Margaret came over and picked up his painting to hang it on the drying line with some clothespins. “Even Picasso had to start somewhere. Right, Calum?” She smiled down at him with such affection in her eyes.
I swear this woman was an angel sent from above. “Oh Margaret, before I forget, are you available to watch Calum on Saturday night? This one here is making me go out for drinks with the girls.” I gestured toward Taylor, and she nudged me.
“She needs it to get her mind off things. Plus, her friends haven’t seen her in so long.” She sounded like a teenager begging her mom for a sleepover.
“You don’t have to tell me. I was actually going to suggest it. She certainly deserves a night out. What time were you thinking?”
“Would dinnertime be okay? Then I could grab him when I get home; say midnight?”
“You’ll do no such thing.” She pointed her finger at me like my grandmother used to do. “First off, midnight? That’s a little early for girls’ night, don’t you think? Secondly, you’ll leave that precious boy asleep. He’ll be just fine.” She was now looking at me like I was a teenager, leaving no room for argument.
“Yes, ma’am. If you insist.” I smirked.
“I sure do. Enjoy yourself. We’ll have a movie night. Won’t we, Calum?” She looked at him with such adoration, I loved it.
18
Jules
Friday creeped up on me, and I wasn’t ready. I hadn’t heard much from Hunter, so I was nervous to see how things would go tonight.
Taylor just arrived and was entertaining Calum while helping me pick out an outfit. We were just going to the movies, and since I was always cold, I needed to be sure to dress warmly.
“Forget it, black skinny jeans and a flowy, satin tank with my wedge booties. I’ll bring my cable-knit cardigan to cover up when I get there.” Decision made, finally.
“That’s perfect. You look hot but still not trying too hard. By the way, your hair is on point and so is your makeup.” She whistled.
“Thanks, I did it while Calum was napping, I watched some YouTube videos to learn how to do this smoky-eye look.” I was pretty proud of myself. My hair was usually in a messy bun, and I didn’t wear anything other than mascara and a little lip gloss.
“Well, it looks fab.” She was proud of me, too; she was the fashionista, always had been. “But for girls’ night, we’re going through my closet because yours is pitiful.” She gave me a don’t fuck with me look.
I chucked a throw pillow at her head, although she was right: jeans, sweats, tees, and hoodies made up ninety percent of my wardrobe. But hey, I was a mom; comfort came first.
“Jules’s phone,” Taylor answered my cell that was sitting on the bed beside her.
I was about to give her shit, but something about the look on her face made me pause. “Of course, here she is.”
“Tays, what’s wrong?” I grabbed for the phone when she didn’t answer. Putting the phone to my ear, I took a deep breath, trying to prepare for the caller. “Hello?” My chest tightened.
“Hi, Miss Davis, this is Susan from Mercy.” She paused. “I’m afraid your mother isn’t doing well. I really think you should come down.” I dropped the phone without responding and grabbed my shoes. I could hear Taylor talking with the nurse, but I couldn’t make out anything they were saying.
Taylor’s hand landed on my shoulder. “Jules, do you want me to come with you? I’m sure Margaret would watch Calum.”
I shook my head. “No, please stay with him. I need to go.”
“Okay, I already requested an Uber. You can’t drive like this. The car will be here in two minutes. Please take your phone and text me when you get there. Keep me posted.” She leaned forward and squeezed me tightly.
I cracked, and a tear fell down my cheek. “This can’t be happening. I thought she was getting better.”
She rubbed her hand up and down my back, but I got irritated. I’d never been a touchy-feely person, and I really wasn’t interested in it right now. I pulled back.
“I better get going. Thanks for being here, Taylor.” I leaned down and kissed Calum on the head. “Love you, buddy. You be good for Tay Tay.”
He touched my face. “Mama cry.”
I forced a smile. “No, buddy, no cry.” I kissed him again and walked out before I broke down. I needed to stay strong and get to Mama.
The Uber was waiting when I got outside, and he raced me to the hospital.
Starting down the hall after stepping off the elevator, I didn’t get far before strong arms grabbed me by the waist. I turned around ready to cuss out whoever it was, but it was Hunter. Looking up into his eyes, the pain that reflected back at me was all it took for me to crumple. He went down with me, taking me in his arms.
“No, Hunter, tell me I’m not too late.” I sobbed in his arms, barely able to breathe.
“I’m so sorry, Jules. I’m so sorry.” He was rocking us back and forth, rubbing my back, trying to soothe the pain. Nothing was ever going to fix this.
“She can’t be gone, Hunter. I should have at least been able to say goodbye.” I looked up and closed my eyes. “Why would God take her away without giving me that. He just took her away from me?” I didn’t even know if he could understand me, I was so hysterical.
“I’m sorry, Jules.” That’s all he kept saying; I guess there wasn’t much else to say.
We sat there like that for I didn’t know how long before Susan came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder. I got to my feet and hugged her tight. “She’s really gone, isn’t she?” I felt her nod.
“Yes, sweetie. I’m sorry.”
I pulled back and tried to wipe my eyes. “Can I see her?” I needed to see her to believe she was truly gone.
She smiled sadly. “Of course you can. You take all the time you need.”
“Thank you.” I turned to Hunter. “Will you come with me?”
“Anything you need.” He reached out and took my hand to let me know he was there.
We walked down the hall hand in hand, and when we reached Mama’s room, the door was closed.
I looked up at Hunter. “I don’t know if I can do this.” I could tell he was holding back tears for my benefit, and I was extremely grateful in that moment. Seeing him cry would fracture my soul. I looked down to avoid his eyes.
He reached for my chin and lifted it, so I had no choice but to make eye contact.
“Jules, you don’t have to go in there, but you can do this. I’m right here with you, and I’m not leaving. Lean on me, and I promise to never let you fall.” He kissed my forehead and let it linger.
“Thank you, Hunter. I don’t know how I lived without you in my life.” I leaned up and kissed him sweetly on the mouth.
“You don’t have to anymore.” His voice was soft as he spoke.
I noticed Bradley out of the corner of my eye. He smiled sadly but didn’t say anything.
“Whenever you’re ready. We’re in no rush.”
“I don’t think I will ever be ready for this.”
I took a few deep breaths, reached out and pushed. Hunter took over and held the door open. I didn’t move. I hadn’t realized I closed my eyes, but I was terrified to open them.
Hunter pulled his hand from mine and rubbed my back again. I wasn’t sure why, but his touch didn’t upset me, it soothed me. “Look at me, Jules.”
I turned around and looked up at him.
“You can do this. It will be one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do, but you’ll regret it if you don’t say goodbye.” He was right.
I smiled up at him, it’s forced, but he understood it. I turned back around and walked toward the bed. Mama was lying there covered in a blanket. Her hair was neatly tucked behind her ears, and her eyes were closed. There were no machines around her, and for the first time, I noticed silence surrounding us.
“She looks peaceful.” Hunter wrapped both arms around me from behind.
“She does,” I choked out in a whisper.
I reached out and pulled the blanket back to take her hand. It was a little colder than I’d expected. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here, Mama. I should have been able to say goodbye. You shouldn’t have been alone.”
Hunter gripped me a little tighter, and the tears fell freely.
“God, this is so hard. I miss you already. There’s so much to say.” Taking a deep breath, I told her the only important thing. “I love you, Mama, bigger than the sky.”
I leaned back into Hunter, his hold helping to ease some of the pain. We stood there in silence. I didn’t want to leave her, but I knew I needed to say my final goodbye. Inhaling deeply, I pulled out of Hunter’s arms and leaned over to give my mom a hug and kiss her on the forehead. I lingered for a moment before standing up. When I stumbled, Hunter caught me before I fell. Turning in his arms, I sobbed.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” His voice was strong, allowing me to believe he could make this all go away.
I startled awake when I heard a gruff voice speaking.
“How’s she doing? Do you need anything?” Opening my eyes to find familiar hazel ones staring back at me in concern.
“Hey, sleepyhead.” Hunter smiled down at me, and I reached up to caress his cheek.
“Hey.” My voice sounded hoarse.
Someone cleared their throat. Looking around, I noticed I was lying on Hunter’s lap in the waiting room at Mercy. Looking over, Bradley was standing a few feet away. Then it hit me, Mama.
“How are you feeling?” Bradley asked with concern lacing his tone.
“Great for those ten seconds before it hit me that this wasn’t all a nightmare.” My voice sounded rough from sleep.
“What happened? She was doing better I thought?”
His face fell as he took in a deep breath before crouching down in front of me. “I know she seemed to be doing well. She’d been sick for quite some time, and her kidneys finally shut down. When that happened, her body started to shut down as well. After that, she started to bleed out. Your mom didn’t want any life-saving measures taken, so she passed away shortly after.” He reached out and squeezed my hand. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
I looked up and smiled sadly with tears falling. “Thank you. My mother was so fond of you.” I covered his hand with my other and squeezed.
“She was a great patient.” He stood up. “Can I get you two anything?”
“Water would be great; my throat is killing me.” I sat up and crossed my legs, facing Hunter.
He just smiled at me sadly. I took his hand in mine and put them in my lap before leaning my head against his shoulder. He squeezed my hand gently.
Bradley came back with the water. “Thank you,” I croaked.
“No problem. I'll be around for a little while longer, but I’m heading home shortly. If you need anything, please let me know.”
Nodding, I replied, “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“I think I should get you home. Did you drive?”
I looked down at my watch. It was just after nine. As much as I didn’t want to leave, I really needed to get home and relieve Taylor. “I took an Uber. Would you mind taking me home?”
“Of course not.” He got up and pulled me with him.
We rode home in comfortable silence. When we pulled into the driveway, he threw the truck into park and turned to me. “Do you want me to come in?”
“I think I’m going to have a glass of wine or two and go to bed. But thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly couldn’t have done that without you.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I’m just glad I was able to be there. If you need anything, big or small, call me. I can come hang out with Calum, clean the pool, cook dinner, anything.”
“You’re too sweet.” I caressed his cheek. “Be prepared. I’ll most likely take you up on that,” I teased.
“I'll be waiting, day and night.” He winked and jumped out of the truck, running around to my side to open the door. Ever the gentleman. He helped me down by my hips and didn’t let go when my feet hit the pavement.
Leaning up on my tiptoes, I kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks again.”
He stepped back putting his hands in his front pockets. “Night, I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Good night, Hunter.”
Opening the front door, I turned around to see him still watching me. I waved, and it seemed to break him out of his trance. He ran back to the driver’s side and jumped in. He didn’t pull away until I was safely inside. Same old Hunter.
Heading straight for the kitchen, I found my best friend standing there with shots and wine glasses ready to go.
She smiled sadly at me. “It’s the least I could do.”
“Fuck, I love you.” I took back both the shots.
“I’m so sorry, Jules. I know nothing I can say will help, and I know you aren’t an emotional type of person, but please know, I’m here to talk whenever you’re ready.” She was unsure of what to say, and I didn’t blame her.
I grabbed my best friend and pulled her in tight. “Thank you, Taylor. That’s all I need. Well, that and some alcohol.”
We both laughed, and it was welcome after all the crying.
“Did Calum give you any hassle?”
“None at all. He ate everything since I made macaroni and cheese and passed out in his high chair right after.”
“He loves falling asleep in that thing. It can’t be comfortable. I’m sorry I ruined both our nights.”
“You did not just apologize.” She gave me a stern look.
I shrugged and picked up my wine glass and chugged half of it. “Let’s go sit in the living room with the bottle. Can you stay?”
“For you, of course, I can.”
We finished off a couple bottles before we both passed out on the sofa.
19
Jules
I woke with a pounding headache, but I smelled the best scent ever. I opened my left eye slightly and spotted a bag of McDonald’s sitting on the coffee table in front of me. I sat up a little too quickly, and my stomach rolled.
“Good morning, sunshine.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Taylor standing in the doorway, holding Calum.
“You are a goddess, thank you.” I was so grateful, this was just what I needed to be able to get up and deal with the rest of the day.
“Don’t thank me, thank him.” She gestured to her left out of my field of vision.
I turned slowly to see Hunter standing there in his work clothes. His hands were in his pockets, and he looked nervous as hell. “Sorry if I’m overstepping. I was on my way to work and thought maybe you had more than two glasses of wine. Hope McDonald’s is still your hangover cure.” He shrugged still unsure.
I went to get up, but quickly thought better of it. “That was really sweet, thank you. Come sit down.”
He visibly sagged in relief. “I can’t stay, heading to the jobsite to get the guys situated, but I’ll come by to check on y’all later on if that’s okay?” Poor guy looked so lost; he couldn’t really think I would refuse him.
I realized I’d been staring when Taylor cleared her throat. “Uh, yes, sorry, that would be great.”
“Awesome, well, you ladies and gent”—he tickled Calum’s side, and he giggled—“have a great day.”
“Thanks again, Hunter.”
He seemed to hesitate for a second, but then walked over and kissed me on the forehead.
“Anytime. Remember, call or text me.” He stepped back. “By the way, you stink like an abandoned vineyard.”
Taylor and Hunter both laughed. I went to smack him, but I missed. Fucker!
“Bye.”
“See ya later.”
“Say bye to Hunter, Calum.”
Calum waved and said, “Bye-bye.”
“Bye, buddy.” They high-fived before Hunter left.
Taylor put Calum in his high chair and brought it into the living room before cutting up his hotcakes.
I melted. “He brought
Calum food, too?”
Taylor looked over at me exasperatedly. “Do you not remember anything about him? He’s got to be the most considerate person ever. Of course, he thought of Calum, too.”
“What time is it, and how come you seem so chipper this morning? You drank way more than I did last night.” She looked all put together like she didn’t have a drop of wine, and I was sure I looked like death warmed over.
“It’s just after nine. I’ve already had a shower, which you could really use right now. I’ve also had coffee, lots of it.” She smirked at me. Bitch!
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes, it hurt a little.
“Listen, I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I want you to know, I’ll do everything I can to help you with your mom’s affairs.”
I smiled at her without responding; my voice was caught in my throat.
“I’ll call Smith’s Funeral Home this morning. You don’t have to worry about letting anyone know. News in this town spreads like wildfire. You already have four casseroles in the freezer along with a kitchen table full of flowers.”
That was one thing about small towns, everyone knew your business.
“Thanks, Taylor, I appreciate it. I guess I’ll have to contact a real estate agent as well as the bank. I’m sure she still has all her files in the office in order, so it shouldn’t be an issue.” I put my head in my hands. “I don’t know how to do this, Taylor.”
She came over and took me in her arms. “I know, but we’ll get through this together. I’ll be there every step of the way.”
“I don’t know if she had a will. Do I even have the right to sell her house?” I was way out of my element here. I had no clue what I was doing.
“I’m sure she had her affairs in order. Your mom was always organized. Her lawyer should be in contact with you at some point. Maybe we can find out who that is when we go into her office.”
“You’re right; we’ll figure this out as we go.” I was so numb today, I had absolutely no emotions.
A little while later, Margaret came over to see how I was doing and offered to take Calum. My angel.
Wrecked by Her (Like a Hurricane Duet Book 1) Page 11