A Christmas Star

by Judith Keim

  Jake followed her. “Anything I can do to help?”

  Noelle looked around. “Pour water into the goblets, and if we want more wine, I’ve got a bottle in the refrigerator you can open.”

  “Water and wine. I can do that.”

  While he did so, Noelle cooked frozen peas, fluffed the rice she’d cooked earlier, and made sure all was ready to serve. Swallowing nervously, she pulled the dish out of the oven. Previously, she’d sautéed chicken breasts in a mixture of butter and olive oil, crisping their skin. A sauce of brown sugar, lemon juice, white wine, and a few other surprise ingredients like Angostura bitters was poured over the chicken breasts to keep them moist while slices of lemon placed on top added the piquant flavor she was looking for.

  “Smells delicious.” Jake came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder, leaning over to inhale the aroma.

  She turned to thank him and almost met his mouth.

  His eyes widened and he quickly stepped away.

  Telling her heart to stop racing, she turned back to the chicken dish. “I’ll serve and keep any leftovers warm for seconds.”

  “Great,” said Jake. “I’ll help you.”

  As they worked to fill their plates, it was almost comical how carefully they avoided contact with one another. When they were finally seated opposite each other at the kitchen table, Noelle relaxed, calming the rebellious streak of heat that had shot through her at the idea of kissing him.

  Noelle took a bite of her food and looked over at Jake. He was smiling. “Great chicken dish. Nice work, Noelle.”

  Satisfaction made her smile. She happily chewed and swallowed. It was delicious.

  They ate in silence for a while, enjoying their food.

  Then Jake gave her a worried look. “Do you think I should have Silas see a psychologist? Maybe talk about the ways he’s missing his mother?”

  “I can’t speak as a parent, but I can tell you as a medical person that it is sometimes very helpful for a child to be able to talk to someone about his feelings. If you want, I’ll try to get a better understanding of what is bothering him. But I’m not a professional.”

  “Any knowledge you can give me would be helpful. Then I can decide from there. I’ve never seen him take to anyone as quickly as he has to you. It’s almost as if you two have a special connection. I’m not sure I understand it.”

  “It is unusual. Maybe he understands that I’m here only temporarily and, therefore, I’m not a threat to the status quo.”

  Jake nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe that’s it. He certainly hasn’t liked any of the women I’ve dated.” He paused. “Not that I’ve done a whole lot of dating. Mostly, it’s because I’ve needed someone to accompany me to some social function or another.”

  “Shelling is a good time to talk to Silas about lots of things. If I discover any information you should have, I’ll definitely let you know.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

  The chirping on Noelle’s cell phone indicated a call. She glanced at Jake. “Excuse me. I’d better get this. If it’s my mother and I don’t answer, she’ll ask too many questions.”

  He laughed, and she rose and went to her cell. When she saw the name on caller ID, her heart skipped a breathless beat. Hazel Vogel.

  “Hello, Hazel! What’s up?” Noelle held her breath. Hazel didn’t like to use her cell phone and would call only in an emergency.

  “It’s Edith! She’s had a heart attack. We don’t know if she’ll make it.” Hazel’s voice was wobbly with emotion.

  “Oh my God! I’ll get there as fast as I can. Keep your phone with you, Hazel. I’ll call to let you know my plans.” Noelle hung up and gripped the kitchen counter, dizzy with the blood draining from her face.

  Jake jumped to his feet and hurried over to her. “What is it? Can I help?” His arms came around her, and she leaned into his chest and allowed her tears to flow.

  “It’s one of my people at the assisted-living community. Edith and I have a very sweet relationship. She’s had a heart attack. A bad one. I need to get to her. I’ve got to catch a flight out of here as soon as possible.”

  “Have a seat and let me make a call,” Jake said in a quiet, commanding voice.

  Her mind racing, prayers on her lips, she collapsed into a kitchen chair. She couldn’t lose Edith. Noelle had promised Edith she’d be with her at the end, but neither of them had expected that to happen anytime soon.

  Noelle was still in a daze when Jake took a seat near her and clasped her hand. “It’s all set. I’ve arranged for a private jet to fly you to Boston. I’ll go along and be dropped off in New York. I needed to make a short trip there anyway.”

  Noelle straightened with surprise. “You’d do that for me?”

  “Yes, of course. I understand how much it means to you to be there for your friend.” He smiled at her. “If I can help you, I’m happy to do so.”

  Without stopping to think, she rose, threw her arms around him, and kissed his cheek. Then, realizing what she’d done, she pulled back. “Sorry. I forgot myself. What time is the flight?”

  “As soon as we can make it happen. I don’t need to pack. But I do need to go home and talk to Dora and say goodbye to Silas. Call me when you’re ready, and I’ll pick you up. We’ll fly out of St. Pete-Clearwater International.”

  “Thank you. It shouldn’t take me long to pack and lock up the cottage.”

  ###

  Noelle climbed the steps into the Cessna Citation jet that, apparently, was often used by the Bellingham family. Stepping inside, she felt like a VIP of great importance. Alex had been showy and extravagant, but he’d never chartered a private jet for her.

  Inside, she sat down in one of the seven cushy leather chairs and picked up the bottle of water that had been placed nearby. She’d called Hazel and told her she was on her way and found out that Edith had been taken to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

  “Comfortable?” Jake asked, sitting in a seat across the aisle from her.

  She returned his smile. “This is the way to travel.”

  He laughed. “Flying like this saves a lot of time, and that’s important. Sit back, relax and enjoy the trip. I’m going to review some paperwork.”

  As the jet flew through the sky, dark now, Noelle stared out the window and thought of Edith and the small group of ladies she’d organized. She loved them dearly. She’d found in dealing with the elderly that their view of the world was often contrary to modern-day ideas, and she was enlightened because of it. Many had experienced disappointment, heartbreak, and disease, but the inner strength they showed her was inspiring.

  She thought of Edith. Right after Noelle had suffered the humiliating experience of being ditched at the church, Edith had spoken to her about moving on and had continued to reach out to her through the following news-media disaster. In return, Noelle listened as Edith talked about her rough life growing up, marrying an abusive man, and the peace she finally achieved. With both of Noelle’s own grandmothers gone, Edith became the wise grandmother she needed.

  Noelle leaned back in her seat and fell into a restless sleep. She awoke to hear the announcement that they were about to land at Hanscom Field north of Newton.

  Jake reached over and tapped her arm. “Don’t worry about transportation to the hospital. I’ve arranged for a limo to take you there. It’s waiting for you now.”

  Filled with the fear that Edith might not make it, tears filled Noelle’s eyes. “How can I ever thank you?”

  “No need. Think of all you’ve done for Silas. I’d call it an even deal.”

  Noelle realized what was happening and said, “So you’re paying me after all?”

  He grinned. “Let’s just say we’re even now.”

  Her lips curved at the twinkle in his eye. “Okay, thanks.”

  After they deplaned and walked through the terminal, Noelle stepped into frigid air. At her side, Jake said, “There’s the limo I ordered for you. Let me know how things go. Here’s my phone
number.”

  “You aren’t staying?”

  “No, like I said, I’ll fly on to New York and spend a couple of days there.”

  She took the card he gave her and gave him a quick hug. “Thanks for everything. I’ll let you know about Edith.”

  He stood by while the driver took Noelle’s overnight bag and helped her into the limo. Then Jake hurried back into the terminal.

  Her voice shaking, Noelle told the driver where she was headed.

  “Yes, Ma’am. I know. Mr. Bellingham told me. He’s already taken care of payment.”

  A guardian angel,” Noelle thought, touched to the core by Jake’s kindness.

  As they pulled up to the front of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Noelle stared up at the brick front and whispered a silent prayer for Edith.

  She stepped out onto the pavement, took hold of her suitcase, and entered the building.

  At the reception desk, she explained who she was and asked about Edith Greenbaum.

  “She’s in Intensive Care for further observation.”

  “May I see her?”

  “Are you a family member?”

  “I’m listed as Edith’s emergency contact.”

  The woman behind the desk said, “I’m sorry. I’ll have to check with the nurses there.”

  Noelle tapped her foot nervously while the woman made a call.

  “It’s fine for you to see her. Here.” The woman handed her a sheet of paper with printed directions to the Intensive Care Unit.

  Noelle quickly read them and then took off for the ICU on the third floor.

  The nurse on duty behind the desk listened as Noelle introduced herself. “Hello. I got a call from reception. Yes, you’re listed as her emergency contact, and it’s noted that medical information can be released to you. She was admitted twenty-four hours ago and is resting right now. Before you see her, let me check to see if she’s ready for a visitor.”

  “Can you tell me how she is? I’m a nurse so I want all the details.”

  “Oh. Okay. Her chart indicates a typical STEMI heart attack—ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Her ECG indicates damage but not as extensive as suspected. She was given clot-busting medication along with others and has undergone angioplasty and stenting. Overall, a pretty typical patient who is doing well.” A smile brightened the nurse’s face. “A feisty old gal.”

  Relief weakened Noelle’s knees. She braced herself against the desk and drew a couple of deep breaths.

  “Are you all right?” asked the nurse.

  Noelle smiled and nodded. “Just feeling the effects of relief. I love that woman.”

  “I understand. She’s a sweetie. Let me check on her, and I’ll be right back.”

  As soon as the nurse gave her the signal, Noelle walked over to Edith’s compartment and stepped inside. Asleep, Edith looked much older and smaller than Noelle remembered.

  She went to her bedside. “Edith? It’s me. Noelle.” She bent down and kissed Edith’s cheek.

  Edith’s eyes fluttered open. She reached up and touched Noelle’s curls. “At first, I thought you were an angel coming to get me. You look like one, you know.”

  Noelle’s eyes welled with tears. “I’m no angel, and you know it. But enough about me. How are you?”

  “Doing okay. At least that’s what the doctors tell me. I have no intention of leaving this life for a while yet.”

  “I’m glad. I was so afraid when Hazel called to tell me what happened. She said they didn’t know if you’d make it.”

  Edith shook her head. “You know Hazel. She always sees the worst in any situation. I told her not to call you, that it was important for you to be away.”

  Noelle squeezed Edith’s hand. “She knew I’d be furious if anything happened to you and she didn’t tell me. As it was, I got here as soon as I could.”

  “How’s your new young man?”

  “If you’re talking about Jake Bellingham, he’s not my new young man even though he flew me up here on a private jet. He said he was going to go to New York and would drop me off here. Nice, huh?”

  “A lovely gesture from someone who must really care about you.”

  “No, it’s not like that at all,” said Noelle. “I’ve been working on a holiday project with his son. The trip was sort of payback for the help I’ve given the family. Neither one of us is interested in a serious relationship.”

  Edith studied her. “Plan B it is then.”

  “What is this plan B I’ve heard you ladies talk about?” said Noelle, eying Edith suspiciously.

  Edith smiled. “Nothing for you to worry about, sweet girl.”

  The nurse came to the compartment and spoke softly. “It’s way past visiting hours. Time to go.”

  Noelle got to her feet. “Keep up the nice work, Edith. I and the other women are counting on you to keep us on our toes.”

  Edith’s lips curved. “I should be home in a day or two, and then, look out!”

  Noelle gave her another kiss. “I’m so very, very happy that you’re doing this well. I’ll see you tomorrow. I want to be here in the morning when the doctor makes his rounds. I’ll let him know that I intend to make sure you’re following all his rules for a long-term recovery.”

  “No more sneaking treats from the kitchen?”

  Noelle shook a finger at her. “Nope. We’re going to get you well and keep you that way for a long, long time.”

  Outside the hospital, Noelle waited for a cab to take her to her condo. The release of adrenaline from her body made her feel almost sick with fatigue. It was hard to believe that it hadn’t been too many hours ago that she and Jake were enjoying dinner together.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The next morning, Noelle turned off her alarm and scrambled out of bed. She didn’t want to miss meeting the doctor handling Edith’s case. Edith had seemed remarkably well, but Noelle was aware how fast that could change. Once Edith was released and back home with proper oversight, Noelle felt she could return to Florida where a little boy was waiting for her.

  Entering the hospital at eight o’clock as the night nurse had suggested, Noelle found her way to the ICU to meet the doctor handling Edith’s case.

  When she arrived on the third floor, an older gentleman stood at the nurse’s station, making notes in a chart.

  “Hello? Are you Dr. Goodwin?”

  At his nod, Noelle added, “I’m Noelle North, here to see you about Edith Greenbaum.”

  “All right. Let’s talk.”

  Dr. Goodwin briskly answered Noelle’s questions and assured her that Edith was doing well and would be released late that afternoon, provided the assisted-living community where she lived would be able to attend to Edith’s needs. Noelle explained her role there and told him she already had nursing staff lined up for just this kind of emergency.

  After thanking Dr. Goodwin for talking to her, Noelle went to Edith’s bedside feeling encouraged. She hugged Edith hello and told her the happy news that sometime late in the afternoon she’d be allowed to go home.

  “I’ll pick you up and take you to New Life,” Noelle said, automatically straightening the sheets and blanket on Edith’s bed.

  After chatting a while, Noelle stood. “I’m off to do a few errands. I’ll see you later this afternoon.” She bent to give Edith a quick kiss on the cheek.

  Edith clasped her hand and looked up at her with a tender expression. “You’ve told me how your mother always calls you her Christmas angel, Noelle. You truly are, dear one.”

  “Ah, that’s sweet, Edith. But you know I’d do anything for you.”

  Noelle’s heart was still full from her conversation with Edith as she made her way out of the hospital to her car. She pulled the phone out of her purse and called her mother.

  “Mom? I’m back in Boston for the day and would love to meet you for lunch. Any chance you’re free?”

  “For you, I’m always free. What’s going on?”

  “I’ll tell you at lunch. Let’s meet at th
e Square Café in Newton at noon. That will give me time to do a little shopping.”

  “See you then,” her mother said.

  Noelle called Jake’s cell and left a message that Edith was doing better than expected and would return to the New Life Assisted-Living Community later that day. She assured him she would fly to Florida tomorrow to be there for Silas.

  After shopping at the mall for personal items, Noelle stopped at her favorite bookstore to pick up some things for Silas. She imagined him alone, waiting for her return and wanted to take him some gifts. Among the collection of posters, crafts, and books, she found a treasure trove of art projects, books on the ocean, fish, and shells, along with a poster featuring a variety of shells. Excited to be able to surprise Silas, she left the store, went to her car, and called Dora.

  “Hi, Noelle! I heard about your friend. I hope everything is all right,” Dora said.

  “Yes, she’s going to be fine. But I need to talk to Silas. Is he there?”

  “Right beside me. He heard me say your name. Hold on.”

  “Hi, Silas, it’s Noelle.”

  “Where are you? Are you coming back? I missed you this morning.”

  At the worry in his voice, Noelle felt tears sting her eyes. “I missed you too. I had to unexpectedly fly to Boston to help a sick friend. She’s feeling better, so I’m able to return to Florida sometime tomorrow.”

  She heard his sigh, and then he said, “Oh, okay.”

  “See you tomorrow, Silas,” she said, vowing to catch the earliest flight she could, no matter the cost.

  ###

  As Noelle entered the restaurant, she saw her mother already seated at a table by the window. Observing her mother’s eyes light at the sight of her, Noelle filled with gratitude. Her family had always been a warm and welcoming one.

  Noelle exchanged hugs with her mother and set her packages down in the empty chair near her. Smiling, she took a seat opposite her mother.

  “It’s so good to see you!” her mother exclaimed. “Now, tell me why you’re here. Does it have something to do with a man?”

  Noelle grimaced and said, “Not unless you’re talking about a seven-year-old.”