by Lynn Galli
I didn’t hesitate. I jumped into the back and sat next to the EMT. As she fiddled with an IV and blood pressure cuff, I reached forward and slid my hand over Vivian’s. It was so cold, even colder than her face had been.
“You did the right thing not moving her and wrapping her in blankets. It raised her core temp and might have saved her life. She couldn’t have stayed out there for much longer.”
I gave a little squeeze of Vivian’s hand, covering it with my other to help warm it some. I’d taken a survival course when I first moved to Aspen and learned more about exposure and hypothermia than I’d wanted to. Based on the outside temperature, I knew the EMT wasn’t exaggerating.
It took twelve minutes to get to the hospital. I trailed Vivian’s stretcher as they pushed through the emergency room and gave out her stats to the doctor and nurses who met them.
“Vivian?” one of the nurses said when she looked down at the stretcher.
“You know her?” the doctor asked.
“Yes.” She proceeded to tell them Vivian’s name, age, and primary care physician as they wheeled her to the admissions door. When they went through, she turned back to me. “Were you hurt in the accident, too?”
“I wasn’t in the, no, I just…I found her.”
She nodded and glanced back at the admissions door. “I know you’re not her sister because she doesn’t have one. She doesn’t have a partner either. Are you a cousin?”
I shook my head, dazed still by the seemingly lifeless form of the woman I was supposed to be having dinner with.
“If you tell me you’re a cousin, I can let you back there as soon as they’re done with the initial exam.” The nurse’s voice was calm. When I met her eyes, they were hopeful, encouraging even.
I shook my head again. She was my associate, my friend, someone I hoped could become more.
“Listen, I’m going to call her brother. When I come back, maybe you’ll remember that you’re a relative of some sort so I can let you back to see her.” She went over to the admitting desk to place the call.
I started to shake. My stomach, once queasy, was now threatening to upchuck. Burning needles pricked at my feet, and what felt like repeated paper cuts plagued my fingers. Twenty minutes in freezing weather with no protection hadn’t done my body much good, but all I could think about was how hurt Vivian could be.
The nurse returned. “So? Are you related to Vivian in any way, even distant?”
I focused on her eyes. I knew if I said yes, I’d gain access to Vivian. But what would happen when her brother showed up? I couldn’t lie about my relation to her. That wouldn’t be right. Especially if she woke up and wondered what the hell I was doing there when I wasn’t related to her.
“It’s okay. I’ll let her brother know you’re here when he arrives. He can update you.” She patted my hand and gestured to a row of unoccupied seats in the waiting room.
It wasn’t long before I recognized her sister-in-law rushing through the emergency room doors with a man who had the same hair color as Vivian. I’d never met her brother, but he looked enough like her that I could have picked him out of a crowd. The nurse met them and led them back. I felt a sigh of relief slip past my lips. I was so happy that someone would be there for Vivian now.
A few minutes later, the nurse came back into the waiting room. “I didn’t get a chance to tell them about you, but Vivian was awake and alert when I brought them back. She’ll be going through some tests and getting that cut taken care of.” She watched my reaction carefully. I felt my shoulders sag but didn’t think I’d let anything else show. “You may want to head home tonight. You look like you might benefit from a long soak in a tub. If she’s still here in the morning, visiting hours start at ten.”
That was the best I could hope for. Even if her brother would authorize a visit tonight, Vivian was looking at a couple hours of tests and then sleep. I would just get in the way, especially if my still unstable stomach decided it was time to make an obnoxious appearance. Not to mention the obvious chattering of my teeth. I wasn’t in any shape for a visit tonight. Vivian had regained consciousness. Her nurse friend didn’t look worried. It was the best I could ask for right now.
“Thanks,” I told her and reached for my cell and called information for a cab.
Soon I was back in my truck and heading home. A long shower would bring back all the feeling in my extremities. A good sleep would ease my stomach. Not exactly the evening I’d been hoping for, but I’d been right about Vivian. She’d had a good reason.
17 Vivian
Probably the worst night of my life. Concussion, wrist sprain, head laceration, and whiplash. But the worst thing? I couldn’t remember what happened. The doctor told me that was normal. He was sure I’d get the memory of the day back, but he couldn’t assure me I’d remember anything that happened right before what I was told was a car accident. That was pretty scary. I’d never been the kind to drink enough to blank out, so I didn’t even have that experience to draw on.
At least I was home. It took every connection Zach, Cass, and I had among the hospital staff to finagle an early release after the tests came back negative for anything other than a concussion and whiplash. As dawn broke, I was settling into my own bed with six stiches in my forehead, bruising on the side of my face, a back that felt like I’d overworked every muscle, stiff and sore neck, and a raging headache. But I was home and now had a healthy respect for whiplash.
“What else do you need?” Cassie asked as she pulled up the covers.
“Nothing, Cass. Thanks. My brain still feels jumbled, and I’ve got a killer headache, but I’m much better now.”
“I’ll be in the living room. I’m only going to let you sleep in two hour increments.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
She leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Of course I do. You’re my sister, and Zach’s got the boys covered.”
I smiled, but my face hurt. She was one great lady. I’d liked her from the very beginning. That I remembered. The accident, I couldn’t. Zach had already gone out to the accident site. He said my car was pretty much toast. He didn’t even try to hide his fear when he told me how bad the side of the car had been smashed in. I’d been lucky it hit on the passenger side. I wondered if seeing the car would bring back the memories. I’d think about that later, after I got some sleep.
Two forced wakeups later, I felt a lot clearer. I remembered setting up a client consult for last night. Cassie told me that Samantha had confirmed that I’d made it to the appointment. I certainly hoped I’d get the memories back because as it was now, I had a new client and didn’t know what kind of work she needed done to her home.
The doorbell rang, and I heard Cass greet someone enthusiastically. I shifted slowly and propped myself up and off the bed. I wasn’t going to let someone into my bedroom to check on me.
Glory and Mei stood in the living room. They smiled when they saw me. I smiled when I saw that Glory brought a plate of her excellent cupcakes.
“Hey, guys, it’s so nice of you to stop by.”
“You’re supposed to be resting,” Cassie scolded, coming to my side and helping me ease onto the sofa so I could chat with our friends.
“I needed to get up.”
“Cass worried us,” Mei told me.
“She does that,” I said.
“I just wanted to get out of the office for lunch,” Glory joked as only she could about someone recuperating. She had a serious heart condition that required surgeries from time to time. Compared to what she went through, a little whiplash was nothing.
“I’m glad you’re here. Maybe you can get Cassie to take a break.”
“You’re my break, Viv. I’d be running around town picking up and dropping off the kids if I weren’t here.” She tried to act as if that wasn’t exactly what she loved doing.
“I’m glad to see you’re mobile,” Mei said. “I could barely walk for two days after my accident a few years ago.”
/> “I remember,” I told her, recalling the time when she’d been rear ended by some tourist who didn’t know how to drive in the snow.
“It looks like you took a good knock. How’s the headache?” Glory asked.
“Pretty bad, but other than a minor cut, I’m fine.” Six stitches edged my forehead just below my hairline. Not so minor, but lucky placement since the natural wave in my hair would hide the healing scar.
“And brain damage,” Cassie joked. “She’ll never be the same again.”
I was about to retort when the doorbell rang again. It could be Zach popping over or Molly, but I didn’t expect her until after work. Possibly Dwight, but he was tied up with the dragon lady during the days.
“Hi, Nat,” Glory called when Cass opened the door.
“I wanted to check on the patient.” She stepped inside and shot me a smile. “How are you doing?”
“Did Samantha call you?” I asked, knowing my assistant would probably have thought to call over to Lena’s to let them know I wouldn’t be there.
She cocked her head as Cassie launched into the wonders of Samantha. Cass had assistant envy. Her vet tech would rather be up on the mountain every day than helping her. It took a moment before I realized that Natalie hadn’t answered my question. She remained silent, nodding at Cassie and Mei chatting about assistants. I’d been watching Natalie for a while and realized that she was perfectly happy letting other people do all the talking around her. It was nice seeing her in my house, talking to my friends and family. I felt a bit elated by her gesture to stop by.
“What have you brought?” Glory asked when Cass and Mei wound down.
Natalie took a step forward and extended a gift bag to me. “I thought if you’re laid up, these might help pass the time.”
“You shouldn’t have,” I said even as I took the bag from her hands. This was really considerate.
I plucked through the patterned tissue paper and pulled out the first item. It was an audiobook of an author I hadn’t tried yet.
“You were reading a legal thriller the other day. This is a good series. I hope you haven’t read them yet. I can take it back if you have.”
“Oooh, she’s good,” Mei indicated of the author. “Makes me like my job every time I read one of her books.”
“I haven’t read her yet. Thank you, Natalie. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.” I was secretly glad I hadn’t been reading one of my many romance novels the day she’d seen me. That would be a little embarrassing to have her show up with an audiobook of a romance I’d probably already read.
“I heard something about a concussion and thought you might appreciate listening rather than reading for a while.”
“How sweet,” Cassie said.
It was. And thoughtful and much better than I deserved. Making new friends was never easy at my age, but Natalie made it simple and necessary.
I reached back into the bag and pulled out a sketch pad. I looked up and frowned. How did she know?
“You told me you liked to sketch,” she said.
She remembered that? I’d mentioned it in passing during our first week working together. She remembered something unimportant from more than a month ago. Not that I hadn’t noticed before, but she really was different. Most of my friends didn’t remember that I liked to sketch. Most of my friends didn’t take note of much, to be honest.
I looked in the bag again, no longer surprised when I saw a small box of charcoals and colored pencils. I’d told her those were my two favorite mediums. So sweet. I’d have to do something special for her soon. I knew she felt appreciative of the work I sent her way, but this was beyond nice.
“Thank you, Natalie. This is very thoughtful.”
“Nice.” Cassie fingered the charcoals and pencil set. “This will help me keep her resting like she should be.”
“I like expensive electronics and trips to Hawaii,” Glory joked to Natalie, making us all laugh.
Natalie’s cheeks turned pink as she laughed. She looked nice today. She wasn’t wearing her usual cap or a visor. Her hair had some product, making her look even more attractive. Not for the first time, I wondered if she had a girlfriend. She never mentioned one, but she was quiet like that.
“What happened anyway?” Mei asked me.
“Can’t remember.” I shook my head, still upset about it.
“Really? What was the last thing you remember?”
“Getting a call about a new client yesterday morning.” My words made Natalie start, her eyes blinking rapidly for a moment. Seeing as we’d probably spent yesterday at the jobsite together, my memory loss must be just as startling to her.
“Wow,” Glory commented. “Kinda scary, huh?”
My eyes flicked to her. She usually brushed off concern over her terrifying heart condition. I didn’t expect her to think something minor like temporary memory loss would be scary. “I’m hoping the memories come back soon.”
“You don’t remember anything from yesterday?” Natalie asked, clearly concerned.
“Not yet. The doctor says I should get most of the day back, but maybe not before the accident.”
“I’m sorry, Viv, that can’t feel good,” Mei put in.
“We’ll figure it out, right, Vivi?” Cassie said.
“Right,” I smiled tightly and looked down at the sketch pad in my hands. I glanced up at Natalie’s face and longed to start sketching it.
The doorbell rang again. Cassie welcomed in Molly, Brandy, and Joanna. I nearly groaned. All three together were too much to take even when I wasn’t concussed.
Natalie took a step back and looked over at me. “I should get back to work. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Don’t worry about a thing at the site.”
“You don’t have to leave,” I tried to assure her as my effervescent friends rolled over everyone and everything to get to me.
“Damn, Viv,” Brandy started. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen you look bad. I might stand a chance in the club standing next to you now.”
That was Brandy’s idea of a compliment. I threw a look at Natalie, who smiled and shook everyone’s hand as Cassie introduced her. It didn’t stop her from leaving, though. I felt a stone of disappointment drop in my stomach when I watched her walk out the door. It would have been nice to chat with her longer and alone. She was clearly a good listener and a caring friend.
“Who’s the hottie to you, Viv?” Joanna asked.
Great. They thought she was hot, too. Knowing them, they’d seek her out and hit on her first chance they got.
“Natalie is the contractor who built my place. She’s at Lena’s with Vivian now,” Glory told them. I was thankful not to have to answer. I was pretty sure my tone would tell them to back off.
“Dibs,” Brandy said to Molly and Joanna.
“Oh, man.” Glory voiced my thoughts.
“What? You got the last available single woman in town, Glor. Don’t hate.”
Glory made a point of staring at me and Molly before rolling her eyes at Brandy. Brandy often talked without thinking.
I leaned back against the couch cushions and read the synopsis of the audiobook Natalie gave me. I almost couldn’t wait for my friends to leave so I could start listening to it. It was nice of them to visit, but right now, listening to a book and sketching sounded like the best possible way to recuperate.
18 Vivian
Sunday afternoon I found myself entering the library for the first time in more than a year. I rarely had time to go, and they never had the latest design books, so I’d taken to purchasing or downloading all the books I’d read. But after seeing the price of an audiobook and the subscription rate for downloads, I decided to air out my library card to see what they had available.
It was like a ghost town when I swept through the entrance. I expected the few patrons there all to turn and look as if I were wearing spurs and jingled with each step. Tourists and locals alike would be up on the mountains taking advantage of the new four inches of snow we�
��d gotten since Friday. Nothing but the stitches on my head hurt anymore, but I wasn’t ready to spend the day snowboarding with the boys.
I waved at Dmitry, one of the librarians, as I walked past the checkout counter. I’d redone his kitchen a year ago but never saw him during the reno. His wife had made all the decisions. He hadn’t even been there for the reveal. Seeing him in his element, surrounded by books, I could see why he let his wife take over completely if it made her happy.
Finding the audiobooks wasn’t easy. I suffered a moment of dread thinking they’d done away with the audiobooks now that people could download them so easily. I’d just gotten hooked, I didn’t want to have to buy as many as I knew I’d be going through over the next few years.
I wandered through the magazine racks, thinking they’d be in that area now. No luck. I was about to head up to the desk to ask Dmitry when my eyes caught a familiar sight. Technically not that familiar. I’d only seen her like this a couple of times, but it was definitely Natalie.
Tucked into a comfy chair against a wall of windows, she was reading a thick hardback. She looked comfortable and completely at home. The jeans she wore weren’t ones I’d seen on a jobsite. Her work jeans had a higher rise and seemed a size too big for her. Today’s were low rise and fitted, not skinny. They looked good on her even when she sat. I couldn’t wait to see them when she was standing.
I watched her for a moment. Some patrons walked close by and her concentration never wavered. She was like that on the jobsite, too. Sometimes I had to remind her that the day was over to get her to stop whatever task she was doing.
As she turned a page, she glanced out the window, taking in the surrounding park. Her gaze soon shifted back over the library before returning to her book. A second later, it flipped up to meet mine. She smiled, her eyes flashing briefly when she saw me. I swallowed, feeling her look settle through me. She had an arresting quality about her. Not just her looks, which I found to be more and more appealing every time I looked at her, but something about her bearing was weighty without being too intense.
My feet moved without thinking. “Enjoying a good read?”