“Yes. Everyone here is relieved.”
“I’ll bet.” Caroline sighed. “Give my love to Abby. Tell her I wish I were there.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Bye now.”
As if sensing Caroline’s mood, Chuck came over and laid his head in her lap. She petted his silky ear, twisting it gently in her hand. “You are a good boy, Chuck,” she said quietly. “A really good boy.”
She remembered her promise to call Mitch if there was any news. Mitch had only met Paul once, on Labor Day, but she’d told him everything when he called Monday night. After a few rings, he answered and she quickly filled him in, but she suspected by his tone that he was busy or distracted. “Did I catch you at a bad time?” she finally asked.
“Just having dinner with clients,” he said politely. “But maybe I can call you back later.”
“Sure,” she told him. “Just not too late. I’m pretty tired.”
He chuckled. “But it’s only eight thirty, Caroline.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that. But it’s been a long day.” Then she told him good-bye and hung up. It was easy for him to make fun of her for being tired. But how would he manage if he were in her shoes? Caring for someone else twenty-four/seven took its toll.
She leaned back and sighed, telling herself it was senseless to get aggravated at Mitch for being obtuse. Yet it was irritating to think that he was down there in LA right now, probably enjoying a balmy evening at a swanky restaurant. He was probably planning to stay out late, maybe even show his clients the LA nightlife—especially if they were from another country, which was often the case. It was hard not to be just plain jealous. And resentful.
But wasn’t this her choice? No one had forced her to take this on. And yet she had imagined moving back to Clifden so differently. Oh, she knew she’d always been the romantic, the optimist, envisioning life through rose-colored glasses. She was the little girl who, if she saw a gigantic pile of horse manure in the backyard, would run to get a shovel—to look for the pony!
Besides, wasn’t it this same optimism that had gotten her through some of life’s darkest nights? Perhaps that was God’s gift to her, his way of seeing her through the tough times. But sometimes Caroline wondered just how much she could really take.
By Friday afternoon, Caroline felt stronger than ever, like she could probably continue taking care of her mom indefinitely. That was probably an overstatement related to a number of factors. First of all, it seemed that the routines she’d established with her mom were finally paying off. Tasks that seemed impossible at first were getting simpler. Second, Darlene had recommended a second caregiver to give Caroline some more time off. Also, Caroline attended an Alzheimer’s meeting that had actually been informative and encouraging. Finally, she felt hugely relieved to know that Paul was doing great and would be released from the hospital early next week. Abby had been ecstatic.
“You seem to be in good spirits,” Brent said as they walked to the parking lot together after the support meeting. “Is it the dog?”
She laughed. “Well, the dog certainly helps.”
“Or is it the boyfriend?” Brent gave her a sideways look.
“You mean Mitch?”
“Wasn’t he the one you were more serious about?”
“Look,” she said gently. “I’m sorry about last Saturday. Adam acted like a jerk, and that’s probably my fault for not making myself more clear with him.”
Brent just laughed. “Hey, I actually thought the whole thing was pretty humorous. In fact, it gave me an idea for a screenplay.”
“Really?” She turned to see if he was teasing.
“Absolutely. A story about a cougar with three different boyfriends.”
Caroline frowned. “Seriously?”
He paused by her car. “Don’t you like it?”
“I’m not sure. I’m not really a cougar, you know.”
“I know. I’m just saying you were the inspiration for the story.” He studied her.“Are you really as old as that Adam dude? I mean, he looked like he was about my dad’s age.”
She laughed. “Well, Adam’s a little older. But the truth is, your mom’s not that many years older than me.”
He patted her on the back. “Well, you look good for your age.”
“Thanks.”
“I was a little disappointed to find that out.”
“So I should have told you sooner?” she asked. “Just blurted out my age the first time we chatted?”
He grinned. “Probably not.”
“I enjoy your friendship, Brent. It’s nice having someone who knows a little bit about this crazy ride—you know … caring for a parent who sometimes doesn’t always remember your name.”
He nodded. “Yeah, that’s how I feel too.”
She stuck out her hand. “So, we’re still friends?”
“Absolutely.”
They talked awhile longer, and Caroline told him about the Art Walk in town tomorrow night and how she’d already arranged for a caregiver to stay with her mom. “One of my best friends, Marley Phelps, is showing her work at the One-Legged Seagull,” she said. “It should be a fun evening.”
“Are you inviting me to go with you?”
“Uh … no. I’m sorry. Did I make it sound like that?” She laughed uncomfortably. “Maybe I really am a cougar.”
He grinned. “No, I was just jerking your chain.”
“Oh, good. Because Mitch said he was going to try to make it up for the weekend again. And I really want to put that cougar image to rest once and for all.”
The next day, Caroline did everything possible to make sure that the evening went smoothly. This meant keeping her mom occupied and awake for the best part of the day so that when the part-time caregiver arrived, all was peaceful and quiet because Caroline had already put her mom to bed.
“I could’ve done that,” Andrea told Caroline.
“I know.” Caroline reached for her phone to text Mitch that she was ready to go. “But it’s less upsetting for her if we stick with our routines.”
Despite being tired from a long day, Caroline was excited about the prospect of a night out. It had been a long time. The plan was for her to pick Mitch up at the bed-and-breakfast since he was without a car.
“How was your flight?” she asked as he got into the car.
“A little windy, but at least the fog cleared before I had to land.”
“You know, I’ve never been in a small plane,” she admitted.
“Well, that will change as soon as you let me take you up.”
She nodded as she turned down Front Street. “Like I told you, I’m working on getting more freedom, but I have to take baby steps with Mom. I can’t believe this is the first time I’ve been out at night in weeks.”
“I don’t know how you do it,” he said as she parked across the street from the One-Legged Seagull.
“One baby step at a time.” She felt a thrill of excitement as she got out of the car. Being dressed up and in town in the evening—the lights, the people, music from the band playing at Sailor’s Cove—what a rush! “Hey, there’s Abby,” she said, calling out to her friend as they met in front of the gallery.
“How’s Paul doing?” Caroline asked after they exchanged a hug.
Abby shook her head with a dismal expression. “He’s fed up.”
“Fed up?”
“Meaning he wants out of the hospital right now.”
“Sounds like his surgery was a success.” Mitch opened the door for them. “Give him my best.”
“He must be feeling pretty good,” Caroline said as they went inside the crowded gallery.
“Paul says he can’t remember the last time he felt this good.” Abby looked so happy. “Laurie and Jessie are with him tonight. They told me to get o
ut and see my friends.”
“I’m so glad you did.” Caroline squeezed Abby’s hand. “It’s great to see you.”
“Abby!” Marley exclaimed when she spotted them. “You made it. And Caroline and Mitch too.” Then they all exchanged hugs and began checking out Marley’s work, which was even better than Caroline had expected.
Janie and Victor were already there, sipping wine and visiting with Jack, who came over to say hello then seemed to stick to Marley like glue, as if they were really a couple too. For all Caroline knew, they were. In fact, they made a pretty cute pair in their artsy, unique sort of way.
The seven of them gathered in a quiet corner to chat together and Caroline realized that Abby, the only married Linda, was also the only Linda here without a date. Thankfully, it wasn’t a permanent situation. Caroline didn’t even want to imagine what kind of evening this would’ve been if Paul hadn’t pulled through.
“It’s been such a long week,” Abby told them as she was getting ready to leave. “It felt like the longest week of my life. I’m just so glad it’s over.”
“It felt like a long week to me, too.” Caroline hugged her again. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Hey, we need to have a club meeting,” Marley said suddenly.
“A club meeting?” Mitch looked confused.
“The Four Lindas,” Caroline told him. “Remember?”
He laughed. “Oh, yeah.”
“We do need a club meeting,” Janie agreed. And before Abby left, they agreed to meet tomorrow at noon, and, weather permitting, they would walk on the beach and follow it up at the Chowder House.
“I hope I can get someone to watch Mom and Chuck,” Caroline said as she and Mitch walked back to her car. “Andrea already told me she doesn’t work on Sundays, and I’m guessing Darlene doesn’t either.”
“I’ll stay with your mom,” he offered.
She blinked. “Seriously?”
“Sure, why not?”
She actually laughed.
“What? You don’t think I’m up to it?” He looked slightly indignant.
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “But, hey, I’m willing to find out.”
He nodded. “Okay then. What’s the worst that could happen?”
She shrugged as she considered the possibilities, but then decided not to go there. Really, with her mom, anything could happen. But if Mitch was as serious about Caroline as he claimed to be, well, then he was more than welcome to her world.
Chapter 30
Abby
Abby got up at seven to make a call to Nicole. By her calculations it should be about four at night in France, and she’d promised to give her youngest daughter an update today.
“I’m so relieved that Dad’s better. But it feels like I’m missing out on everything.” Nicole sounded blue. “You guys are so far away.”
Abby chuckled. “Actually, we’re all here. You’re the one who’s far away.”
“Maybe we can all get together for Christmas,” Nicole said hopefully. “Do you think Laurie would come?”
“I think it’s a possibility.”
“So is she actually talking to you, Mom?”
Abby sighed. “Well, we’re not exactly chatting, but she’s here, staying in the guest room, and she’s spent some time with Dad. It’s more than I’d hoped for.”
“Tell her to call me sometime.”
“I will.”
“And give everyone my love—and give Dad a great big hug for me.”
“I will, honey.”
“Hey, you never told me whether you got our old house for the bed-and-breakfast. Or are you still waiting?”
“They accepted our offer,” Abby said soberly, “on the same day Dad went into the hospital.”
“Wow, that must’ve been a busy day. But congratulations, Mom. I can’t wait to get back and see what you do with it. Maybe you’ll let me help.”
“I’d love to have you help me, Nicole.”
“Cool.”
They chatted a bit longer, then Abby heard little footsteps coming into her bedroom, and the next thing she knew Lucy was bouncing on her bed. “Say hi to Auntie Nicole,” she said, handing Lucy the phone for a quick hello before they all said good-bye.
“I’m hungry,” Lucy said as soon as Abby ended the call.
It wasn’t long before Abby had a big breakfast cooking, and Lucy set out to get her mom and Auntie Laurie up.
“Lucy and I are going to head out this morning,” Jessie said as she refilled her coffee mug. “We’ll pop in to say good-bye to Daddy then hit the road.”
“My flight out of Eugene isn’t until this evening,” Laurie told them. “But I plan to head back over there around four so I can meet some friends for dinner.”
“Speaking of friends,” Abby began, “I promised to meet my friends at noon for a couple of hours, but you might want to visit with Dad then.”
Laurie looked like she was about to protest but then seemed to think better of it. Instead she just nodded. “Sure, I can do that, Mom.”
“Thanks.” Abby turned her attention back to the Irish oatmeal she was cooking specially for Laurie, since she was a vegetarian, and asked herself why it always seemed that Laurie had a chip on her shoulder. Was it simply middle-daughter syndrome or something more? Abby didn’t plan to ask, at least not in front of Jessie and little Lucy. No, that conversation could continue to wait.
After breakfast, Abby cleaned up the kitchen, helped see Jessie and Lucy off, then headed over to have a quick visit with Paul. She wasn’t surprised that he was antsy.
“Did you ask the doctor about going home a day early?” she asked.
“He said tomorrow was the soonest he’d release me.” Paul frowned. “I told him that the stress of being stuck in the hospital might make me have another heart attack.”
“Very funny.” Abby leaned over his bed and peered closely at him. “So how are you feeling today?”
“Fine.”
“Do you want to get out of bed and walk a little?”
He seemed reluctant, but Abby had heard the doctor telling him that walking and moving around a little would speed up his recovery. So she got Paul’s robe and slippers, then helped him out of bed to take a little stroll.
“The doc said I can’t play golf for a couple of weeks,” Paul said sadly. “But it’s okay to do the treadmill.”
“What about work?”
“He said no work for a couple of weeks and no actual labor for about a month.” As they looped back by his room, Paul’s steps seemed to slow. “I think that’s enough walking for now.”
She helped him back into bed but could tell by his expression that his spirits were sagging. “Are you feeling blue?” She tucked the blanket back up around him.
He just nodded.
“The doctor said that was normal,” she told him.
“Yeah, I know.”
She took his hand in hers now. “I said a lot of things to you while you were unconscious,” she admitted.
“Huh?” He looked curiously at her.
She looked into his eyes. “I was so scared, Paul. I didn’t want to lose you.” She reached over to push some hair off his forehead. “I told you how much I love you … how I’ve always loved you … how much you mean to me.” She felt her eyes misting. “And I told you how sorry I am for all the times I’ve blown it, for things I’ve said and done.”
“I’m the one who should say I’m sorry.” He squeezed her hand. “I am sorry, Abby. You know, for everything.”
She nodded. “I really do want to grow old with you, Paul. I never realized how much I wanted that until I thought I was actually losing you. I’d give up everything and anything—the bed-and-breakfast idea, our beautiful home, fancy vacations,
you name it. I’d be willing to live in a camp trailer with you if that was the only way we could be together.”
He smiled. “I love you, too, Abby.”
She leaned down and hugged him. With her sitting on the edge of his bed, they talked and reminisced, and Paul even offered to help Abby with the bed-and-breakfast when he was strong enough. “I wonder if anyone sturdied up that old banister yet.”
It was a little before noon when Laurie showed up and, like a changing of the guards, Abby left to meet up with her friends. Before long, they were all walking on the beach together.
“Do you guys remember how we used to do weekly highlights at our meetings sometimes?” Abby asked them.
“Yeah,” Caroline said eagerly. “We’d go around, and everyone had to tell one thing that made them happy that week.”
“Seems like it was your idea,” Marley pointed to Caroline. “Our merry little sunshine.”
Caroline laughed. “Okay, and since it was my idea, I’ll share my highlight first.”
“Let’s see … does it stand about six feet tall and start with the letter M?” Janie teased.
“No.” Caroline shook her head. “Certainly, Mitch is great, and I’m glad he’s back in my life. Believe it or not, he’s the one staying with my mom today, but I don’t want to think about that.”
“Then it’s Chuck,” Marley said quickly.
“No, but that’s probably closer.”
“Hey, why didn’t you bring him today?” Abby asked.
“I promised to bring him later,” Caroline explained. “Right now is just for the Lindas. Besides, I think Mitch is glad to have him around.”
“Okay, so tell us,” Janie pressed. “What was your weekly highlight?”
“It actually started out more as a lowlight. You know how I’d been bummed over that mess with Adam, Brent, and Mitch. But then I realized that I don’t have to have a man in my life. It’s like I know, way down deep in my soul, that I’ll be okay without a guy by my side. The rest of you probably think that’s not a big deal, but trust me, for me it was a very big deal. Kind of a liberating moment, you know?”
“That’s great.” Marley patted her on the back. “So did you tell Mitch you don’t need him and can live without him?”
Hometown Ties Page 27