On Hummingbird Wings

by Lauraine Snelling

  A feeling of relief caused her to lean against the front fender.

  “Did you get insurance information from those in front and behind you?”

  “Ah no.”

  “Did you take pictures?”

  “Nope.” How to feel stupid in two simple statements. “I didn’t get out of the car. The officer said to sit tight, and that’s exactly what I did. I do have the officer’s business card.”

  Jennifer patted her arm. “Don’t worry about it. There will be plenty of information available.”

  “I just didn’t think. All my years in New York, I’ve only driven on vacations. I’ve never had an accident before.”

  “Why don’t you pull it into the garage and not worry about it for now? Have you had dinner?”

  “No.”

  “I’ll go get the leftovers, if that’s all right?” Jennifer offered.

  “Jennifer brought enchiladas, chips, the whole meal.”

  “Thank you. I—I don’t seem to be computing real well right now.” Gillian watched Jennifer walk down to the sidewalk.

  “You want me to drive it in?”

  She nodded to Adam and stepped back while he did so. After he parked the car and pushed the remote to lower the garage door, he followed Gillian into the quiet house.

  Gillian checked on her mother, who was sound asleep. Had Dorothy heard anything she would have been sitting up, or at least paying attention. Gillian shrugged and continued on to the kitchen, turning on lights as she went. One glance at the kitchen clock and she heaved a sigh. The accident happened at four thirty and now it was eight o’clock.

  “Coffee?”

  “No, thanks.” Adam took a chair at the kitchen table. “You go ahead.”

  “I have iced tea, but I think I need something hot.” She stared at the pot. Making fresh seemed a futile effort for this time of night. Instead she poured leftover coffee into a cup and set it in the microwave. Reheated coffee was never the best tasting, but right now… “It could have been so much worse.” She needed to remind herself of that over and over, otherwise guilt would eat at her.

  “When those things happen, often you can’t avoid it.”

  She heaved another sigh. “I know, I guess.”

  A discreet knock at the front door announced Jennifer’s arrival. The microwave dinged at the same time. Adam rose and headed for the front door while Gillian took her cup from the microwave, cupping the heat between her hands.

  Jennifer took over, setting out the chips and guacamole, fixing up a plate of enchiladas and refried beans and heating it in the microwave. “Do you want me to make a plate for Dorothy?”

  “I’ll go ask her but I doubt it. She never has liked to eat late and she was sleeping.” Gillian returned to the bedroom. “Mother?” She crossed the carpet and shook her mother’s shoulder. When she blinked, Gillian asked if she wanted dinner.

  “No. Enzio forced me to eat earlier. I want to sleep.”

  The word forced made Gillian smile. “All right. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Yes.”

  Well that went better than it would have a few days ago. Gillian comforted herself with that thought and the other; Mother didn’t ask about her car.

  She returned to the kitchen, the fragrance of enchiladas drawing her back. The thought of friends lightened her load. She needed to get her purchases out of the trunk but probably not until morning.

  Adam and Jennifer didn’t stay long after nibbling on the chips as Gillian ate her dinner. She walked them to the door, drooping under the onslaught of exhaustion. Though her mind knew this was a normal reaction, her whole self grumbled in disgust.

  “I’ll be here at nine then to follow you down to the adjuster’s office. We’ll get this taken care of,” Adam assured her.

  “Thank you.”

  “Call me if you have any questions,” Jennifer added. “I left my phone number on a pad on the table. And if you wake up with a lot of pain, you’ll need to get to a doctor.”

  “All right.” Gillian covered a yawn. “Thank you both.”

  “You sure you’ll be all right?” Adam asked, his gaze drilling past her manners.

  She nodded. “See you in the morning. I’ll make sure Mother eats early.” Or perhaps I’ll just let her sleep. That might be easier in the long run. The more she talked with her mother, the more tempted she would be to tell her about the accident. “Night. And thanks for the delicious dinner.”

  So this was how having friendly neighbors made one feel. Protected and comforted. Especially when one of them was so willing to help, so often. And so charmingly.

  Chapter Twenty

  You think she’ll be all right?”

  “Adam, you’re worrying like an old hen.” Jennifer glanced at him as they strolled up the hill. “She just needs a good night’s rest and some perspective. Right now every time she blinks, she hears the crash again. It will probably wake her up during the night, too.”

  “Something like posttraumatic stress?”

  “Sort of. Especially someone who has driven as seldom as she has. Once the paperwork is all finished and the car repaired, she’ll be fine.”

  “Not to change the subject or anything, but what do you think about Dad?”

  “He looks good to me. I still can’t believe you didn’t call me.”

  “You know how he is. Doesn’t want to bother anyone. With me he just didn’t have a choice. When I saw them loading him into the ambulance, I about had a heart attack. Thank God for people who see a possible problem and check it out.”

  “Do we know her name?”

  “And phone number. I can get her address by the reverse directory, just haven’t taken time to do that yet. I’m going to send her some flowers, probably a flowering plant.”

  “Would you like me to do that for you?”

  “I’d appreciate that a lot. Also, could you call Dad tomorrow? He still can’t go back to work; all the test results aren’t back yet.”

  “So, he’ll go out and play with the babies.”

  “True. And he is most happy there. I don’t think he’d mind a bit if he never went back to the shop.”

  “Why can’t he retire?”

  “Said he isn’t ready yet. I asked. But I’m afraid if I suggest it, he will think I am trying to take over and send him over the hill.”

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake.”

  Thor waited inside the screen door, whimpering for them to hurry in.

  “I’ve not taken him for a walk or run yet, so I better go do that. Will you be here when I get back or do you want to come with me?”

  “Think I’ll stay and talk with Dad. I have an idea I’ve wanted to discuss with him.” She leaned over to ruffle Thor’s ears. “You get a bit impatient, don’t you?”

  Adam took the leash off the hook by the door and snapped it on Thor’s collar, setting him to quivering with anticipation. “Dad, I’m taking Thor for a walk. Be back in half an hour or so.”

  “Where’s Jen?”

  “I’m here and I’ll be right there.” She reached up and planted a kiss on Adam’s cheek. “She’s nice.”

  “Who? Oh, you mean Gillian?”

  “Go after her.”

  “Jennifer Bentley!”

  “I mean it. You already have that look in your eyes when you think no one sees you watching her. I’ve not seen you with that expression before, and it’s about time.”

  Adam left, shaking his head. Women. What was it she thought she saw? Surely he wasn’t wearing his heart on his sleeve. Gillian was a lovely woman, but she didn’t like sailing. Said she got seasick whenever she was on the water. Besides that, he hardly knew her at all. How could a New York City executive be interested in a man with no definite goals who worked at his father’s business? She’d said she had her life all planned out. Right, but look what happened.

  He picked up the pace to a jog to keep Thor happy. He should have brought the Frisbee; he’d be able to see it in the lights at the school yard. They trotte
d down the hill and turned right on the path that bordered the street. Up and over a little rise and across the road to the long driveway. At this time of night he could let the dog run free.

  Once on the grass he stopped and removed the leash. “Okay, fella.” He waved his arm in their signal for go and Thor took off. He raced around Adam, ever widening his circle until Adam waved him back in. “Don’t go out so far, I can hardly see you.” He started running alongside the drive and then curved over into the field and back toward the road, putting on enough speed to raise his heart rate. Thor returned to run beside him, so Adam angled around and ran back to the school again. Good thing he was wearing shorts or he’d have been drenched. When he needed to stop for breath, Thor flopped down beside him, sides heaving. “I wonder if she likes to run or jog or even walk?” Thor thumped his tail, ready to go again. “Nope, we’ll take it easy going home.” Adam snapped the leash back on, and the two jogged back to the bottom of the hill that was their street.

  Jen’s car was gone. She usually tried to be home before the kids went to bed. Not that Lawrence needed to be tucked in any longer. Boys who were juniors in high school were a bit touchy about things like that. And Lissa Marie, at nineteen, half the time ended up as a closer at the Starbucks where she worked while going to college in The City, as San Francisco was often referred to by the residents across the bay.

  He really should plan a day to take them all out sailing. While they’d adjusted to their father’s death as well as could be expected, Adam had promised his brother he would be there for his family. During the past summer, Lawrence had worked for him at the nursery and probably would again next summer.

  Adam locked the door behind him, and Thor made a fast trip to the water bowl. Bill was in the family room watching the news. “So what happened in the world today?” Adam asked.

  “Mayhem, murder, and mistrust.”

  “That sounds delightful and inspiring. I’m going for a shower.” When he returned to the family room, his dad was sitting in his chair, the television off. “You want anything to drink?”

  “No, thanks.”

  Adam retrieved a bottle of green tea from the refrigerator, unscrewed the top, and chugged half of it before ambling back to join his dad. “So, how are the babies?”

  “Doing well. If I weren’t working I’d be able to spend a lot more time out there, perhaps hybridize more of the irises.”

  “True. Do you want to do that?”

  “I think I do. Jennifer and I were talking, and she asked me point-blank why I keep going into the store.” He shook his head. “I couldn’t even tell her why because I think the only reason is that I don’t want you to have to work seven days a week.”

  “So, what do you see as choices?”

  “Well, I keep on managing my store and you the Pittsburg one. Or I cut back to half time and let Keith manage it with you overseeing him. Or…” The silence stretched.

  “Or…?” Adam stretched the word out.

  “Your mother and I always said we would retire and travel all over this country. That won’t happen now. But I have the babies. I’m thinking that if I bought some land so I had more room…” He nodded slowly, his gaze far away.

  Adam watched his dad pondering his options. Which brought him back to his own question: what did he want to do with the rest of his own life? “There’s another option. Sell out altogether and do what you want without worrying about the stores.”

  “Do you want to do that?”

  Adam shook his head. “I have no idea. I’ve done the things I’ve wanted to, and now I don’t know. I’m happy doing what I’m doing, but I’d be happy not doing it, too. This has to be your decision.” A picture of Gillian getting out of the car, still shaking, skidded through Adam’s thoughts. How long would she be tied up taking care of her mother? Would she look for a job in this area or return to New York? What difference did it make to him what she did? He thought of that for a moment. While he wasn’t sure of the where and when, he knew for certain that he did care what she did, and he hoped she wasn’t leaving again.

  His dad folded the newspaper that had been laying on his lap and stuffed it into the magazine rack. “Well, we don’t have to make a decision tonight, that’s for sure. Did you lock the door?”

  “I did.”

  “Sure was nice to see Jen. Think I’ll go watch Lawrence’s soccer match on Saturday.”

  “Good idea. You want to go sailing on Sunday?”

  “I’ll think on it. Night.”

  Adam glanced at the clock, wondering if it was too late to call Gillian. After ten. She’d probably taken a hot bath like she’d said and crashed. Bad choice of words even for a thought. He checked the lock on the back door and turned out the lights on the way to his bedroom, Thor padding beside him. He could text her, and if she heard the bleep, good. If not, that was all right, too.

  He unhooked his cell phone and typed,

  How are you feeling? A.

  Laying the cell along with his keys, change, and billfold on the tray on the high chest, he got ready for bed, then retrieved his cell to check.

  Drowsy and no longer shaky. G.

  He flipped back the light comforter and sheet on his bed and sat on the edge.

  Good. I know that was a bad shock.

  With my mother’s car, no less.

  She won’t beat you.

  But she will be disappointed.

  Adam continued.

  True, but she’ll get over it. Besides it will be all repaired by Monday.

  You don’t know my mother.

  I’ve always heard good things about her.

  Yeah, well, appearances can be deceiving.

  The two of you don’t get along?

  He propped himself against the headboard on a stack of pillows, and crossed his legs at the ankles.

  Didn’t use to. We’ll see now.

  Allie could do no wrong?

  How did you pick up on that?

  My male intuition.

  He rolled his eyes, sure that would get a rise out of her.

  Didn’t know there was such a thing.

  I learned it in the navy.

  LOL.

  I’ll see you in the morning.

  That thought made him smile.

  Thanks for your help.

  You’re welcome. Sweet dreams.

  Night.

  He clicked his cell shut and reached for the top book on his stack. He usually had two or three going—one devotional, a novel, and a business book—and tried to read bits of each of them every night. But when he opened the pages, he saw Gillian’s face. He turned out the light and rolled over.

  “I’m taking Gillian to get her estimate and down to Roger’s to have him fix it before I go to the shop.”

  Bill looked up from reading his paper. “Good. Tell her I feel for her.”

  “I was thinking of inviting her and Dorothy up here for dinner.”

  “Dorothy out of bed yet?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “Well, let’s not wait for that to happen.” Bill laid his paper down. “She is one stubborn woman when she gets set on something. This is Friday, right?” Adam nodded. “Roger most likely won’t be able to finish the repairs today.”

  “Probably not. There might be more than I saw last night with the flashlight. But if we get it there, he’ll get at it.”

  “All depends on how busy he is.”

  “Take your phone outside with you.”

  “I have it right here.” Bill slapped the holster on his belt. “And, yes, I will call you as soon as I hear from the doctor.”

  Adam grinned and headed for the garage. He must have been a bit overprotective the way his father talked. Oh, well, we all have to learn how to deal with new things. He parked on the street in front of the house two doors down and whistled his way to the front door to ring the bell.

  Gillian answered and stepped back for him to enter. “Good morning. I’m about ready. Just want to pick up Mother’s
tray. I couldn’t leave her without making sure she had eaten.”

  “Have you talked with Allie?” He studied Gillian, noting slight circles under her eyes, but otherwise no worse for the experience. Khaki slacks, a scooped-neck yellow T-shirt, and a yellow cardigan made her look like a bit of sunshine flitting around the kitchen. She shook her head, setting her hair to swinging but returning into perfect order.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  When she returned to the kitchen, she cleared off the tray, put the dishes in the dishwasher and the tray in the pantry. “There. I left her a note with my cell number on it. I have no idea if Enzio is coming; I left a message on his answering machine. And”—she glanced around the kitchen and then up to him—“thank you for helping me with this.”

  “You are welcome. I’ll be on the downside of the drive. Just follow me, I’ll take it slow so you don’t get left behind.”

  Once they were on the road, he took her back to Pleasant Hill via Morello and into the parking lot for the estimator. Gillian parked at the line where a sign directed customers who needed estimates and exited her car to go into the office. Adam joined her and held the door open.

  An hour later Adam and Gillian were finished and back in their cars. She’d handled the process with perfect ease, in spite of not having all the paperwork, charming the older clerk behind the counter and the younger estimator outside. Adam had enjoyed watching her in action. She was obviously well honed in negotiations, laughing at herself and her lack of experience, causing the two men to take care of her problems with eagerness. He wondered if her people skills were natural or the product of intense training.

  Next he led the way to the auto body shop his friend Roger owned. They’d met at a chamber of commerce meeting soon after Adam moved to the area.

  As expected, Roger had looked over the paperwork, studied the bumpers, and agreed to begin the repairs promptly. He had apologized that he couldn’t finish the work today, however, and the shop was closed for the weekend because he was to serve as best man at a wedding.