew.

“Grandma.”

A tall man in a white coat came over, sunlight spilling across his shoulder from the huge windows. His smile was warm and easy, the kind that made you feel instantly at ease.

Hans used to joke that in a drama, this guy would be the perfect second male lead. But Harris was a Byron, a main character no matter how you looked at it.

Adelaide blinked, then her eyes widened with delight. “Harris! I was just chatting with your grandmother a few days ago. She mentioned you were coming back to town. I didn’t think it would be this soon. You’ve really grown up—and gotten taller too.”

Petty had tried to shield her from the scene, but Adelaide was eighty, not blind. Franco was hard to miss, especially when he was carrying someone. She pretended not to notice, just to spare Petty’s feelings.

Harris turned back to Petty. “Grandma’s tests are all scheduled. Let’s start with the ones where she needs to be fasting.”

“You don’t have to stay with us, Harris. Someone else can take us,” Petty said.

“I’m free today. No surgeries to worry about.” Harris pressed the elevator button and held the door open, making sure Petty could step in safely.

After getting her blood drawn, Adelaide headed to the changing room to slip into something more comfortable for the rest of her exams.