Sumter Point

by K. G. MacGregor

She wasn’t the only one who was changing. It was as if Beth was meeting her partway. “I’m showing her a few things too. I finally got her to come out with me to that club I go to in Nashville. We danced and drank a couple of margaritas. We had a good time.”

  She thought again about how Beth had described her life when Kelly was in high school, how she wasn’t able to go out in the evening or on weekends. “I was lucky that you and Grampaw let me go out with my friends. I know I worried you sometimes, especially that time you caught me drinking when I was only eighteen. I hope I never did anything else to make you ashamed of me.”

  “Hmmpf.”

  Audie looked up to see her Grammaw’s fingers wiggling. She grasped them and felt a squeeze. “I love you too.”

  Tears clouded their eyes as they stared at each other, locked in a moment filled with both sorrow and joy.

  “Hey, ladies. Am I interrupting anything?”

  “Joel! Grammaw, look who’s here.” She raced around the bed to give her friend a hug, stronger than usual since her emotions were on overload.

  “How are you doing, Mrs. Pippin?”

  “Mmmm.”

  “That means not too shabby,” Audie said, her Grammaw’s weak smile a confirmation of her translation.

  He leaned over her bed and gave her a pat on the arm. “I was here to see one of my patients and I thought I’d drop by and say hello, and maybe talk your granddaughter into having lunch with me down in the cafeteria.”

  Audie made a face.

  “I know, it’s awful. But I bet you haven’t had anything to eat all day.” He was right about that.

  “I can probably find something that won’t kill me.” With a promise to return soon, they headed for the elevator. “I guess you got my message.”

  “Yeah. I called Chuck Hill before I came over to get his take on things. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Of course I don’t. He talked to me this morning after he looked at her. What did he say to you?”

  “Probably the same thing he told you. He said this was a major event, and that she appears to have lost all function on her left side.”

  “But he also said she might get some of it back.” They joined several others on the elevator and tabled their conversation until they reached the cafeteria.

  “She might get something back, Audie, but that’s probably a long shot. She didn’t recover a lot of function after her first stroke, did she?”

  Audie looked away in defeat. She knew her Grammaw’s condition was serious.

  “If it makes you feel better, I have a lot of confidence in Chuck. He’s well respected in Sumter, so you don’t have to worry about what kind of care she’s getting.”

  “Hello, Dr. Petrone,” a woman said, her voice dripping with invitation. It was one of the nurses Audie had seen in the emergency room. If only she knew.

  “Hi”—he peered at her nametag—“Nurse Tyler.”

  “Call me Sarah, please.”

  “That always cracks me up,” Audie said when they were out of earshot.

  “I can’t help it if I’m a chick magnet.” They reached the cashier and he paid for their lunch—soup and salad for him and a roast beef sandwich for Audie. “Speaking of chick magnets, how are things with you and Beth Hester?”

  “Man, she’s the chick magnet. At least she’s a magnet for me.”

  “You got it that bad?”

  “I’ve got it awful. I’m seriously whipped.”

  “Audie Pippin whipped? That’s a news flash.”

  “Tell me about it. I can’t stand to be away from her.”

  “I liked her. So did Dwayne.”

  “And Dennis?”

  “You know Dennis. He likes everybody, but I think he’s kind of bummed that he screwed things up with David, and you being with Beth reminds him about that. Plus, he sees all of his friends moving on, but he still wants to party like Peter Pan.”

  “There’s more to life than partying.”

  “I know. And Dennis will find that out one of these days too. But for now, I think he’s worried about not having anybody to get high with.”

  Audie shifted uncomfortably and looked to confirm that no one had overheard. “You know about that?”

  “I’m not stupid, Audie. I’ve seen you two at the Gallery with your eyes looking like little red slits, laughing your asses off at stuff that isn’t remotely funny.”

  That was disconcerting. She hoped her Grammaw never put all that together. “We don’t do that as much anymore.”

  “That’s good to hear. There are better ways to spend your time.” He looked away to recognize another flirtatious woman, this one a doctor. “So tell me more about Beth. Are you two serious?”

  Audie shrugged. “What does that even mean? It’s not like we can get married or anything.”

  “I know. But if you’re thinking about each other for the long term, you can move in together someday, make plans for your future.”

  “We haven’t talked about stuff like that. All we’ve agreed to right now is that we won’t see other people.”

  “That’s a pretty good start.”

  “Yeah, and a good reason for me to stay out of the Gallery.”

  “Is Beth the jealous type?”

  “I don’t think so, but it doesn’t matter. I’m not interested in anybody else.”

  “Maybe not, but you’ve always liked hanging out at the Gallery with your friends.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t want to give people the wrong idea.”

  “You mean people like Regan?”

  “Like Regan. Like Deanna. Like anybody. I don’t want people to think I’m there to hook up with somebody.” Audie slurped the rest of her soda through a straw.

  “People won’t think that… as long as you don’t pull a Dennis and sneak off to the bathroom.”

  “I’d like to think I have more class than that.”

  “We all have more class than that. Seriously, as long as you behave yourself and act like you have somebody special, I don’t think anyone will make a big deal out of you being there.”

  “Maybe. I just wish Beth liked it more so she’d come with me. Then there wouldn’t be any doubts about who I wanted.”

  “Didn’t she have fun the other night?”

  “Yeah, but it’s not really her thing.”

  “That’s one thing about new relationships. You have a lot to work out about each other. You’ll both make compromises here and there if you want things to work.”

  “I want things to work.”

  “Then that answers my first question. You’re serious.”

  “I guess I am.”

  “You should bring her over for dinner sometime. Just the four of us. I’ll get Dwayne to cook something fabulous.”

  “As long as fabulous doesn’t mean… organic.”

  “Don’t worry. We know your peculiarities, Audie. What about Beth?”

  “She likes things like quiche. She and Dwayne are probably soul mates.” She shoved the last bit of her sandwich into her mouth. “Oh, by the way… if Beth can get a week off before the end of the year, can we use your place at Dale Hollow?”

  “Sure. Dwayne and I will be there at Thanksgiving and from Christmas to New Year’s, but any other time you want it, it’s yours.”

  “Great. Maybe I’ll surprise her with a weekend or something.”

  Joel looked at his watch. “I have to go. Thanks for having lunch with me. And don’t worry too much about your Grammaw.”

  “I don’t know how I’m supposed to do that.”

  “Just trust that she’s in good hands, Audie. Things happen the way they’re supposed to, you know.”

  She nodded. That’s what her Grammaw had said when her Grampaw died. “Thanks for coming by. It makes her happy.”

  “No problem.”

  “Hey, do me a favor. Call Dennis and tell him to get his ass over here when he gets off work.”

  Beth walked into the room to find Audie asleep in the chair, her slender fo
rm awkwardly slumped with one foot on the windowsill.

  She tiptoed closer and saw that Miss Violet was awake.

  “How are you feeling?” she whispered, slipping her fingers into Violet’s hand. “I see that Audie finally gave out.”

  Violet nodded and squeezed Beth’s hand.

  “I’ll take her home later and put her to bed.” Out of habit, she checked the monitors and IV, satisfied that all was normal. “I don’t want you to worry about Audie, Miss Violet. I’ll be taking good care of her and making sure she eats right and gets plenty of rest.”

  Violet struggled to slide her mask to her side, causing Beth to catch her hand.

  “You shouldn’t do that.”

  Violet ignored her and pushed it away, mumbling something low. Beth leaned close to hear it.

  “Say it one more time,” she whispered.

  “Audie loves you.” The words, though garbled, were unmistakable this time.

  “I know. It makes me so happy, Miss Violet. You can’t imagine what it means to me that she feels that way.” Beth wanted to tell her that she loved Audie too, but Audie deserved to hear that first.

  “She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known.”

  Audie’s foot dropped from the sill with a loud thump.

  “Look who’s awake,” Beth said, shooting Audie a bright smile.

  “Her ears must have been burning.”

  “Are you two talking about me?”

  “Yes. I was just telling your Grammaw that I was going to take you home and put you to bed.”

  “I’m okay. I’ve had a little sleep.”

  “It doesn’t count if you’re still sitting up. Did you get something to eat?”

  Audie stood and stretched, then leaned over and surprised Beth with a quick kiss. “Joel came by and dragged me down to the cafeteria.”

  “Good. Glad to know there are other people looking out for you too.”

  “You must be tired. I told Grammaw that you were here all night with me.”

  “I am tired, but Hazel had me chained to the desk all day doing paperwork, so at least I wasn’t running around. That reminds me, I got some news today.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Guess who passed her nursing boards on the first try?” She knew Audie would be happy for her, but she didn’t expect to be lifted off her feet and twirled around.

  “That’s fantastic!”

  “And I’m getting promoted to charge nurse as soon as the certification goes through.”

  “Doesn’t that mean you’ll have weekends off?”

  “I hadn’t thought about that. I guess it does.”

  “So will I when I start the outreach job. Then we won’t have any excuses for not going out dancing on Friday nights.”

  “Well… except maybe old age.”

  “That’s not going to fly, Nurse Hester. You might as well give it up now.”

  Beth grinned and looked at Violet. “Is she always this bossy?”

  “Mmmm.”

  “Hey, is this a private party, or can anyone come?”

  Beth looked up to see Audie’s friend Dennis, who appeared genuinely bashful about coming in.

  “It’s private, but we’ll make an exception for your sorry butt,” Audie said, chucking him with her elbow.

  “I didn’t come to see you,” Dennis proclaimed, pushing his way toward the bed, where he gave Violet a kiss on her forehead. “I came to see this sweetie pie right here.”

  Audie rolled her eyes and addressed Beth. “Remember that old TV show that had the kid who was always obnoxiously polite to grown-ups, but a jerk otherwise?”

  “I think I know who you’re talking about.” Audie jerked her thumb in Dennis’s direction and Beth laughed. “I think I’ll head on home so Dennis can visit.”

  “I’ll walk you out,” Audie said, and waited at the door while Beth said goodbye. “I found a supply closet down this hall if you’re still having fantasies.”

  Beth chuckled. “Don’t tempt me. Will you come over tonight?”

  “I don’t think so. I really need to spend some time with Buster. I feel bad about neglecting him so much.”

  “I understand.” She pushed the elevator button. “What if I came over to your place tonight? You could call me when you got home.”

  “I’d love that.”

  “And I’ll bring you something to eat, because I know you won’t bother.”

  Audie pulled her into a hug as the elevator door opened and closed, continuing on its destination without its passenger. “I told Grammaw all about you today. I even told her that I loved you.”

  Beth took her hand and pulled her into the corner of the waiting room, far enough from the hall traffic to give the illusion of privacy. “You know, when you said that last night, it just… I wanted to tell you too, but I didn’t want you to think I said it just because you did.”

  “Said what?”

  Beth was startled at first until she saw the teasing grin.

  “That I love you.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear that. Could you say it again, please?”

  “I love you.” Beth enunciated each word slowly. “Did you hear it that time?”

  “I think so. I might have to hear it again a few times.” As she had when she heard about the test score, she scooped Beth up and twirled her around.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t find a more romantic place for that declaration, but I’ve wanted to tell you all day.”

  “That’s all right. You can tell me again when you come over tonight.”

  “I will, but I doubt I’ll be awake long enough to show you.”

  “So the honeymoon’s over, huh?”

  “Hardly. But I have to live long enough to get through your list at least once, and I won’t do that without sleep.”

  Chapter 19

  “Are you glad to be back, Grammaw?” Audie opened the blinds to let a little light into the room. Dr. Hill had warned her this stroke might leave her Grammaw depressed, so she was determined to be as cheerful as possible.

  “Mmm-hmm.” She had difficulty speaking, but Audie had encouraged her to keep trying. “I missed my room.”

  “I missed seeing the pretty nurses, one in particular.” Her Grammaw answered, but Audie couldn’t make out what she said.

  “One more time, Grammaw.”

  “I said I don’t want to go back.”

  “I don’t want you to go back either. So you better stay healthy.”

  “Audie… I don’t want to go back.” This time her voice was firm, and Audie understood the implications. “I don’t want to leave here again.”

  “I know, Grammaw. I know.” She sat on the edge of the bed and took her grandmother’s hand. “It’s hard to be away like that, isn’t it?”

  “I don’t want them to take me next time. Tell them not to.”

  “Just stay well, and you won’t have to go again. I promise.”

  Beth entered the room with lunch and set it on the serving tray.

  “Do you know how nice it is for me to walk into this room and see two of my favorite people in the whole world?” She pressed a button on the remote to raise the bed to a sitting position.

  Audie knew her Grammaw would love hearing that. “My two favorite people are in the room too, Grammaw.”

  “Mine too,” her grandmother said.

  “I’m going to let Audie help with your lunch, Miss Violet.”

  Their eyes met and Audie signaled her agreement. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, okay?”

  “I bet you missed the food here too, didn’t you? I wonder if they have a ward in the hospital just for people who get sick eating there.” She rolled the lunch tray alongside. “Now we get to guess what everything is. This light green stuff looks like butter beans.”

  She scooped up a spoonful and held it to her Grammaw’s mouth.

  “That’s it.”

  “Wonder what this mystery meat is.”

  Violet sampled it and swallowed. “Tur
key… or chicken,” she mumbled.

  Audie chuckled. “I can go sneak a peek next door and see what it looked like before they pulverized it.”

  “Creamed corn,” Violet said, pointing toward a yellow mash.

  “I guess putting that in the blender would have been overkill.”

  Audie dished out a spoonful. “And dessert looks like some kind of pudding. Of course, everything on your plate looks like some kind of pudding.” Bit by bit, the food disappeared.

  Audie used the napkin to gently wipe her Grammaw’s chin. She was trying her best to be casual about the change in diet, not wanting to cause any upset or worry. She knew what a humiliating experience it must be for her Grammaw to be fed like a baby. But Audie weighed that against how much she would hate making a mess, because that would embarrass her and cause more work for the staff. At least this way, they got to spend the time together.

  “Beth brought her cat over to the house last night to meet Buster. You should have seen them. BD walked all around the house jumping from one piece of furniture to the next. Drove Buster crazy. He got too close once and BD took a swipe at his nose.”

  “Was he good after that?”

  “Yeah, they finally left each other alone. BD even slept on the bed with us.”

  At that moment, Beth returned.

  “I was just telling Grammaw about us sleeping together. Hope that’s all right.”

  “Oh, sure. I told the mailman and the folks down at the bank.”

  “Very funny.”

  “Miss Violet, I promised you I’d get her in bed by ten thirty, didn’t I?”

  “Yes.” Even though she tried to smile, it was obvious from the lilt in her voice that Violet was tired.

  “I think I’m going to go home for a while, Grammaw, and let you rest. I didn’t have a chance to clean the house yesterday, and I have to go back to work tomorrow. I’m going to start going in earlier so I can get off to help with lunch and dinner. Beth said she’d call me if they needed help with breakfast. I can be here”—she snapped her fingers—“just like that.”

  “You’re sweet, Audie.”

  Audie kissed her forehead. “I’ll see you later then.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” Beth squeezed Violet’s hand and walked with Audie into the hallway.

  “Grammaw’s really depressed today.”