by Nancy Fraser
“That’s very kind, but what will I do in the meantime?”
Helen took out her phone and punched in a number. “Kevin, I need a favor. Oh, for heaven’s sake. How are you and Anna? Yes, I’m just peachy.”
She rolled her eyes as if her brother could see her. “Sorry, but I’m in ER today and I can’t waste time chatting. Grab the wheelchair and the aluminum walker and take them to Birdie’s building and leave them with the doorman. She needs them there five minutes ago.”
After listening a few seconds, she said, “Not her, but a friend. They’re leaving the medical center in a few minutes.”
She held her hand over the phone. “Did you drive here?”
Laura shook her head. “Cab.”
Helen spoke into the phone again. “Yeah, that’d be great. Thanks, Kevin.” She returned the phone to her pocket. “He’ll pick you up here, and then he can help you when you get to the Park Plaza. Plus, he’s nosy and wants to see inside.”
Laura frowned. “But he has, remember? He helped me move in there.”
Helen grinned. “He figures you’ll be going to a nicer apartment than yours. Talk to you later.” She hurried away to help someone else.
After Doris had met with a different nurse and signed the dismissal forms, an orderly wheeled her to the exit.
Doris craned her neck to look at the orderly. “We have to wait for our ride but there’s no need for you to kill time here.”
“Ma’am, I have to stay with you until you’re in a car. Medical center rules.”
Doris smiled at Laura. “Wasn’t it nice of Helen to say I was your friend? I want to be, but she made me feel included. She’s generous to help.”
“I hope you and I will be good friends. Helen’s entire family is wonderful. Helen’s a very generous person. We’ve been friends since we were five.”
Soon Helen’s brother drove under the porte-cochere and they went to his car. Laura hadn’t gone shopping, but she thought she’d been where she needed to be. But what an odd day this had become.
Chapter 3
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, LAURA rushed across the Park Plaza lobby carrying the takeout she’d bought for her and Doris to share. She still had trouble believing she lived in such a grand building. Every time she walked across the lobby she admired the elaborate retro 1920s décor, now made even lovelier with Christmas decorations added.
“Laura?”
Her attention was captured barely in time to avoid colliding with Vince. What a surprise to see him here. “Sorry I almost mowed you down. Guess I was looking everywhere but where I was going. Do you live here, too?”
“No, I was visiting... um, a friend.” He gestured widely. “You live here?”
She grinned. “I know it’s a surprise. Incredible building, isn’t it? Mine is a tiny place but I love living at the Park Plaza. I feel like a princess.”
He smiled and nodded at the large takeout bag. “Is the princess having guests?”
“Actually, I’m the guest. I’m taking dinner to a friend who doesn’t feel like going out to eat because she hurt herself recently. She was in the mood for barbecue sandwiches.”
“Nice of you, but then you’re always thoughtful. Guess I’ll see you tomorrow at the office.”
“Take care. The weather is turning stormy.” She pressed the elevator call button. How funny to bump into Vince here. He certainly was cheerful today. She thought he laughed as he walked away, but it must have been her imagination.
WARD’S FRUSTRATION from a few days ago had dissolved into elation. He’d been annoyed at having had to spend extra time in Atlanta. Although it was a great city, he’d needed to do a few chores in Dickens to help his mom get settled.
The weekend after Thanksgiving was not a good time to play tourist. Guilt had gnawed at him for leaving his mom on her own when she didn’t know anyone in town except Vince. At least his friend promised to check on her.
A warrior returning from victory couldn’t have felt any more triumphant. Bob Wakefield himself had agreed to a two-year contract. They’d hammered out the details barely in time for Ward and Frank to make their flight home.
In spite of his exhaustion, Ward decided to stop by his mother’s place on his way to his condo. Over the phone she’d assured him she was okay. He’d sensed something odd in her voice, though. No matter how much she denied anything was wrong, he wanted to see for himself.
He parked in a visitor’s spot and hurried into the building.
The concierge motioned to him. “Mrs. Rogers asked me to watch for you, sir. You’ll need to use your key to visit her.”
Alarm punched his gut. “What’s happened?”
The other man stretched out his hand. “No need for panic, sir. She had a fall and injured her leg. It’s difficult for her to get to the door. She’s fine otherwise and in her usual cheerful spirits.”
Ward exhaled. “Thank you for alerting me.”
He wasted no time getting up to his mother’s apartment. Once again he was glad he’d insisted she live in this secure building with good service. He let himself in and called out to let her know he was there.
She sat in her recliner with the television tuned to one of the cable mysteries she loved. “Mom? Why didn’t you tell me you’d fallen and needed help?”
“Eddie, first congratulations again on your successful meeting! I was afraid if you knew, you’d think you should come home.”
“You thought right. You should have told me. Vince should have told me.”
“Oh, Eddie, I’m so glad to see you. Give me a hug.”
He leaned down and hugged her. “How badly are you hurt and how have you managed?”
“It’s a sprain and fracture. The nicest young woman helped me. Her name is Birdie and she has been so good to me. I can’t wait for you to meet her. I’m sure you two will hit it off.”
He could foresee his mother trying to match him up with this Birdie person. “I’m grateful to her if she’s helped you, but getting this new contract means I’m going to be really busy for the next few months. I’ll have all the time you need, Mom, but I don’t want you setting up meetings with this Birdie person. All right?”
His mom jutted out her chin, which meant she was not giving up easily. “No, son, you should at least thank her. She lives here in the building, so she’s been in and out several times a day. She’s cooked for me and pampered me.”
He grimaced. “I’ll bet she has a great personality.”
His mom sent him her sternest mom glare. “As a matter of fact, she does, but you can stop with the sarcasm. She’s efficient and resourceful. Plus, she makes me laugh with her funny stories. She’s very pretty, too.”
“I concede I’m greatly in her debt.” He rubbed his hands together. “Now that I’m here, what can I do for you?”
“Thank you for asking, but Birdie’s arranged for my every need.”
She reached out and grabbed his hand. “I admit I was truly frightened when that man shoved me to the sidewalk. You were right that I need to live near you.”
“Mom, I’m sorry us living in the same town didn’t do you any good this time. When did this happen?”
“The afternoon you left. The sidewalks were so crowded downtown but you know how I love Christmas shopping. I’d just started and hadn’t even bought anything.”
“I can take you, Mom. We’ll get a wheelchair and I can take you wherever you want to go.” He looked around and saw a wheelchair in the room’s corner.
His mother nodded at the chair. “I forgot to tell you. Birdie’s best friend is a nurse and she was on duty in the ER. She loaned me a wheelchair and this walker from her family plus her brother picked us up at the medical center and brought me home. His name....”
She laid a hand on her cheek. “Oh, Eddie, I was so upset and woozy that I’ve forgotten that nice young man’s name and the nurse’s. Wait, the nurse’s first name was Helen... but I can’t remember her last name.”
“Don’t let it upset you, Mom. I im
agine you’re taking pain pills that make you forgetful and groggy.”
“Yes, they do and a little dizzy.”
“Are you ready to turn in for the night?”
“I’d like to get ready for bed while you’re here. Birdie will be by tomorrow to see I have lunch. I thought you would check on me tonight so I told her to leave after supper. Eddie, for every meal over the weekend and two meals a day this week she’s either cooked for me or brought takeout. I told her not to come for my breakfast on weekdays because she has to be at work earlier than I’m up and around. I let her have a key so I didn’t have to go to the door. I’m so slow with this silly boot and walker.”
“She sounds like a nice woman, Mom. Let me help you to the bedroom.”
“I need to do it on my own. Having you here gives me reassurance in case I fall or something. Not being able to put any weight on my injured foot is tiring for my arms, shoulders, and back. Plus, this boot is heavy. Still, I’m getting the hang of this walker thing.”
By the time he got home, his elation had turned to guilt and fatigue. He still thought having his mom move to Dickens was the right thing. The problem was she didn’t know anyone yet. He’d taken her to church once, but she hadn’t had a chance to make friends.
The Park Plaza included activity areas for residents. He doubted she’d gone to any of them. She’d told him she was still getting the apartment the way she wanted it. He suspected she was still grieving too much for his stepfather. After being married to Pop for twenty-five years, she must really miss him.
Clearly, he would have to meet this Birdie woman sometime. He’d postpone the inevitable as long as possible. Although, maybe she’d distract him from thoughts of a certain redhead at work.
LAURA LIKED TO ARRIVE at the office a half hour early so she could get a head start on her day. The fact that Ward was usually early was merely a perk. Today he arrived carrying a large box from a bakery.
She smiled at him. “You’re the champion and we should be showering you with rewards.”
He set the box on the counter near the coffee machine and gave a wide smile. “It’s true I come fresh from victory. By the way, you should have two pastries. Wakefield loved the suggestions you made.”
Happiness enveloped her. “Thank you for telling me.”
“When I told him, he asked that you be one of those working on the campaign.”
For once, she was speechless. He’d told the customer that she’d made suggestions?
Vince arrived then and he and Ward took their coffee and pastry to Ward’s office.
Laura could have danced around the office. Wakefield had liked her suggestions. Ward could have kept that to himself so he looked better, but he hadn’t. Now she’d be working with Ward on the Wakefield account. Wasn’t this a great day?
Chapter 4
WARD RAISED HIS COFFEE cup in a salute to Vince. “Thanks for checking on Mom.”
“I figured you’d deck me when you saw me, but she made me promise. She is a tough negotiator. Said she would never bake me cookies again unless I agreed to keep her fall a secret until you returned to Dickens.”
Ward toasted him with his coffee. “Ah, her cookies. I knew it had to be something super important to sway your loyalty.”
“Man, you know you’re my best bud, but it’s almost Christmas and Doris’ cookies are legendary. I have to keep my priorities straight.”
“True. Now she has a new mission. Since I’ve been back from Atlanta, she’s trying to match me up with this woman who helped her when she fell. Woman’s name is Birdie and turns out she lives in Mom’s building. I guess I’ll have to meet her and thank her or my mother will mark me off her Christmas list.”
“When we talked, Doris said Birdie was really nice and quite a looker.”
Ward shook his head. “My mom did not use the words ‘quite a looker’.”
“I’m translating.” Vince grinned. “You might as well go ahead and get it over with. You’ll make Doris really happy.” Vince popped the last bite of his cinnamon bun into his mouth.
Ward gave a mock groan. “Thanks for laying on that bit of guilt. I hate it when you’re right. I’m taking Mom to the town’s tree lighting a week from Saturday. This Saturday she wants me to get her a tree.”
“You should take her to the tree farm—oh, I guess she wouldn’t be able to get around the tree farm to select a tree.”
“She gave me instructions. Made me write them down. I mean, I’m only the CEO of a successful company. I couldn’t possibly be responsible enough to remember on my own, right?”
Vince sobered. “I’m getting grief from my folks to come visit for Christmas.”
“You going?” Ward knew his friend was still hurting from the breakup with his fiancée, Gail, in the spring.
“You know my brother and his wife, aka my ex-fiancée, will be there. I am so not spending my free time watching those two.”
“What did you tell your folks?”
Vince tugged at his earlobe. “I confessed I have a girl here and wanted to spend the holidays with her.”
“Whoa, I didn’t know you were seeing anyone right now.”
“You know I’d have mentioned it if I were. Haven’t been in the mood since Gail stomped on my heart in April.”
“I understand, but I suspect your mother will want you to come regardless.”
“It gets worse. My mom asked me her name and I panicked. I’d just talked to Doris and she went on and on about the nurse in the ER who had just visited her. I used the nurse’s name, which is Helen.”
“You’d better find yourself a Helen PDQ because your parents will want details. Your mom especially will require lots and lots of details, including a photo.” Ward was grateful Vince didn’t use Laura’s name for his fake girlfriend.
“Don’t I know it? Like I said, I panicked.”
“You’d better get your story written so you can keep everything straight. Your mother is going to grill you until you’re burnt to a crisp.”
“All I have to do is stall with fake reports. As soon as we get past New Year’s I can break the news that Helen and I have split up.”
“You’re playing a dangerous game.” Ward spotted the clock. “Oops, time for our staff meeting. I look forward to this one. Always great to be a winner.”
LAURA PICKED UP SANDWICHES and hurried to Doris’ apartment. When she let herself in, Doris was smiling. “You look happy today. That must mean Eddie came by last night.” She scooted a table closer so Doris could eat from her recliner.
“He did and his trip was successful. Now, I insist you come to dinner tomorrow night so he can thank you. Bring your friend Helen if possible. Eddie wants to thank you both for all you’ve done for me.”
“That’s not necessary. I’ve really enjoyed our visits.” Laura paused, hoping she wouldn’t offend Doris. “I’ve missed my mom so much and... well, I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but you’ve filled in for her.” Laura resumed unpacking their lunch.
“What a lovely thing to say, Birdie. That makes me very happy. I’d always wished Eddie had had a sister. I’d had several miscarriages before he was born. I was thirty-six when he came. You’re just the kind of daughter I wanted. Perhaps you’ll let me continue to mother you.”
“I’d consider it a blessing. I forgot to ask you what you wanted for lunch so I brought what I wanted.” She laughed. “Chicken salad on a croissant.”
“Do we have more of that good tea I enjoyed?”
“We do.” She set the large cup on the table then sat on the chair she’d scooted near.
“Do you mind calling Helen now to see if she can come for dinner tomorrow?”
“Not at all.” She pulled her phone from her purse.
Laura smiled while she waited for Helen to answer. When Helen picked up, Laura said, “I’m having lunch with Doris now. She wants us to come to dinner at her place tomorrow so we can meet Eddie, her son.”
“Ha, you want me to come because there’s s
afety in numbers. As it happens, I’ll be available.”
Laura looked at Doris. “She said tomorrow evening is fine.”
“Wonderful, I’d really like him to meet you both. Seven o’clock will be good.”
She spoke into her phone, “We’re all set for tomorrow at seven.”
“Thank her for me.”
“I will and I’ll call you later.” She disconnected and returned her phone to her purse.
She turned to Doris. “Helen said to thank you. Tell me what I can bring or do to help you.”
“I’ll have everything ready. For a change, all you’ll need to do is show up.”
Laura frowned, wondering how Doris could manage. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. I’ve been thinking what I’ll serve and how I’ll do it. I’m excited. You’ll be my first dinner party guests in this apartment. Well, it won’t be like a real dinner party because I can’t get around well enough to do things the way I’d prefer.”
“We’re coming to visit with you and meet Eddie, not write a review for the newspaper.” She adopted a fake snobby look. “Of course, I will be making notes for the newspaper’s society editor.”
They laughed together.
WARD GESTURED TO VINCE. “Guess what we’re doing tomorrow evening?”
Vince stood in the doorway to Ward’s office. “I’m almost afraid to ask. You look way too pleased with yourself.” In spite of his words and wary expression, he came in and closed the door.
Ward couldn’t stifle the chuckle that escaped. “I just got off the phone. We’re going to dinner at Mom’s and you’re going to meet your Helen.”
“What?” He took a step backward and bumped against the door. “Don’t do me any favors.”
“Hey, if I have to meet a woman with the ridiculous name of Birdie, I need moral support. Besides, I am doing you a big favor. You stand by Helen, I take your photo with your phone, you forward said photo to your mom, and there’s your excuse not to go to your folks for Christmas.”