Stone in Love

by Cadence, Brook

  “Where were you bitten?” Lindsay asked, examining both of his arms. Holding on to his wrists, she flipped them to look at the other side.

  “On m…my hand,” he managed to say through chattering teeth.

  Lindsay looked closely at his right hand and found two small puncture wounds on his pinky finger. “I see it now. What did the snake look like?”

  “All I saw was a dark–colored snake with a huge white mouth clamp down on me. He disappeared under the water before I could get a closer look.”

  Lindsay eyes stretched, her expression giving away the severity of the situation. “A cottonmouth … probably the worst thing that could’ve bitten you.”

  “Oh my God!” Asher wailed. He flailed about and fell down, pounding his fists into the mud. “I’m too young to die! I’m too young to die!”

  “Would you stop it already!” Lindsay demanded. She jerked Asher’s arm, bringing him to his feet. “You’re helping the poison spread through your body. Charlie, will you please go get the van? We’ll meet you at the boat landing.”

  “Okay, I’ll be as quick as I can,” Charlie said, and started off running.

  Lindsay looked at her watch. “How long ago were you bitten?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe five minutes,” Asher said.

  “All right, so that puts your envenomation right around eight a.m. They’ll need to know that when you get to the hospital. Do you think you can walk back to the boat landing? It’s not too far.”

  “Can I put my arm around your neck for support?” Asher asked.

  “No, your legs aren’t broken. Besides, you need to keep your arm beneath the level of your heart. Time is of the essence, so get moving.”

  Asher floundered and whined the whole way, but it was difficult for Lindsay to show much sympathy. Maybe now mister indestructible will get an attitude adjustment.

  Charlie had the van waiting at the boat landing for Asher and Lindsay. He opened the back, helping Asher in. “Lie down on the bed and do exactly as Lindsay instructs.”

  “Understood,” Asher said.

  Lindsay sat down on the bed next to Asher, taking his pulse, while Charlie made a quick exit down the dirt road.

  Noticing the fancy signet ring on Asher’s finger, she said, “Take that off and hand it to me.”

  “What? No, that’s my dad’s ring. I’m not even supposed to have it.”

  “They’ll have to cut it off when your hand swells to five times its normal size. It’s your choice,” Lindsay said.

  Asher cringed as he twisted it off his already expanding finger. He gave it to Lindsay.

  “Hold on to this for me, please,” Lindsay said, handing it to Charlie.

  Charlie dropped it into a cup holder. “I’ll be sure to guard it with my life.”

  Lindsay dialed 911 on her cell phone.

  “Who are you calling?” Asher said frantically. “Don’t you need to tie a tourniquet around my hand or something?”

  Lindsay rolled her eyes. “Just a social call.”

  “Hello. My name is Lindsay Martin. I have a twenty–five–year–old male, cottonmouth snake–bite victim en route to Summerville Medical Center.”

  Lindsay saw Charlie watching from the rearview mirror. He gave her a wink, and she returned an air kiss to him.

  “Disgusting,” Asher said. “I could do without seeing that.”

  “Oh, no you didn’t,” Lindsay said, doing a talk–to–the–hand gesture. It took her a minute to muster up a great come back. “Do you think this is your world and we’re just in it? I’m doing you a favor here, you know. And I’ll blow my man kisses any time I damn well please, so you can just get over it, pretty boy!”

  Charlie’s cheeks rose from the huge smile on his face, and he rewarded Lindsay with another, even sexier wink.

  Between the instructions from the 911 representative and Lindsay’s attentiveness, Asher arrived at the hospital in stable condition.

  “I think we should go now,” Lindsay said to Charlie. “We’ve done all we can do. Ireland is on her way. What becomes of Asher is no longer my concern.”

  Charlie faced Lindsay, rubbing the outside of her arms. “You were incredible, helping him in his time of need. You took control of the situation with the skill of a lifelong doctor.”

  Lindsay snickered. “When I really wanted to throw him back in the river.”

  “I’m in agreement with that. Just when I think you couldn’t be more perfect, I see another wonderful side of you.”

  “It was nothing. I was just doing what I trained for in school.”

  The ride from the hospital to Lindsay’s apartment was only twenty minutes, and for the most part it was a quiet one. Charlie appeared to be deep in thought, and Lindsay was too, reflecting on the positive direction her life was headed. A career opportunity had presented itself, and her practice earlier that day had reinforced that she’d chosen the right one. She looked over at Charlie, whose full attention was on the highway. She thought about the passengers he flew and how lucky they were to have Charlie behind the controls. And Lindsay considered herself among them. And, for right now … she was the luckiest one of them all.

  Chapter Ten

  When the van turned into her apartment complex, Lindsay scanned the lot for her car. There was no sign of the atrocious Ford Focus. “Charlie, I thought you took care of towing my car. I don’t see it.”

  “I did,” Charlie said, putting the van in park. He stepped out and opened Lindsay’s door.

  “I don’t understand,” she said.

  Withholding a reply, Charlie took her by the hand and led her to a black Toyota Camry parked right in front of her apartment building.

  “This is your car,” Lindsay said, more than a little confused.

  “Look inside,” he said, peering through the window. “This one has a sunroof. Mine doesn’t.” He stepped to the back, kneeled down, and reached underneath the back bumper. He pulled down a key that had been attached to the frame with a plastic tie strap. Handing it to Lindsay, he said, “It’s yours.”

  “You bought me a car?”

  “Yes, I had my buddy Phil pick it up while we were gone. Do you like it? I tried to get you one like you described.”

  Lindsay put her hands in her pockets. “Thank you. That’s the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me, but you know I can’t accept it.”

  Charlie lowered his head and compressed his lips. “I was afraid this was going to happen, but I wish you’d let me do this. I don’t want you driving around in an unreliable car with no air conditioning. Please reconsider.”

  “I can’t,” Lindsay said, avoiding eye contact. “I’m sorry.”

  Charlie exhaled deeply. “I see. Your old car is at the mechanic’s. I had a new battery installed, just in case, and it’s waiting to be picked up. I’ll bring it to you tomorrow.”

  “I appreciate everything,” Lindsay said, finding Charlie’s expression hard to read.

  “I’ll get your bag from the van and see you inside. Then I’ll leave, so you can call about your interview.”

  Lindsay hadn’t meant to hurt Charlie’s feelings, but her stance on certain issues was uncompromising. Though she worried that it would change how Charlie felt about her.

  Standing at the front door of her apartment, she said, “I think the Dodgers are playing on Fox tonight. Why don’t you stay and watch it with me? It’s still early.”

  “Tell you what, I’m going to give you some time to yourself.”

  Oh, no. Was he ever coming back? “No, don’t.”

  “Let me finish,” Charlie said. “I’m going to take this van back to Phil and go check my mail. I’ll be back in time for the ball game. What time does it start?”

  It took everything she had to keep her smile from running away with her face. “Six.”

  Charlie looked at his watch. “I’ll be here … with my Tom Lally jersey on.”

  Lindsay made her way to the bathtub, and hosed the mud off her feet. Saving Ash
er had been the dirtiest of jobs—in every aspect—but somebody had to do it. A joker–esque smile formed across her face, as she imagined giving him a lobotomy as an alternative. Soon Ireland would call with good news on his recovery, and Lindsay would have no regrets for her less–than–benevolent thoughts.

  After she unpacked and showered, Lindsay opened her phone and searched for the number to North Charleston Emergency Care. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she clutched a throw pillow in front of her and awaited an answer. “Hello. This is Lindsay Martin returning a call about an interview.”

  “Oh yes, Ms. Martin,” said a friendly woman’s voice. “Thanks for returning my call. Listen, we are opening our North Charleston office in a couple of weeks and need to quickly fill one more position. Is it possible for you to come in today to interview?”

  “Absolutely. What time should I be there?”

  “Is two o’clock good for you?”

  “Yes, I’ll see you then.”

  Finally, she could dust off that perfect, black career suit that she’d bought six months ago for this very occasion. For her interview, Lindsay went light on makeup and pulled her hair into a bun. After one last check in the full–length mirror, she grabbed her purse and headed out.

  When she walked into the office, the first thing Lindsay noticed was the brand new construction smell.

  “Now, don’t be nervous,” Dr. Mason’s assistant said, leading Lindsay down the hall. “The doctor is very personable.”

  The assistant opened the door to the office. “Lindsay, this is Dr. Kenneth Mason,” she said.

  The man stood behind his desk. “Just call me Dr. Ken,” he said extending his hand. He motioned to the chair in front of the desk. “Please make yourself comfortable.”

  “Do you have any experience working in the medical field?” he asked, reviewing her application.

  It’s over now. “No sir. Unfortunately, I don’t have any.” Hands folded in her lap, Lindsay dug the nails of one hand into the other.

  The doctor pulled his glasses down, resting them on the bridge of his broad nose. “It’s okay; I see that you have a college degree. Everyone has to start out somewhere.” A friendly smile shaped his mouth, and his tiny eyes turned into mere slits. “Do you live nearby?”

  “Yes, sir, in Goose Creek.”

  “You won’t have a long commute. And you have reliable transportation, yes?”

  “I do.”

  “Good. I’m sure you’ve heard that our grand opening is less than two weeks away. If your hours are flexible and you’re available to start then, I’d like to offer you the position.”

  “Yes, to both questions,” Lindsay answered eagerly. “That’s it?”

  “That’s it, Miss Martin. As long as you’re okay with what I’m offering for your starting salary: fourteen dollars an hour, and I will re–evaluate you for an increase after six months.”

  Lindsay nodded. “That sounds great.”

  “Then I look forward to having you join my practice, Miss Martin.”

  With a firm handshake the offer was sealed.

  On the way home, Lindsay pumped up the volume on her factory–installed car radio. She rolled down the window and pretended she was driving the Camry with the sun–roof. Soon, she could afford to pay for her own. Heck, things were so good now, she was reconsidering accepting the one Charlie had already bought for her. With the amount of money she’d be making, she could afford to make payments to him, rather than accept it as a gift.

  With the promise of a steady, higher income, Lindsay stopped at Walmart on the way home for some goodies. Normally, she didn’t touch the little bit of money in her savings, but Tom Lally was the starting pitcher of tonight’s game. That, along with her new job, was cause for celebration.

  She walked the frozen–food aisle and grabbed some pizza rolls and mozzarella sticks. Hopefully, Charlie wouldn’t be disappointed by her lack of culinary skills. She hated cooking and believed staying out of the kitchen had contributed to her stable body weight too. In her opinion, the benefits of kitchen abandonment outweighed the cons by a considerable margin.

  In her high–spirited mood, she chucked a two liter Diet–Coke into her cart. For special occasions, she’d forgo her normal drink of choice: water.

  As she turned the corner of the aisle, she noticed her sister and lawyer husband heading her way. Lindsay twirled her buggy around and dashed to the nearest checkout.

  Lindsay loved Kelly, but doubted she’d be very supportive of her new job. Kelly had the same attitude as their mother—that the woman should stay home while the man takes care of her. Sometimes Lindsay felt like an alien, not fitting in with their ideal lifestyle. Growing up they had an excellent family dynamic, but she felt they didn’t know her at all as an adult.

  Lindsay wondered what Kelly was doing shopping in Goose Creek, rather than closer to her huge Charleston–style home in Mt. Pleasant. They were probably having a get together at her parents’ place—that Lindsay hadn’t been invited to again. Not that she would go, anyway. Not when … Charlie was coming over.

  * * *

  Lindsay showered again and curled her hair before Charlie arrived. She opened the door to the living room closet and pulled out a box full of candles. She selected jars with the scent of apples and cinnamon. She lit them and set them on the end tables beside the sofa. Just as soon as she tuned her television to ESPN, there was a knock at the door.

  “Hello, doll,” Charlie said when she answered.

  “Wow, look at you,” Lindsay said, pleasantly surprised that he was wearing a Dodgers jersey. “Of all the things. Don’t tell me you just had that lying around your house.”

  Charlie walked past her and put two bags on the kitchen counter. That’s when Lindsay noticed what was on the back: Lally’s name and number.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me! You’re too much!”

  Charlie took something out of one of the bags and turned around. “You wear a small, right?” he asked, handing her her very own Tom Lally jersey.

  “Aah!” Lindsay shrieked. She held it stretched out in front of her, mouth wide open. “I love it!” She slid it over her T–shirt.

  “Thank you so much,” she said giving Charlie a hug. “This is a gift I more than welcome.”

  “Good, I thought you’d like it,” Charlie said. “Something smells good. What are you cooking?”

  “Don’t get too excited. It’s just some frozen finger foods—mozzarella sticks and pizza bites. Have I mentioned I can’t cook? No, allow me to be more specific—I despise it.”

  “Consequently, you maintain the most becoming of figures,” Charlie said, giving her an extended look. “And that Dodger–blue sure looks good on you.”

  “Likewise,” Lindsay said, winking. I better take the food out of the oven before it burns.”

  Charlie sat on the sofa. “I picked up some chips and salsa from the grocery store, and some chocolate chip cookies. Looks like we were thinking along the same lines.”

  “So much for that becoming figure,” Lindsay said, flinging the piping–hot mozzarella sticks onto a platter. “Ouch! Hot hot hot!”

  “You can afford to take a night off from calorie counting,” Charlie said. “You might also consider taking the rest of your life off from operating an oven.”

  “I was thinking the same thing, on both accounts.” Lindsay said, setting the platters on the coffee table in front of the sofa. “I’m celebrating because my interview was today.”

  “Today? That was fast. And?”

  “And I start Friday, the 13th.” She sat beside Charlie. “Maybe that number’s not so unlucky after all.”

  “Congratulations. I know how important that was to you, and I couldn’t be happier.” Charlie draped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. “And look at that,” he said pointing to the television. “Tom Lally is tossing his warm–up pitches.”

  “Perfect. I don’t know how this night can get any better? Do you?”

  “I
could think of something,” Charlie said.

  “Yeah?” Lindsay said, raising a brow. “And what’s that?”

  Before he could answer, the cell phone rang.

  Lindsay walked into the kitchen and dug her phone out of her purse. “Curses!”

  “Curses?” Charlie repeated. “I don’t believe I’ve heard you say that before.”

  “You haven’t been around when my mother calls, have you?” Lindsay rolled her eyes. “I better get this over with.”

  “Good evening, Mom. To what do I owe this honor?”

  “Is that any way to greet your mother?”

  “Sorry. I was just about to sit down and watch a Dodgers game.”

  “We are too. They’re playing the Braves. Your dad still doesn’t understand why you switched teams on us, traitor.”

  “We’ve been through this before, Mom. Did you need something?”

  “Actually, yes. Your sister thought she saw you in Walmart earlier today. You were walking out and she wasn’t able to catch up with you.”

  “Oh?” Lindsay said, faking surprise. “What was she doing over this way?”

  “She and Preston were on the way to our house. They’re watching the game with us. You should’ve come.”

  “I don’t have ESP, Mom. How was I supposed to know you were getting together if no one calls me?”

  “You should remember we get together to watch the games on the weekends.”

  What was I thinking? “I couldn’t have come anyway. I have company tonight.”

  “A man?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes.” Lindsay imagined her mother’s ears standing straight up.

  “Tell me all about him.”

  “We met at the beach,” Lindsay said curtly.

  Lindsay’s mother sighed. “Not another surfer boy, Lindsay. What kind of future can someone like that provide you?”

  “Correction. He’s a pilot.”

  “Wonderful!”

  “Guess what else—I got a new job today, as a medical assistant.”

  “Oh,” her mother said plaintively.

  “Thanks for the support, Mom. Goodnight.”

  Lindsay took her place back on the sofa next to Charlie. A commercial was playing on the television. “Did I miss anything?”