By the end of the day Adam had called two other employees in and divided Suzanne’s hours between them. “I know you wanted more flexibility, Sam, but right now I need extra help.”
“We head south right after the New Year,” the older man said. “We’ve been snowbirds for four years now and don’t want to give that up.”
“Just help me get through Christmas and you’ll have my blessing. You don’t happen to know of any other seniors who might be interested in part time work?”
“I’ll ask around.”
“Thanks. Be here at seven thirty in the morning and John will walk you through the opening procedures. Openers and closers are on a higher pay scale, so you can expect a raise in your next check.”
“Thanks, Adam.” Aging brown eyes twinkled through Ben Franklin–style frames. “That new display looks real good. I think we already sold it.”
“Great. Go ahead and fill the order with matching plants and we’ll leave that display up. Might have to take out the rocks and garden art if they want those exact ones.”
“They are talking delivery.”
“Okay, get back to me with the particulars. Thanks for doing a great job. They buy it; you might want to take a couple of gallon-size chrysanthemums home to Hazel.” Adam shook the man’s hand and watched him return to the nursery. Now there was a man he’d like to have working full time. Staring at his desk calendar, he thought a few minutes. Maybe it was time to do a presentation or two. He jotted himself a note to call the senior center directors and set up speaking dates to present employment opportunities.
Dark had fallen by the time he left the nursery, but since he was going against the traffic, he turned onto Highway 4 in record time.
No lights were on in the living room at Dorothy’s house and the rental car was gone. Should he go check on her? Most likely Gillian had just left, so he’d look in on her mother tomorrow evening. He slowed down, then eased on up to his own driveway.
His house was dark, and Thor met him at the door. Usually his father got home about five and would have let Thor out and started dinner. “Grandpa not here, fella?” He pulled the mail from the box beside the door and carried it into the kitchen to leave on the counter before opening the back door. Thor headed for his personal relieving space along the back fence like he’d been holding it all day. Where was his father?
Adam checked the answering machine; the light flashed but none of the messages were from his dad. Glancing at his watch, he knew the Martinez store was closed. He dialed his father’s cell phone and heard it ring on the table in the entry where they routinely dropped keys and phones whenever they came home. Now what to do besides make sure his father had his cell with him every morning? Was it forgetfulness setting in or just being stubborn because Bill hated using the cell phone? He found his father’s address book in the basket by the phone and flipped down to find Keith’s, the assistant manager, cell phone number.
After the greeting, he said, “Say, you don’t know where my dad is, do you?”
“He left a bit early. I don’t think he was feeling very well.”
“How early?”
“Oh, just after four, I think. I was busy with a customer and am not exactly sure.”
“Did he mention any errands or anything?”
“No, not that I can remember. He didn’t take his cell phone again?”
“Nope, and he’s not here and not been here. Okay, thanks.”
Adam punched the OFF key and went to the sliding door to stare out into the backyard. Would his dad have stopped at the grocery store? For three hours? Fear slithered up his spine. He let Thor back in, poured the kibble in the dog dish, and refilled the water bowl.
“There you go; glad someone in this family is happy.” He grabbed a bottle of iced tea from the refrigerator, dashed off a note to leave on the counter, and headed back for his truck. He knew the route his father usually took home. Driving it would at least give him a feeling he was doing something useful.
He had been driving only a few minutes when he looked ahead to see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle in the Safeway parking lot. Parked right behind a white truck. Could it be his father’s? As soon as he could see the business emblem on the side door, his heart hit overdrive.
They were loading a stretcher into the back of the white emergency vehicle with red lettering.
Adam stopped behind them and bailed out of his truck. “That’s my father.”
“Oh, good. We tried to call his emergency number,” the EMT said.
Adam nodded and stopped at his father’s side. His eyes were closed and he wore an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose. “What happened?”
“We’re not sure, but he was asleep in the truck and one of the shoppers stopped to check on him. When he didn’t respond, she called 9-1-1. Does he have a history of heart problems?”
“Not that I know of.”
“We’re taking him from here to county, so you can follow us.”
Adam took his father’s hand, careful not to disturb the IV drip the EMTs already started. “Dad?”
His father blinked and slowly opened his eyes. “Sorry.”
“They’re taking you to county. Would you rather go to John Muir?”
“No.” His eyes fluttered shut again.
“We’re ready to roll, sir.”
Adam stepped back and watched as the technicians slid the stretcher the rest of the way into the vehicle. He turned back to his SUV, grateful he’d not brought Thor along, although at the moment, comfort from his four-footed friend would have helped.
The admitting clerk insisted Adam fill out the paperwork before proceeding through the magic door to find his father. He gritted his teeth and filled in all the information he could readily recall. “I don’t have his Medicare card but if you’d let me go see him, I could get it.” He knew his voice sounded abrupt, but better that than leaping over the counter and scaring the woman half to death. She’d surely call some of those sheriff’s deputies who guarded the penal patients to haul him out.
The woman took the clipboard back. “I understand. Just have a seat and I’ll go see how things are going.”
He’d learned during one of the emergency trips with his mother that time in the ER telescoped, each minute seeming like an hour. Back then he’d been supporting his dad. Now his dad was the patient. Does he have a history of heart problems? The question pounded through his mind. If he did, he’d never mentioned it to his son. His dad had been remarkably healthy all his life, even through the trauma of his wife’s cancer and death two years earlier. But as they’d discussed on Sunday, he’d been more tired lately. Maybe it was more than just getting older as he’d said.
Why hadn’t he forced his father to go to the doctor for a checkup sooner? Because force would have been what he’d had to use, and he couldn’t see himself doing that. As if it would work. At least by waiting he’d had his father’s cooperation. Too late but no fight. Big help.
He checked his watch. Three minutes had passed. At the top of the hour I swear I’m busting down the door. Patience. His years of military training kicked into gear. Stay calm. He was about to go seek information when the door opened and the clerk returned, coming over to stand by him.
“The doctor is working with your father right now and asks that you wait a few more minutes.”
“Have they done an EKG?”
“They are doing that right now.”
“Good. Thank you for telling me.”
“When you get his medical card, will you be sure to bring it to me?”
“Of course.” Why were hospitals so demanding regarding paperwork? Rhetorical question. He knew the answer. The insurance companies would not pay their bills if all the paperwork was not completed. Something like the government when he’d been in the navy. He ordered himself to relax, glanced at the television mounted high up in a corner, checked out the magazines, and pulled out his cell phone. He glanced up to see the woman behind the desk staring at him and
shaking her head. Oops. Signs said NO CELL PHONES. He nodded and rose to take it outside. Grateful that his cell phone stored called numbers, he pulled up Keith’s number and hit the green lit icon.
“I found my father,” he said right after the hellos. “The EMTs were putting him into an ambulance in the Safeway parking lot. We’re at county; they’re checking his heart.”
“What happened?”
“I’ll tell you all the details later, but I’m going to need to get his truck home. Can you come and help me when I know more what’s going on?”
“Yes, of course. But he’s on the schedule for tomorrow.”
“On the work schedule?”
“Yes, he said he’d take another employee’s place since we are running short right now. So I wrote him in.”
“Well, I hate to do this to you, but you’d better unwrite him. I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.” After hanging up, he tapped his chin with the cell phone. Should he call Jennifer or wait until he had more information? A thought caught him in the back of the knees and nearly dropped him to the ground. Who else was there? Only he and Jen were left of the immediate family. And the children, of course. His father was the last of the siblings on his side, and his mother’s only sister lived in Florida. That left him to make all the decisions if his father became incapacitated. While he’d known this before, how could he not, there was more than one kind of knowing. This one was visceral and packed a punch he’d not been prepared for.
Who can I call? The pastor? Gillian? Gillian, where had that come from? He’d only known her since Friday.
Chapter Fifteen
She already had e-mail messages when she turned her phone back on after the airplane wheels touched the ground. The first one made her gasp.
Hi, Gillian. Miss you already. My dad is in the hospital, strange story, overnight at least, heart but not terrible. Just a shock. Didn’t check on your mother last night due to all this. Light was not on in the living room is all I know. Sorry. Hope you had a good flight. Good meaning uneventful and on time. Adam.
She e-mailed him back as the plane taxied to the gate.
Dear Adam. Flight was just like you hoped. I even managed to doze off, which never happens to me on an airplane. Sorry to hear about your father. That must have been a terrible shock. Hope he is already feeling better. G.
She followed the herd to baggage and picked up her suitcases, a nice man loading them on a cart for her. She kept herself awake in the taxi from the airport to her building. Leaving her suitcases for the porter to bring up later, she unlocked her front door and, dropping things as she went, sat down on the edge of her bed and again checked her e-mail. With no reply from Adam, she typed in another message.
My flat seems so small and so empty. I watered my two house plants and thought of Mother’s yard. Hoping there are boxes down in the basement here. I can’t call the house yet, too early. Time zones are the pits. Any more news on your dad? G.O.
When the alarm went off at eight, she felt like she’d been dragged up from the bottom of the sea. Her eyes didn’t want to focus as she stumbled into the bathroom and a shower. At nine she called Shannon’s number and learned she was still working. Only the upper management had been let go so far. She didn’t sound sure of anything, other than looking forward to seeing Gillian after her meeting with Scot. Once dressed in a corporate suit, black seemed appropriate for the day, Gillian changed purses, checked her briefcase to make sure her computer and all its accoutrements were there, and flipped open her cell phone again to find a message from Adam.
Update. Dad is looking much better, grumbling about being locked in or down. He’s not, of course. Has more tests this a.m. I’m ready to leave for work. Short staffed. Hope your day goes well. Emptying an office is one of those things to just get done. Ran this morning. No lights and no cars at your mother’s. Thor is worn out, or so he says. Adam.
Guilt wrapped slimy fingers around her throat. She should be there and not here. She tried reading the paper on the subway but found she couldn’t concentrate. Rather than walking as she usually would, she caught a cab from the station to the restaurant where she was meeting Scot.
“Good morning,” he said, rising to greet her with a hug. Caught by surprise, Gillian sat down where he indicated.
He didn’t look good. Or was it just her imagination?
“So, how is your mother? How was your trip and how are you?”
“Mother still insists she is dying although I got her to eat and drink more than she had been. So I guess one could say the trip was a success, but I don’t feel that way at all.”
“You’ve had a rough weekend.”
She nodded. “But it’s not like it was a picnic here.”
“No, it wasn’t. This has been a shock to a great many people.” After giving their food orders, Scot continued. “The new owners have let all the upper management go; the severance papers and packages are all arranged so this was well planned. The remainder of the staff will be either incorporated into their staff or let go. Production will continue as usual.”
“I see. Did anyone have an inkling of this?”
“Not those I’ve spoken with. But the Fitches have been incommunicado.”
Gillian poured cream in her coffee and stirred in sugar. Today she needed some body along with her caffeine. “So you’re saying…?”
“I’m saying my office is cleaned out, Joyce booked our tickets, and we are on the way to the Mediterranean this evening. I will be gone a month. I suggest you do the same. Plan a month of R&R and meet me back here and we’ll find someone who wants our expertise.” He sat back for the waitress to place dishes of food on the table. “Thank you.” He turned back to Gillian. “If that doesn’t agree with you and you find something else, go with my blessing and the highest recommendation possible.” He paused and stared into her eyes. “I do want to work with you again if at all possible.”
“Thank you.” Gillian swallowed. “I—ah…” She heaved a sigh and sniffed back tears that she adamantly refused to shed. “Thank you.”
“So what will you do?”
She raised her chin a notch. “I’m going to eat my breakfast, clean out my office, and return to California for a month. Then we’ll meet again. Just like you said.” She surprised herself with the calm behind her words. As if she’d been planning her life just this way for the last year. He hugged her again once they were outside, then strode off down the avenue, slinging his jacket over his shoulder.
“God bless.” She turned the other direction and entered the office building just as she had for twenty-plus years. At least she now had a plan.
* * *
Hi Adam, Took only four boxes. Brought it all back in a cab. Surely there should have been more after working there for twenty-five years. They even took my laptop because I had company information on it. Of course they had purchased it. Had to copy personal stuff to my flash drive. No answer at Mother’s. Enzio must not be there yet. And they didn’t find anyone else to help. Could throttle my sister. Going out to lunch with my former assistant. G.O.
She hit SEND and glanced at her watch. Talking on the phone would be more satisfying, but he would be at work and she hated to bother him. Besides, she had plenty to do to get ready to leave again for California. Paper and pen in hand, she sat down to make another of her lists. She started with the first one, call the airlines.
Halfway down her list, she checked her messages.
Picking Dad up around four. Says he’s been poked and prodded enough. Will check on Dorothy. Have you called Allie? I’m surprised she’s not there. If you were here, I’d take you out to dinner to celebrate your new life. The adventure is beginning. When you’re done grieving the end of an era, you’ll see that. Adam
She answered immediately.
I hope you are right. Why do I feel so out of place in NYC? This has been my home for over two decades. I love this city. Has grief addled my brain? I signed papers to say that I agree with their retirement packa
ge. Didn’t even try to negotiate. Not like me. G.
She’d just hit SEND when another message showed up on her e-mail.
Enzio’s car there when I went by so all is well on that front. No results yet on Dad’s tests which made him testy. But that’s normal. They are talking several different procedures based on the test results. He can’t go back to work until later in the week. I think I’ll live at the job. Home is not where the heart is at the moment. Oh, oh. Poor pun. Going to take Thor for a walk. Want to come? Adam
How delightful a walk sounded right now. If only he were in NYC they could walk in Central Park. Or wander the park down at the Battery. Or go window shopping on Fifth Avenue. She ignored the walking idea and added three more things to the bottom of her list, so she could feel like she was accomplishing something instead of playing on the e-mail.
That’s good news. Thank you. I know if someone isn’t there Mother will slip right back into former behavior. Talked with Enzio. He said she is grumpy. Now isn’t that a surprise? I have an idea. More later. G.
Gillian finished typing and tucked her cell phone into her purse. She glanced at her watch. Seven fifteen. What all did she need to pack? Or could she just close the door and walk away. Her list started with: empty the fridge. She’d take the food next door to Mrs. Hepplewhite and the house plants, too.
Her phone rang. She flipped it open and put it to her ear.
“You can’t do that.”
“And hello to you, too.” Adam. Her heart kicked up a gear. Closing the front door, she set her purse on the floor and sank into her recliner. “Can’t do what?”
“Say you have an idea and more later.”
“But I did.”
“I know you did.” His voice softened. “So, now that I can talk rather than type, what’s your idea?”
On Hummingbird Wings Page 12