“He collapsed in the shower this morning,” Mallorie said, unable to look him in the eye. Jett was relieved she didn’t because he blushed as much as she did.
“Family of Bud Rivers!” A nurse called.
“Right here,” Jett said as led Christine by the arm to the nurse.
“If you’ll follow me, you can see him now,” she said.
As they followed the nurse through the double doors to the treatment room, Jett asked, “How is he?”
“Is it his heart?” Mallorie asked.
“Dr. Pierce will explain everything to you,” the nurse said.
When they arrived in the room, they found Bud sitting up in the bed, looking pale and tired.
A young doctor with black hair and deep blue eyes extended his hand.
“I’m Dr. Walter Pierce, one of the ER doctors on staff.”
“I’m afraid we’re the closest thing to family he has around here. I’m Jett Bradley and this is Mallorie Afton,” Jett said to the doctor.
“I’m afraid Mr. Rivers suffered a severe drop in his blood glucose levels. In the simplest terms, he either forgot to eat this morning, overexerted himself, or both,” Dr. Pierce said looking at Mallorie.
“And what’s his prognosis?” Jett asked.
“He should be fine as soon as his blood glucose levels come up. We’re doing some additional blood work but I anticipate sending home in a few hours – to rest,” the doctor said while looking at Bud and then to Mallorie.
Dr. Pierce is no fool, Jett thought.
“I’ll make sure he gets he gets plenty of rest,” Mallorie said.
Dr. Pierce nodded. “See that you do. By the way Mr. Bradley, I used to read your column on a regular basis when I was in med school at UK. I’m a fan. I’m glad to see you in Crystal Springs.”
“Thank you, but please call me Jett. And thank you for everything you did for Bud,” he said.
“That’s my job. It was nice meeting you Jett. And remember Mr. Rivers, rest,” Dr. Pierce said as he left the room.
“Well, that was about as rough as a cob and slightly less awkward than a prostate exam,” Bud said.
“How are you feeling?” Mallorie asked.
“I’ve been better. Still a little shaky but otherwise okay. You look angry,” he said to Jett.
“I’m not angry. I’m actually relieved. You scared me and the boys to death you horny old goat,” Jett said.
“I am sorry about that. And to you too Mallorie. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen,” Bud said, looking truly remorseful.
“I’m just happy you’re okay,” she said looking more collected.
“Listen, I’m going to step out and call the boys. They need to know you’re okay. Then I’ll come back and wait for the doc to release you,” Jett said.
“You’re not going to...give them any details are you?” Bud asked.
“I’ll tell them the same thing I’ll tell anyone that asks – you’re lucky Mallorie happened by with those sales reports when she did,” Jett said.
***
Alicia could see the relief wash over both Matt and Dan when Jett called with the news about Bud. Matt answered the call and relayed the information to Dan as Jett told him.
“Looks like that crisis has passed,” Matt said as pressed the off button on the phone.
“How could anyone forget to eat?” Dan asked.
Alicia noticed that after Jett left for the hospital that Dan sat on the love seat while Matt paced. She also noticed that Maggie took a seat next to Dan and occasionally placed a consoling hand on his back and patted it while offering what encouragement she could.
“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing,” Matt said.
“Speaking of eating, do you guys have dinner plans?” Alicia asked.
Matt shrugged and grinned.
“I can’t speak for Dan but I plan on eating,” he said.
“I have a suggestion and if you would rather do something else, please say so. It won’t hurt my feelings,” Dan said.
“What is it?” Maggie asked.
“Why don’t we fire up the grill and cook out?” Dan said.
“That’s a great idea – if it’s okay with your father,” Alicia said.
“Dad won’t mind. He’ll love it,” Matt said. “Burgers and hot dogs okay with you two?”
“That sounds wonderful,” Maggie said.
“I’ll run to the grocery store and pick up what we need,” Dan said.
“I’ll come with you,” Maggie said.
“Don’t you think you should call your dad first?” Alicia asked.
“I’ll call dad. You check the kitchen and see if there’s anything you need to pick up,” Matt said to Dan.
Dan nodded and headed for the kitchen with Maggie on his heels.
Alicia could hear parts of Matt’s conversation with Jett. She saw him scribbling a list and heard him say, “Yeah dad, I can do that.”
Dan and Maggie reentered the living room and Matt walked over and handed him a list.
“This is what dad said to get. He said it’ll be a couple of hours before he gets home, so we need to go ahead and get everything started,” Matt told him.
Dan looked over the list and nodded.
“Can I do anything?” Alicia asked.
Matt laughed. “I’d recommend rest while you can. It’ll get lively once the cooking starts.”
After Dan and Maggie left, Matt emerged freshly showered, his hair still wet. Alicia heard his car keys rattle.
“And where are you off to?” She asked playfully.
He smiled sheepishly. “I’m going to pick up Linda Sue. Dad wants to meet her,” Matt said.
Alicia smiled. “I know it’s none of my business, but have you met her parents yet?” She asked.
“Well...yeah, about a month ago,” he answered.
“And?” Alicia asked.
“I don’t think they hate me. We seem to get along pretty well,” Matt said.
“You obviously think a lot of her. Why haven’t you mentioned her to your dad?” She asked as she took his hands.
“I don’t know Aunt Alicia. I know he’s not wild about her family. I think Uncle Bud hates them. And to be honest, I think she’s afraid to meet dad,” Matt said.
“Don’t underestimate your dad or this young lady. I remember a time not too long ago when your dad was in the same situation,” she said.
“You mean when he was dating mom,” Matt said.
“I saw firsthand how worried she was to meet your grandparents,” Alicia said. “She was a nervous wreck. I never saw anything before or after that that worried her that much.”
“But they loved mom. Why was she so afraid?” Matt asked.
“They loved her after they met her. Up to that point she was a faceless name that Jett was crazy about. Her fear turned out to be baseless. All they needed was the opportunity to love her. It could be that your Linda Sue needs to give your dad the same opportunity,” Alicia said.
Matt appeared more at ease.
“Thanks Aunt Alicia. That helps,” he said.
“I’m just glad I could help,” she said.
Matt left and Alicia walked around the living room. She was alone in the house that held so many wonderful memories. She looked at the mantle where Rose and Jett’s wedding picture was the centerpiece. Pictures of the boys at various ages – as seven-year olds in baseball uniforms, high school football pictures, and graduation pictures. There were even a few of her and J.D. and a couple of their family portraits with Maggie.
Suddenly, Alicia felt bone tired. Her lack of sleep had finally caught up with her.
She took the opportunity to sit in Jett’s recliner and put up her feet. It was so comfortable – no wonder he liked it so much. In just minutes, Alicia was fast asleep. She was dreaming and she knew it. But still, it felt so real.
Walking out of the kitchen toward the living room, Rose was smiling.
“Thank you,” she said
“For w
hat?” Alicia asked.
“For everything really, but for being there for Matt. He really is a lot like me and you were always there when I needed you,” Rose said.
Alicia smiled at her old friend.
“You mean like when I kept telling you that Jett’s parents would love you and not to worry,” she said.
Rose nodded.
“You were right - as usual. But they’re not the only young couple are they?”
“Young couple?” Alicia asked.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t notice the way Dan and Maggie looked at each other. Those weren’t passing glances,” Rose said.
“I’ll admit I saw something and I think Jett did too,” Alicia said.
“He should. Dan is so much like him. And I am thrilled because Maggie is such a wonderful girl,” Rose said.
“You sound like it’s a fact – as if it already happened,” Alicia said.
“I know my son,” Rose said.
Alicia’s words caught in her throat. She had so many questions that she wanted to ask them all at once. Only two words escaped her lips.
“But...how?”
“There’s so much I want to tell you but can’t – at least not yet. Just keep an open mind,” Rose said.
“Is it the multiple worlds theory?” Alicia asked.
Rose smiled and started to fade.
“Keep an open mind,” she said just before she disappeared.
And as Rose completely disappeared, Alicia awoke.
***
As Bud waited to be released from the emergency room, he watched Jett as he stood by the bed. His protégé looked tired but not from the physical fatigue. Jett looked like someone weary from an extended period of stress. He didn’t look like FDR at the height of World War II but for those who knew him, they could tell. Few knew Jett better than Bud.
Mallorie sat next to the bed looking a little less disheveled but a bit tired nonetheless. Of course, she had more reason than worry to be tired. Bud couldn’t resist an unseen smile of pride. He needed to talk to Jett alone. It was a conversation he did not look forward to having.
“Mallorie, I hate to ask, but could you get me something to drink?” Bud asked.
“What would you like?” She asked.
“I think maybe a bottle of apple juice. You might have to run down to the cafeteria to get it,” he said.
“Okay. I’ll be right back,” she said.
As soon as Mallorie left the room, Jett looked at Bud.
“What do you want to talk about?”
Bud smiled.
“Listen, I know this is going to sound strange - so strange in fact I don’t know how to say it,” Bud said.
“Trust me. I’ve come to understand a great about strange lately,” Jett said.
“While I was unconscious earlier, I had...what I suppose was a dream. But I’ve got to tell you, it felt almost like, well, an out of body experience,” Bud said.
“Go on,” Jett said.
“For whatever reason, I woke up in my office and it was 1985,” Bud said. “But that’s not all.”
It was Jett’s turn to smile.
“What did Rose have to say?” He asked.
Bud’s mouth dropped open.
Chapter Four
Dan and Maggie walked down an aisle of the produce section of Roe’s Supermarket, a fixture in Crystal Springs since 1961 – at least that’s what their weekly flyer claimed. Though renovated several times over the years the building still had the early 1960s look. It wouldn’t have surprised either of the young people to hear the music of Bobby Vee or the Everly Brothers over the store speakers.
Dan carefully looked over the lettuce.
“You look like you’ve done this once or twice before,” Maggie said.
Dan smiled.
“A few times. Mom always brought Matt and me with her while dad fired up the grill. They always treated family cookouts like an event and we were involved. I guess it rubbed off. Dorky, I know,” he said.
“Not at all. It’s actually very sweet,” Maggie said.
Dan picked through the Vidalia onions.
“I actually do have a lot of good memories from those cookouts – especially of mom,” he said.
They moved down to the tomatoes and Dan continued his meticulous examination.
“Can I ask you a question?” Maggie said.
“Of course,” he said as bagged four bright red tomatoes.
“How often you think of her – your mom, I mean,” she said.
Dan’s face grew thoughtful.
“Every day. Sometimes I think of her so much it’s like she’s still here. Does that sound weird?” He asked.
Maggie offered a faint smile.
“No, I’m actually relieved to know someone else feels like that. I’m the same way with my dad,” she said.
Dan reached over and took her hand in his.
“I’d like to say it gets easier with each year but it really doesn’t. You just learn to deal with it. But I guess you already know that,” he said.
Maggie quietly nodded and squeezed his hand.
***
Matt knocked on the door of a nice brick home in the Crystal Heights neighborhood just outside the city limits overlooking Crystal Springs. People that did not live in the neighborhood derisively referred to it as “Snob Knob” since many of the more affluent business leaders and county officials lived there.
As for Matt, he didn’t care about the neighborhood or what people called it.
His concern was the young lady with the bright smile, green eyes, and chestnut hair.
The door opened and Linda Sue’s father, Ray, stood looking at Matt with a smile.
“Well, young Mr. Bradley. Please come in,” he said.
Raymond Banks, Jr. was a slim, balding, and be-speckled man with an outgoing personality. Owner of Banks’ Insurance, his marriage to Susan Lowell merged the business his grandfather started with the seat of political power in the county. Despite what many people whispered the Banks’ marriage was based on love. Neither had any interest in politics and both were happy to stay out of the spotlight and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Susan was also an insurance agent of the business.
“I expect Linda Sue will be down in a minute. Have a seat Matt,” Raymond said.
“Thank you sir,” he said as took a seat at the end of a dark blue leather sofa.
“I’ll say this for you: You’ve got the best manners of any young man Linda Sue’s ever brought home – not that there’s been that many,” Raymond said as he took his place in the matching recliner across from Matt.
“What is it with old guys and recliners?” Matt thought to himself.
“Uh, no sir, I’m sure there hasn’t been. She’s a wonderful girl,” he said.
Raymond smiled as he reached for his pipe and tobacco on the stand next to his chair.
“How’s your dad like being back in Crystal Springs? It’s a far cry from the big city life in Lexington,” Raymond said.
“He loves it. This is home for him,” Matt said.
Raymond lit his pipe and shook the match to extinguish the flame.
“I can,” he said between puffs, “I can understand that. Me? I never had the urge to pick and leave here but your dad was too talented to spend his entire career in Crystal Springs.”
“He would appreciate hearing that but his heart has really always been here and with the News-Democrat,” Matt said.
“Being happy counts for a lot,” Raymond said.
Looking at Raymond, Matt was struck by how much he looked and acted like 1960s sitcom TV father. He wondered if some of those old shows influenced Raymond’s behavior.
At that moment Linda Sue entered the room and Matt almost leaped to his feet. She was wearing khaki shorts, a teal knit top, and sandals. She smiled and Matt couldn’t stop himself from sporting what he knew was a goofy grin.
“Do I look okay?” Linda Sue asked.
“You look great,” Matt said.
Raymond cleared his throat and stood up. “So where are you two off to this afternoon?”
“A cookout at dad’s. Some old friends from out of town are visiting,” Matt said.
“Well have fun,” Raymond said as he kissed his daughter on the forehead. “And don’t be out too late. Remember, you’re teaching Mrs. Thompson’s Sunday school class for her in the morning.”
“I’ll have her back in plenty of time if she wants to do any last minute studying,” Matt said.
“One more thing. Do you think you might be able to bring a couple of burgers back? I like mine medium well,” Raymond asked.
“Dad!” Linda Sue said.
Matt grinned.
“Will do,” he said.
***
A couple of minutes later, the young couple was buckled in and headed to the Bradley house near the SKU campus.
“Really, am I dressed okay? I want to make a good impression,” Linda Sue said. “I told you. You look great. In fact, you look better than great. You’re beautiful,” Matt said.
Linda Sue smiled and he melted.
“Why are you sweet to me?” She asked.
“Because I love you more than you’ll ever know,” Matt said.
“And I love you but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” she said.
“You have no reason to be nervous. You already know Dan and everyone else will love you,” he said.
“I just don’t want to do or say something stupid,” Linda Sue said.
“You’ll be fine. Besides, I’ll be right there holding your hand...ready to laugh if you do,” Matt said.
“And you would too. No wonder dad likes you. You’ve got the same warped sense of humor,” she huffed.
“Just relax baby, you’ll be okay,” he said.
***
When Jett pulled into the driveway, he caught the aroma of the grill doing its job. His stomach growled instinctively as he made his way into the house. Jett walked through the empty living room into the kitchen where Alicia sat alone chopping vegetables for the salad.
“How’s Bud?” She asked.
“About the same — older, no wiser. Actually, maybe he is a little wiser. Seems he had a visitor while he was unconscious,” he said.
Alicia raised her eyebrows in surprise.
Only When I Dream Page 7