Chain Reactions

by Lynn Ames

  Nora laughed. “I told you it was something I said.”

  “You did.” She couldn’t fault her for that. She frowned, thinking about how uncomfortable Brooke had been earlier.

  “Oh, stop worrying so much. She’ll be fine.”

  “Am I that transparent?”

  “Yep. Written all over your face.”

  She jumped up to pace. “I didn’t know Brooke was a lesbian, to answer your question.” She pivoted and walked in the other direction. “I don’t think that was such a good idea, Aunt Nora. What if you offended or embarrassed her?”

  “What if I didn’t?”

  She reversed direction again. “I don’t know. She sure seemed uncomfortable to me.”

  “Stop fretting.”

  “Easy for you to say. You do remember that she’s your primary caregiver, right?”

  “I do. Please, Diana. Sit back down. You’re making me dizzy.”

  Reluctantly, she did as she was told.

  “She’s really quite fetching, don’t you think?” Nora finally asked.

  “What?” Diana felt her face flush again. “I don’t know.”

  “You don’t? I have a hard time believing that. You have eyes, don’t you?”

  She tried to hold onto a thought as hundreds of them flitted through her mind. “Did you tell her you were…”

  “Like you two? Heavens, no.”

  “Did you tell her I was?”

  “No. Though I do think you should ask her out.”

  “I should…”

  “Ask her out on a date. She’s single, you know.”

  She held her head in her hands. This couldn’t be happening. She wasn’t having this discussion with her hundred-year-old great-aunt. “Aunt Nora…”

  “What, dear? She’s single. You’re single. She’s a looker and a catch. Such a lovely woman. I think you’d make the perfect, dashing couple.”

  She couldn’t believe her ears. “Where is all this coming from? Yesterday, you could barely look me in the eye and tell me about yourself. Now you’re giving advice to the lovelorn.”

  “That was different. That was about me. This is about you. I thought women your age were more open these days?”

  She shook her head. “Please, whatever you do, I beg you, don’t have this same discussion with Brooke. You’ve already done more than enough.”

  “I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you, dear. That was never my intention. I just want to see you enjoy yourself. Seeing you in love would make me happy. You deserve that, Diana, whether you believe it or not.”

  At that moment, Diana’s phone buzzed, indicating an incoming text. Her heart skipped a beat as she read.

  “Sorry, I’m running a little bit later than I expected. I stopped at the market to pick us all up dinner. Any special requests?”

  Well, at least she knew Brooke was coming back.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Nora caught herself grinning and adjusted her expression. She would need to be mindful not to overplay her hand. Diana sat on one side of her, Brooke on the other. Neither of them had made discernable eye contact with the other throughout the entire dinner, but she could feel the shift in the air.

  “Pass the salt, please.”

  “Of course.”

  “This is a wonderful dish,” she ventured. Clearly, it would be up to her to break the awkwardness. “Wherever did you learn to cook, Brooke?”

  “Believe it or not, it was my father who was the chef in our family. My mother saw meals as a necessary evil. My father believed the perfectly prepared meal was tantamount to a sure invitation to Heaven.”

  “This is very good. Thank you for cooking,” Diana added. “I’m with your mother. I cook because I have to sustain myself, not because I enjoy it.”

  “Were you much of a cook, Nora?”

  “Not really. I usually ate at my desk while catching up on reading journals or the latest studies.”

  Diana speared a cube of sweet potato with her fork and corralled a piece of chicken, a sliver of red pepper, and a strand of pickled onion to go with it. “Truly, this dish is amazing.”

  “I can’t take the credit for it. It’s a New York Times recipe. I just followed the directions.”

  “Don’t be so modest, Brooke dear. Learn to take a compliment.” Nora wiped her mouth and pushed her plate away. “Diana’s correct. This was nothing short of brilliant. I wish I had the appetite to eat more.”

  “Are you all right? Do you need to go lie down?” Diana’s brows knit in concern.

  Nora calculated. If she said yes, it would leave Brooke and Diana alone together. That might be advantageous. On the other hand, she was enjoying the company. It likely wouldn’t be long before she couldn’t do that anymore. “I’m fine for now, thank you.”

  “By the way, I’ve been meaning to tell you, Aunt Nora… I watched a video of one of your lectures from the 1970s on YouTube.”

  “You did?”

  “I did. Don’t look so surprised.”

  “Well, first, I had no idea such a thing was possible. Second, I can’t imagine you wanting to sit through an entire lecture. I’m sure it was the educational equivalent of watching paint dry.”

  “On the contrary, I was transfixed. You were a rock star.”

  Nora laughed. “I’m sure Elvis is spinning in his grave at the comparison.”

  “Diana is right,” Brooke said. “Yours were the only lessons in which I forgot to take notes. I was too caught up in what you were saying.”

  “You two flatter me.”

  “As my wise Aunt Nora says, ‘Learn to take a compliment.’”

  “Touché, my dear.” She felt the heaviness settle in her chest and she fought for breath. Damned infirmity.

  “Nora? What’s going on?” Brooke stood over her.

  She raised a trembling hand and patted her chest.

  “Okay. Hang on. I’ve got you.”

  She closed her eyes as pain blossomed and threatened to engulf her.

  “Here you go.”

  She opened her mouth so that Brooke could administer the morphine and a dose of Ativan under her tongue. Seconds later, Brooke placed the oxygen cannula in her nostrils and threaded the tube around her ears. She struggled to breathe. It was several minutes before she felt relief.

  “Better?”

  She nodded. She didn’t trust her voice. That was a bad one, old girl. Steady as she goes.

  “How about if we get you ready for bed?”

  She was dimly aware that both girls were standing over her. She wanted to comfort them but didn’t have the strength for it. Instead, she nodded again as Brooke and Diana helped her transfer to the wheelchair and then onto her bed.

  “Will she be all right?” Diana shook her head. “That’s a stupid question. I mean, is this typical at this stage?”

  Brooke smiled kindly and touched her briefly on the hand. “There are no stupid questions. The oxygen and morphine will help ease the sensation of shortness of breath, and the Ativan will help her relax. We’ll do our best to keep her as comfortable as possible. To answer your question more directly, yes, episodes like the one you just witnessed are not unexpected and likely will occur with more frequency now.”

  Diana jammed her hands in her pockets. “Yeah, I was afraid you would say that.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I know.” Diana stared at her feet. Everything about Aunt Nora’s situation sucked. Belatedly, she realized Brooke was clearing the table and doing the dishes by herself. “I can do that.”

  “I’ve got it.”

  “That’s not fair. You cooked. I should do the cleanup.”

  “Whose rules are those?”

  “Emily Post.”

  “She said no such thing.”

  “Well, she should’ve.” Diana nudged Brooke aside. “Really, I’ve got this. You should check on Aunt Nora.”

  Brooke pointed to the baby monitor on the corner of the kitchen counter. “I can hear her perfectly fine from here.”


  “When did you install those?”

  “Yesterday. This way Nora can have her privacy when she wants it, and I’m available to her any time she needs me without my having to be on top of her.”

  “Smart.”

  “Only on the third Wednesday of every month.”

  “Very funny.”

  She took advantage of Brooke’s attention on the dishes to observe her more closely. Aunt Nora was right—she really was very pretty, although not in the conventional sense. It was more the way all of her features came together. She had a great smile, inviting eyes, and an air of accessible warmth…

  “…does that sound okay to you?”

  Oh, no. She’d been caught again. “I’m sorry. What was the question?”

  Brooke cocked her head and regarded her far too closely for her comfort. “Where in the world were you?”

  “Nowhere,” she answered too quickly. “I couldn’t hear you over the clanging of the dishes.” Lame. So, so lame.

  “Uh-huh.” Brooke’s tone was skeptical. “I asked if you wanted to step outside and get some air? It’s a beautiful night out there. We can take the baby monitor.”

  “Oh. Sure.” She led the way onto the deck. In the stillness of the evening, she could hear the sound of the water lapping against the shore. A plethora of stars twinkled overhead. Under different circumstances…

  “It’s magical, isn’t it?”

  “What?” Could Brooke read her thoughts?

  “The night sky. The stars are so much brighter out here without the clutter of big city lights.”

  Brooke was leaning against the railing, her hair blowing gently in the breeze from the harbor. In the shadows created by the full moon’s light, she looked like some ethereal being sent straight from heaven.

  “Yes.” Her voice came out huskier than she’d intended. It was time to change the topic. “Imagine how many nights like this Aunt Nora has seen in her lifetime.”

  Brooke turned around so that she was facing her. “I can’t even fathom it. One hundred years. It’s hard to wrap my brain around that much living. So much has changed in her lifetime.”

  “I wonder sometimes if people weren’t better off in some ways when Aunt Nora was our age. Life must’ve been simpler then.”

  “In some ways, you’re probably right. But think about all of the marvelous inventions and advances that have occurred. A cure for so many diseases that were lethal when Nora was a child, technology that allows for robotic surgery, organ transplants…”

  “Television.”

  Brooke laughed, the sound full and rich. Diana’s stomach flipped. “Yes, television.”

  “I’m glad I could make you laugh.”

  “Me too. Seems like it’s been forever since I did.”

  “That’s too bad. Laughter looks good on you.” Diana knew she was skating dangerously close to flirting.

  “Yeah, well—”

  “No!” Nora’s strangled cry rang out in the night, the sound distorted through the baby monitor.

  They ran toward Nora’s bedroom. When they arrived at the side of the bed, her eyes were open but unfocused, and wide with fear and anguish.

  “Nora?” Brooke sat on the side of the bed and gently massaged her arm. “Nora? It’s Brooke and Diana. You’re all right. You’re safe.”

  “No!” Nora cried once more.

  Diana felt frozen to the spot. She’d never experienced anything like this. Brooke took her hand and pulled her toward Aunt Nora.

  “It’s okay. Talk to her. It will help calm her down.”

  She moved up to the head of the bed and leaned over. “Aunt Nora? It’s Diana. Brooke and I are right here.” When that got no response, Diana said, “I love you, Aunt Nora.”

  Nora blinked and her eyes focused. She glanced from Diana to Brooke and back again.

  “That’s our girl, Nora. Take a deep breath.” Brooke motioned to Diana. “Could you please get her some water?”

  “Sure thing.” She grabbed the empty water bottle from the night table and filled it. “Here you go.”

  Brooke smiled at her reassuringly and nodded her thanks as she propped Nora up and added another pillow for support behind her back. She handed her the bottle and encouraged her to drink.

  “Better?”

  “Yes, thanks.” She cleared her throat and handed the bottle back to Brooke. “Dying isn’t for sissies, I can tell you that.”

  Diana took Nora’s hand and perched on the edge of the bed. “Hang in there, please. I just found you again. I’m not ready to lose you.”

  “I’ll always be with you, dear. You have only to look inside your heart.”

  “Are you ready to go back to sleep?” Brooke asked Nora.

  “I imagine so.”

  “I’ll be right outside if you need anything.” Brooke pointed to the monitor on the night table. “Remember, I installed this monitor so that all you have to do is speak out loud and tell me you need something. I’ll come running.”

  “I’m certain a brisk walk will be more beneficial for your knees than running, dear.”

  Brooke chuckled and fussed with the pillows one more time. “Have I mentioned lately how much I appreciate your sense of humor?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Well, I do.” Brooke stepped back and touched Diana on the shoulder. “I’ll leave you two alone. Let me know if you need me.”

  “Okay. Thank you for taking such good care of Aunt Nora.”

  Brooke turned around, a smile playing on her lips. “That’s what you hired me for.”

  Diana watched her retreating form as she disappeared through the doorway. When she returned her attention to Nora, she was grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Stop it.”

  “What?” Nora blinked.

  “Don’t give me that innocent routine. I can see right through you.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  She shook her head. As she did so, she caught sight of the seemingly innocuous object standing sentinel on the table. Brooke could hear their every word. She would do well to remember that.

  “Do you think you’ll be all right now?”

  “I do. Please don’t fret over me, dear. I’m not afraid to die.”

  “I know. But I’m afraid to lose you. Not the same thing.” Aunt Nora’s hand went lax in hers. She was asleep.

  Carefully, Diana extricated her hand and crept out of the room. Brooke stood out on the deck, just as she had been earlier. Diana’s heart fluttered happily. Stop it. You’re only thinking about Brooke that way because Aunt Nora is trying to set you up.

  Brooke must have sensed her presence because she turned to face her now.

  Diana swallowed hard. Right. Keep telling yourself that.

  The chill of the late-night breeze seeped into Brooke’s bones. She checked her watch: 11:17 p.m. She should head inside and go to bed. Nora’s breathing sounded labored but regular through the monitor, and Brooke knew from experience that she should take advantage of the quiet times to get some rest. If only her brain would cooperate.

  She trudged through the house, locking doors and turning off lights, reviewing the events of the day as she went. What a long, strange trip it had been, beginning with Nora’s blunt questions about her sexuality and love life, and ending with Diana’s hasty departure less than an hour ago.

  Several times during dinner, she thought she’d seen odd looks pass between Diana and Nora. Then again, it might have been her overactive imagination.

  Speaking of an overactive imagination, why was it she couldn’t stop herself from envisioning Diana’s shy smile and wishing she could see more of it? She imagined Diana tucked into her bed, the covers pulled up to her chin, reading some scientific journal. Since when were scientific journals sexy?

  Her phone dinged, signaling a text, and the sound startled her. She pulled the phone from her back pocket and glanced down at the screen.

  “Just wanted to make sure Aunt Nora’s sleeping well and wish y
ou a good night. Thanks again for everything.”

  She ran her fingers over the words. Diana certainly was sweet and thoughtful.

  “You’re welcome. All is well here. You really should put down that article and get some shuteye. Nurse’s orders.” For good measure, she added a wink emoji. She waited, as the telltale three dots appeared immediately.

  “LOL. And YOU really should put down that book. Doctor’s orders.” A blown kiss emoji followed.

  She grinned. “Touché, I will if you will. On the count of three. One…”

  “Two…,” Diana typed.

  “Three…,” Brooke answered.

  “Good night, sweet Brooke.”

  “Sweet dreams, Dr. Lindstrom.” She tapped the phone against her thigh and returned it to her back pocket. She headed down the hall to get ready for bed. Sweet dreams, indeed.

  Nora opened one eye and peeked across the room. Brooke and Diana had their heads bent close together, working on a jigsaw puzzle Nora suggested they all start that morning. This was phase two of her plan.

  Now that she’d given Diana the necessary facts about Brooke, it was time to help her get to know Brooke better. A collaborative effort that required proximity was a good start. Don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back just yet, old girl. A spark still needs to be fanned into a flame. She cleared her throat loud enough for Diana and Brooke to hear.

  Diana jumped up. “Are you all right?”

  “Welcome back.” Brooke swiveled her chair around to face Nora. “Did you have a nice nap?”

  “I did.”

  “I’ll get you some water.” Diana took her water bottle to the refrigerator and refilled it.

  “Are you hungry?” Brooke asked.

  “I’m afraid not, dear.” She struggled to prop herself up, and both Diana and Brooke stepped in to help. “You two don’t need to hover.” When she was better settled, she said, “I have an idea. Charles and Emily will be here in a few minutes. I’ll be well supervised. Why don’t you girls go get some fresh air and some lunch?”

  Diana crossed her arms. “I’m not going anywhere. I have little enough time with you as it is.”