“What’s the matter?”
“Celeste slipped in the shower. This is bad—this is super bad.” Lindy fumbled in her purse. Why couldn’t she find her wallet? It was supposed to be right there, not buried when she needed it.
“Go! I’ll cover the tab.”
“Thanks.” Lindy raced out the door and down the street, the impact of her feet hitting the concrete jarring her with every step. She’d been so happy just moments before, but now she felt the weight of everything that had happened pushing down on her, compressing her lungs and making it impossible to breathe.
She unlocked the door and raced up the stairs, calling out for her aunt as she went. She found Celeste on the bathroom floor, Bea kneeling next to her. A blanket covered Celeste’s body, but she still looked cold.
“What happened?” Lindy put her hand on the counter to steady herself. She didn’t like the color of Celeste’s face—it was gray. No one should be gray.
“She wanted to try showering today. I called her doctor and got his approval, so I fetched a shower stool from my car. She was just sitting down on the stool when her feet went out from under her.” Bea was in tears. “I’m so sorry. I’m here to keep things like this from happening—they’re not supposed to happen while I’m here.”
“Not your fault,” Celeste said through gritted teeth. “I’m not very coordinated.”
“But—”
“She’s right, Bea.” Lindy could see that the nurse’s tears were only upsetting Celeste more. “Let’s concentrate on taking care of this, all right? We can’t let ourselves get distracted by things like guilt or blame. There’s a bigger picture here.”
Bea nodded. “You’re right. I’ll focus now.”
The paramedics arrived just moments later, and they were able to get Celeste onto a stretcher in the narrow confines of the bathroom. Lindy made sure the blanket was tucked in snugly before they carried her down the stairs, then she followed them.
“I’ll check in with you later,” Bea said. “I need to go into the office and fill out a report.”
“All right. And drive safely,” Lindy told her. “Don’t get into a wreck because you’re upset.”
“I’ll be careful. Thanks.”
When Lindy found out they’d be taking Celeste to Lewiston, a larger facility than the hospital in Riston, she decided to take her own car and follow behind. This was crazy—this was so crazy. Celeste had been through enough. She’d been through much more than enough. There had to be an end to it, didn’t there?
An end. Lindy shook her head as she realized just how many times she’d had that thought. Yes, things were supposed to come to an end—but it seemed that no one could control just when that end would happen. It was a matter of riding it through until then.
And that was exhausting.
***
Dr. Browning entered the ER exam room with Celeste’s chart in his hand and a frown on his face. He’d been in to see them before and had ordered a series of tests. Now it seemed those tests were back.
“You’ve fractured two of your vertebrae,” he said, coming straight to the point. “We’re going to need to operate and put a rod in your back. This procedure will keep those vertebrae from pinching your nerves and causing paralysis.”
Celeste nodded. “I understand.”
Lindy couldn’t process what he was saying. It was like her brain had switched off. “You mean that if she doesn’t have the surgery, she could become paralyzed?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. We need to perform the procedure tomorrow morning if at all possible. The longer she’s in this condition, the harder it will be to get the results we want.”
“Then why wait until tomorrow?”
“Because we need to finish her lab work and get her prepped. We also need to consult with the surgeon who will be performing the operation. I sent him over her test results and he’s agreed to do it, but he’s out of town at the moment.” Dr. Browning took off his glasses and regarded Lindy with sober eyes. “I know this is a stressful time. Please understand that we’re doing the best we can for your aunt.”
“I know, and I don’t mean to sound impatient. I’m just worried.”
“Which is completely natural. Now, she’ll be here at the hospital for at least a week following the procedure, and then she’ll be moved to a rehab clinic for probably a month after that before she returns home. I suggest that you go get anything you think she might need for her comfort while she’s here. We’ll keep a sharp eye on her while you’re gone.”
“Okay. I can do that.” Lindy squeezed Celeste’s hand. “Hey, you. What do you want me to bring?”
“Oh, goodness. I don’t even know.” Celeste passed her free hand across her face. “Some books, maybe? My hairbrush and toothbrush, definitely. But bring a new toothbrush. I can’t stand the idea of using one that’s been all drippy in a suitcase. I have new ones in the drawer.”
“All right. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Lindy stepped out into the hallway and took a deep breath. One thing at a time . . . one thing at a time . . .
She left the hospital and sat on a bench near the entrance to call her mother. “Hey, Mom. Have you left yet?”
“I left fifteen minutes after you called. I’m about two hours out now. What are they saying?”
Lindy’s mother, Joan, was a professor at the College of Western Idaho in Boise. “You were able to get someone to take your classes?”
“Yes. Now what are they saying?”
“They want to do back surgery in the morning and put a rod in so she won’t end up paralyzed.”
“Oh, wow.” Joan didn’t speak for a long minute. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. I had my assistant book me a hotel room in Lewiston—maybe we can share it.”
“Great idea, Mom. I’m heading back to grab her some things, so I’ll see you at the hospital.”
Once she’d hung up with her mother, Lindy headed back out to her car. Go home, pack a bag for Celeste, pack a bag for herself, make a new sign for the door of the shop, post on Facebook that they’d be closed, make sure the shop’s security system was activated . . . She had a lot to do.
The first thing she did when she got in the car, though, was send a text to Alan.
Celeste fell and is in the hospital in Lewiston. I’ll be gone for a little while. Probably a week. Just so you know.
He replied as she was buckling her seatbelt. Where are you now?
Heading to the shop to pack some bags.
I’m coming to help. On my way.
She shook her head. You’re supposed to be resting.
Yeah? So are you.
She laughed out loud at that. I’m not the one with cracked ribs.
But you’re hurting.
She couldn’t argue with him on that. She had to wipe her eyes before she could see the screen enough to type, I’ll let you know when I’m almost there, all right?
All right.
She took a moment to breathe, and then she pulled out of the parking lot. She had a lot to do.
Chapter Nine
When Lindy pulled up in front of the shop, she noticed a man in a fawn-colored overcoat waiting on the sidewalk. She wondered what was so important to him that he’d wait outside on a chilly day when the shop was obviously closed.
“Can I help you?” she asked as she approached him.
“Are you Lindy? I’m Doug Wall.”
The name sounded familiar . . .
“We chatted on Facebook.”
“Oh, that’s right. I’m sorry, Mr. Wall, but I’m in a huge hurry. Could we talk later?” Or never. She was flexible.
“I’ve driven up from Denver—could you possibly spare me a minute?”
She tried not to roll her eyes, but they rolled anyway. “Mr. Wall, perhaps you should have made an appointment before driving all that way instead of expecting me to drop everything when you got here. I’m only home long enough to grab a few things and take them to the hospital,
where my aunt is getting ready for back surgery. I really am in a hurry.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Is she going to be all right?”
“They seem to think so, yes. But that doesn’t magically give me all kinds of free time in my schedule.”
Mr. Wall nodded. “I understand. I’ve dropped in unannounced, and this is the worst possible timing. I was just hoping to see if a face-to-face meeting could persuade Celeste to reconsider.”
Enough. Just . . . enough. “Mr. Wall, I appreciate that a businessman has to be persistent, but you’ve crossed way over that line and now you’re being rude. We’re on chapter three hundred of a family emergency, and your presence here is neither welcome nor invited. If my aunt does decide to sell, I’m going to move heaven and earth to make sure she doesn’t sell to you. Now get off this property.”
Mr. Wall’s mouth opened and closed a few times, but he didn’t take a step.
“A pox upon you!”
Lindy startled and turned around. Ambrosia from the crystal shop down the street was charging down the pavement, her scarves flying every direction. “A pox upon your house, a pox upon your children, a pox upon your homeowners’ association! Be gone with you, flea of the everlasting pit!”
Mr. Wall stumbled backwards. “Wh-what?”
“A pox, a pox, a pox!” Ambrosia waved her hands in his face. “Eye of newt, skein of yarn, spool of thread . . .”
“I’m going!” Mr. Wall dashed down the street, glancing over his shoulder as he went.
Lindy watched him go with great satisfaction. Then she turned to Ambrosia. “Skein of yarn?”
Ambrosia shrugged. “When you’re making stuff up, you never know what’s going to come out of your mouth. Who was that man? I could only tell that he was making you upset.”
“His name is Doug Wall. He wants to buy the shop from Aunt Celeste.”
“He does?” Ambrosia stared after him. “She’s not thinking about selling, is she?”
“She’s thought about it, but I’m hoping I’ve gotten her talked out of it.”
“And what was going on with the ambulance earlier? Someone said Celeste fell.”
“She did. Surgery in the morning.”
Ambrosia shook her head. “Oh, that’s just rotten. Such a nice lady—one of the nicest I’ve ever met. Here.” She dug in her pocket and brought out a small stone. “This is smoky quartz. It’s good for back pain. I’ve got better stuff back at the shop, but take this for now.”
Lindy slipped the rock into her own pocket. “Thank you, Ambrosia.” She didn’t know if she was totally down with everything Ambrosia said, but the woman’s heart was tender and kind, and she appreciated the thoughtfulness. Then she giggled. “Oh, my gosh. You make the best fake witch.”
Ambrosia shrugged. “I figured I might as well live up to my reputation. Take care, sweetie. Let me know how things go.”
“I will. Thanks again.”
Lindy unlocked the shop door, grabbed some paper and made a sign, then posted on Facebook. Alan showed up just as she was getting ready to head upstairs.
“Hey,” he said. “Come here.”
She looked at his outstretched arms skeptically. “But your ribs . . .”
“If we’re very, very careful and neither of us squeezes too tight, my ribs should be fine for a hug.”
She walked up to him cautiously. “You’ll tell me if I squish you?”
“I’m pretty sure that my yelp of pain will be an accurate indicator, but yes. I will tell you.”
She nodded, then stepped into his arms. Even with such a feather-light touch, it felt so good.
He ran his fingers through her hair. “Tell me how I can help.”
“Considering that you’re pretty much an invalid, how about if you follow me around and cheer me on?”
“I can do that.”
Within just a few minutes, she’d grabbed clothing and toiletries for herself and for her aunt. She didn’t know if Celeste would be allowed to wear her own pajamas at any point, but she grabbed some just in case, knowing that the pink poodle set was her favorite. She got the hairbrush, the new toothbrush, and the stack of books on the nightstand. Then she stood in the middle of the room, trying to figure out what went next.
“My brain just shut down,” she said. “I can’t even think of what else to grab.”
“Maybe that’s because you’re done,” Alan suggested. “You can’t think of anything else because there is nothing else.”
“Either that, or there’s just been too much upheaval lately and I feel like I’m spinning out of control.”
“Or that.” Alan wrapped his arm around Lindy’s shoulders. “Did you eat today?”
“Breakfast, yes.” That seemed like a million years ago.
“You look like someone who needs a good lunch. And I look like someone who would enjoy taking you to lunch.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “You do, huh?”
“I definitely do. It’s all in the jawline.”
She laughed. “I’ll have to remember that. Yes, lunch sounds good. Let me take a minute here to walk through everything in my mind, and then we’ll go.” Books, toothbrush, hairbrush, clothes … “I’ve heard that in some countries, you have to bring your own linens with you if you’re staying at the hospital.”
“Nice that we don’t have to do that here.”
“Yes. And easy access to potatoes. Idaho is so awesome.”
He kissed her forehead. “Yes, it is. Have you thought of anything else?”
“No, and I just realized that if I forgot something, chances are good that I can buy another one in Lewiston. Or Clarkston, which is right nearby. I don’t think there’s a Sacagaweaston, but I think I should Google that.”
Alan chuckled. “Lunch first. Googling second.”
“Might be a good idea.”
Lindy carried the two suitcases down to her car, checked to make sure everything in the shop was turned off, triple-checked the stove upstairs, and locked the doors. Then she set the security alarm.
“If you need to come back, you can come back,” Alan told her as she stared up at the building, wondering what she’d forgotten. “It’s not that far.”
“That’s true. I’m just . . . All my control issues are coming out right now. Celeste took care of me, so I want to take care of her, but I need to do an amazing job to show her how grateful I am.”
“I think she knows,” Alan started, but Lindy shook her head.
“I know she knows, but I need to feel that I’ve done enough to show her. I’m repaying a life debt—she saved me. She didn’t just give me a place to live.”
“She’s an amazing woman.”
“Yes, she really is.” Lindy pulled in a deep breath. “All right, let’s go. Food. You’re right—I need to get a little food going on here. Did you drive?”
“Nope—still on meds. My neighbor dropped me off.”
“I’ll take you home after lunch.”
“Just let me tag along with you. I’ll figure it out. Worse comes to worst, I’ll hitch a ride on a UPS truck.” He winked, and she laughed. She was so glad he’d shown up.
***
By the time they had eaten and made it back to the hospital, Celeste had been moved to a room, and Joan was there. Lindy gave her mother a hug and didn’t let her go for a long moment.
“What’s the matter?” Joan asked when Lindy finally released her.
“That’s such a long story, I’m not even sure where to start,” Lindy replied. “Let’s start with the most fun things first. Mom, this is Alan.”
Joan turned to Alan, her eyes alight with curiosity. “Hello,” she said, reaching out to shake his hand. “I’m Joan, Lindy’s mother.”
He took her hand. “It’s great to meet you. Alan Murray.”
“Alan’s our UPS driver. He brings us our supplies, and he sometimes kisses me,” Lindy said. “Well, he’s only kissed me a couple of times so far, but I have every hope that it will continue.�
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“I didn’t realize UPS offered kissing,” Joan said, a bemused smile on her face.
“It’s not something we advertise.” Alan nodded toward Lindy. “And it’s only for special customers.”
Lindy threaded her arm through her mother’s. “So, how is she?” she asked, nodding toward the bed.
“They’ve given her a lot of pain killers and are doing everything they can to make her comfortable for the surgery,” Joan replied. “Beyond that, it’s just a waiting game.”
“I don’t like waiting.” Lindy watched the numbers on Celeste’s monitor. She didn’t understand what they meant. If Celeste were a dog or a cat, she’d have a better idea of what was going on, but she had never studied vital signs on a human being.
“The good news is, they don’t seem to be saying that anything’s life-threatening,” Joan said.
“I’ll keep focusing on that, but paralysis isn’t a great outcome either.”
“Of course it’s not. But if I know my sister, she’s going to be out playing soccer in a month. Just watch her. She’ll beat every odd there is.”
Now that Lindy was back, Joan left to check into the hotel and set up a sort of base camp. She’d checked, and the hotel room she’d reserved had both a fridge and a microwave. She’d stop by the store and get some breakfast foods to make things easier. Then she’d come back and send Lindy to the hotel for a nap.
“Your mom seems like a great lady,” Alan said, reaching over and taking Lindy’s hand.
“She’s awesome. She and my dad didn’t really want to move to Boise, but she found a teaching position there, and they’ve settled in. My brothers are both going to college now, and my dad’s puttering around to his heart’s content now that he’s retired.”
“He’s retired? He can’t be that old.”
“He is, actually. There’s an age difference between him and my mom. It never really mattered to them, though. They act like any other happily married couple I’ve seen.”
Alan brushed his thumb across the backs of her knuckles. “And you’d like a marriage like that.”
“Of course. They’re always there for each other, always supporting each other. I’m not saying I want to marry someone a ton older than me, but I do want that kind of stability.” For a fleeting instant, she wondered if that’s why she’d been attracted to Dusty. Maybe older guys were a thing for her, and she’d never realized it. Maybe she had a psychological complex and should have treatment. Or it could be the fact that Dusty was extremely hot. She’d have to weigh both alternatives.
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