“Yeeeees?” She said as she came in the room, a huge smile across her face.
“Really?” I laughed.
“Just getting used to you being here.”
“Well, it's just for a few days.” I waved her over to the chair in front of the desk. “So, when he sends this stuff out, you have to scan it all in and then attach it to emails?”
“Yeah. He is totes against everything being paperless. He thinks it will get lost in cyberspace.”
I sighed audibly. “Hopefully that will change soon.”
“I hope so,” she chuckled. “Meantime, John and me, and pretty much everyone else in the company, puts our stuff in the system. When the boss asks for anything, we just print him a copy and bring it in.”
After we talked for a few more minutes, she left, and I found all the files I needed and made sure anything was addressed that needed to be followed up on. When I was done, I pulled my phone out to check to my emails since I was expecting one regarding my research. There was nothing—no email, phone call, or text. Even stranger, when I started messing with my phone, I couldn’t get it to do anything other than play Candy Crush. That explained why I hadn’t had any phone calls since Wednesday. I’d been so focused on what was going on at the hospital, I really hadn’t paid it any mind. Besides, the people who normally would have called me were there, aside from Rachel.
Eventually, after several restarts and a few feeble attempts and pulling out the battery, I called my provider, and they walked me through forty-five minutes of tech support until we got to a point I had to hard reset my phone. The tech guy explained that any calls or messages sent while the phone wasn’t working may have been lost but I should still be able to get any emails that were missed. When I hung up with tech support, my phone dinged with dozens of emails coming in that I’d missed. I didn't want to deal with them at that point, so I locked the screen and made my way back to the hospital to check on Granddad.
***
That night, I fell into my childhood bed and closed my eyes. My phone dinged, and I reached over seeing a number I didn’t recognize on the screen.
How are things at the office? Your mother gave me your number.
Chris
All is good, very organized.
E
He likes it that way.
Chris
I'm glad he does.
E
You want to grab coffee before you head back?
Chris
I thought you were out of town til Monday.
E
No, just out of the office. I get back into town tomorrow afternoon.
Chris
Sure. We can get coffee.
E
Great. Just give me a heads up when we can meet. It really was good to see you.
Chris
Will do. It was good to see you too. Talk soon.
E
I clicked out of the text messages and remembered I still hadn’t gone through the slew of emails that were waiting for my response. But I was so tired, I decided to put it off until the next day. Anyone who needed to hear from me would just have to understand my family situation. I laid there wondering about Luke’s family and realizing there was so much I wanted to know about him. I couldn’t help but think about the things Rachel had said, and I smiled as I laid the phone back down on the bed and closed my eyes thinking about Luke.
***
Saturday afternoon, I worked at the office for several hours, making sure everything was set up for Monday like Granddad had requested. It was quiet. It kind of felt like when I was alone in the woods. I wasn't a loner, but I was okay being alone. I was just that kind of person who could be alone with her thoughts and not stress about it. Maybe that was why I was so good at my grant work. I spent hours and hours alone every week. Truth was, until I had moved in next to Luke, I really didn't have a lot of human interaction other than Rachel. Luke grated my last nerve most days, but what did I expect? He was the first person I’d had to actually relate to on a daily basis in quite a while. But no matter how I reacted, his kindness always smoothed things back out. Maybe I did like him, even when I didn't.
I heard the bell chime for the elevator and looked up to see Chris walking out.
“Hey,” he said when he looked up and saw me.
“Hi.” I sat back in the oversized chair.
“I didn't know you were here. I was just stopping by to grab some plans that I forgot so I could go over them before my meeting on Monday. If you’re not too busy, you wanna grab that coffee now?”
“Sure.” Standing, I closed the folder I had opened and grabbed my jacket off the back of the chair.
“Just give me a sec to grab what I need, and we’ll go. The rain has let up for the moment, so we can just walk over to the Coffee Bean if that's okay?”
“Yeah, that's fine.” I smiled and waited until he returned, then we made our way out of the building and walked down the block. I looked up at the green awning and smiled to myself thinking about all the times my grandfather had taken me there for a hot chocolate and later coffee as I was growing up. He had always been more of a father to me than my own. With my dad’s work schedule, he had missed most of my childhood, something that hadn't really bothered me until I was older.
“You okay?” Chris asked as he held the door for me.
“I was just thinking about Granddad.”
“He really is an extraordinary person.” Chris followed me to the counter. I ordered my coffee and then waited as he did the same. He pulled his wallet out of his jeans, and I couldn't help but notice his broad shoulders. He had filled out nicely in the last few years, and he was attractive in a pretty boy, “I'm better than everybody” kinda way.
He smirked when he caught me looking. “See something you like?”
“Just noticing that you’re not the scrawny teenager I remember from high school,” I said flippantly before redirecting his attention to the coffee order now sitting on the counter.
I reached for my coffee when he held it out. Bringing the cup up to my nose, I let the rich smell engulf my senses. The warmth tickled my nose, and a small smile covered my face. I thought about Ryan and his ability to always think just a step ahead of me.
“You love coffee, don’t you?” Chris said and walked past me toward a table.
“I do, it is the best part of my day. The place I live has a large, wrap-around porch, and I like to sit out there, drink my coffee, and watch the morning spill across the fields.” It made me think of Luke and the noise that usually interrupted my daily ritual. I smiled at the thought.
“So, your grandfather told me you were only about an hour or so away.” Chris said, licking the coffee that was left on his lips away.
“Yeah, I lost my grant working on the forests in Maine, but I just secured another one, only it required I pack up and move, but such is the life of a researcher.”
“Your whole family is rather environmentally-savvy.”
“Well, if we don't save the environment, it can't save us,” I stated.
“You’re gonna have to elaborate on that,” he stated, leaning forward on his elbows, and looked me straight in the eyes.
“The trees and other green plants make all of our oxygen. Only about twenty percent actually gets made by trees, with most of that being from the rain forests. Plankton in the ocean actually account for most of the oxygen produced. I guess if you think about what plants do for us, oxygen is a very small part of it. They mold the land and give us food.”
“Plankton? Like what whales eat?”
“Yes,” I affirmed.
“So, if we want more oxygen, we should kill all the whales since they are killing our oxygen source?”
“No.” I laughed because I thought he was being serious. He was joking but at the same time, I could see the wheels turning in his head. He was thinking about what he said, and it was making more and more sense.
“Everything has a purpose, even spiders and snakes.”
�
�Umm, no,” he laughed, and I saw him shiver a little.
“You afraid of snakes and spiders?”
“Afraid is a strong word. I just don't like them. I don't go screaming like a girl if I see one, but I don't like them.”
“What about bees?” I teased.
“As far as bees are concerned, the only good bee is a dead bee. `Course, I’m biased since I’m allergic.”
“Sure, sure. And just so you know, if you killed all the bees, we would all die.” I laughed. I lifted my cup to my mouth again and took a sip of the rich, dark brew.
“Don't kill all the bees, noted.” He smiled and took another drink of his coffee. “Your grandfather has mentioned that you would be taking over for him eventually. How do you feel about that?”
“I’ve always known it would be a part of my future. I guess I just didn't think it would be this soon. When I looked at him in that hospital yesterday, I could suddenly see his real age.”
“I can see how a heart attack would do that to someone.” He reached for my hand and squeezed it under his. I wanted to pull back, but he didn't release it.
“Truth?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“It isn't his first one. The doctor told him he’s had several miniscule attacks, but I guess he didn't know. Only about seventy percent of his heart is functioning at this point.” Tears burned my throat, and I willed myself not to cry.
“I didn't realize it was that bad.”
“I don't think any of us did. He’s always so worried about all of us that he never really thinks about himself. He never wants anyone worrying about him.”
“What about you?”
“What do you mean?” I cocked an eyebrow at him.
“Well, you seem like you don't want people worrying about you either.”
“I don't. I mean, I know my family does, and Ryan does, but I just don't think it's necessary.”
“Ryan?” his eyebrows rose.
“He’s a neighbor.”
“Only a neighbor?” Chris questioned.
“I'm not sure I understand what you’re asking.”
“Is he your boyfriend?”
“Ryan?” I laughed so hard I almost shot coffee out of my nose. “Ryan is most definitely not my boyfriend.” I saw an odd look leave his expression, and I wasn't sure I liked it.
“Just a friend then?”
“You could say that. He is almost like an older brother. A very annoying, nosy, in your face older brother.” I laughed thinking about Ryan and his antics. He kind of was the older brother I never thought I wanted.
I finished off my coffee and looked down at my phone, noticing the time.
“Oh, I have to run. I promised Mom I’d meet her at the hospital. Good luck this weekend.” I said while leaning in to hug him.
“Thanks. It's like a practice before the season. So we shall see.” He smiled and pulled me into his arms.
***
When we separated, I walked quickly across the street and hopped into my truck, heading for the hospital. I drove the twenty minutes and found my way up to the third floor. When I arrived, my mother and grandmother were standing in the hallway.
“Hey, honey.”
“Hey Mom.” I kissed her on the cheek, “Mimi.” I leaned over and kissed her too.
“They are moving him to a new room. We are just waiting for them to get him ready, and then we are just gonna follow them.”
I smiled and hugged both of them before peeking into the room. He was fussing about being able to get up, but they wanted him to stay in bed, and I couldn't help but smile.
“Stop standing there smiling, and help me explain to these nice ladies that I can walk to my next room.”
“Granddad, just do what they ask, okay?” I stepped into the room, helped him lay back down, and helped the nurses secure him for transport.
“This is stupid,” he grumbled.
“Stop being a brat. It will be over soon, and you'll be home in a few days. Just suck it up, buttercup.” I punched him soft and playfully on the arm and then turned and walked out of the room.
They got him all set up in a new room, and we talked about what needed to be done over the next week. I told him I’d taken care of everything in his urgent folder but that I had to get back and get my papers written and collect samples. He seemed okay with Chris handling things at the office for a week or two before he got back. I knew that the doctor had told him four weeks, but I also knew he would be back as soon as possible because that's just how he was. Work had never been his number one priority, but it was something that he did well and wanted to make sure that my grandmother, me, and mom were always taken care of.
Chapter Thirteen
Luke
I was really started to get worried about Emmy. She hadn't answered any of my texts or calls. Her stuff was here, and her door was unlocked when we got home. At first, we just assumed she had been working, but it was Saturday, and we still hadn't heard from her. Ryan went as far as to go in and water her plants.
“Do you not think it's a little weird that you just go into her personal space?” I asked when he returned.
“First of all, I own the place. Secondly, I'm watering her plants, dude. It's not like I am going in and going through her drawers. Although...”
“Don't you dare.” I warned him, and he turned back to me with a huge grin on his face.
“I wouldn't, just funny to see you get all protective.”
“I'm not protective. I just wouldn't want you in my space if I really didn't know you very well.”
“I've known her longer than you, and you asked her if she needed help putting sheets on her bed.” He cocked an eyebrow at me.
“I was just being nice.”
“Yeah. I guess that's why she got all flushed and basically ran us out of the house. I get that you like her, but you crossed a line there.”
“I did not. I just wanted to help her.”
“I think we overwhelm her. I don't think it's anything more than that.”
“Whatever. I’m gonna get some work done.” I pointed toward the shop.
“Are we back to regular schedule Monday?” he asked.
“Yeah. The break was nice, but if we are going to keep the top spot then we have to keep it up.”
“Man, it's good to be on top, but it truly depends on who you are underneath,” He said with a wink. “I’m gonna get going. Let me know if you hear from Emmy, okay?”
I nodded and said goodbye, then went to work.
Twenty minutes or so later, I heard a door slam and figured Ryan had left something, but when he didn't appear in the doorway, curiosity got the best of me. I walked out into the late afternoon sunshine and saw Emerson’s truck in the driveway.
I hurried over to her door and stopped when I saw her taking grocery bags and setting them on the porch.
“Where have you been?” I said with a bit more intensity than I had intended.
“Excuse me?” Turning, she narrowed her eyes.
“Sorry. It’s just that you left without a word, and we and Ryan both tried to get in touch with you.” I stood there placing my hands over my eyes, shielding the sun. Her expression was one of annoyance.
“My grandfather was sick, and I had to leave. I didn't know I had to check in with you.” She turned to grab the bags, but I grabbed her shoulder and turned her back to me.
“I was worried,” I admitted softly and gave her a small shy smile.
“Why? I'm a big girl and can take care of myself.” I had heard this song more than once from her. I had to tread lightly here.
“Is it so bad that I was worried about you? You left your door unlocked for pete’s sake.”
“I did?” Confusion spread across her face.
“Ryan went in and watered your plants. We were just concerned for you. You might not like me all that much, but I like you, and I don't want to see you hurt.”
Her lips turned up slightly, but she didn't smile exactly. “I like you too
, even when you are loud and obnoxious.” The smile that spread across her face was instantaneous. She liked me, and she admitted it. I may or may not have mirrored the smile she gave me.
“I'm sorry. It's just been a long week.” She lowered her eyes and rolled her hands into each other.
“How is he? Your granddad?” I asked.
“He had a heart attack and is doing a lot better than I thought he should be. I just know that I'm going to have to move back to Portland sooner than I expected to help him.” Reaching for the bags, she started loading them into her arms. I reached for the rest of them, and for the first time she didn't object. I followed her into the house and stopped when she sighed.
“That's a first.” She chuckled and then walked into the kitchen. Her plants were in the sink and the rest on the counter with a towel under them. Ryan had moved them all into the kitchen to water them and had just left them there to continue as needed. I sat the bags on the table and set about lifting the heavy pots out of the sink.
“Where does this one go?”
“By the front room window.” Her small hand pointed toward the other room. We repeated the process until all of the plants were back in place.
“I should have left you a note,” she said. “Or called or something. I’m sorry. I left in such a hurry that I didn't even take my laptop, and my phone messed up so I didn't get any emails or messages. If you guys sent me one, I never got it.”
“It's fine, I'm just glad you’re okay and your grandfather too.” I turned to leave, but she reached out and stopped me, grabbing my hand. I turned around and found myself face to face with her.
“Thank you,” she said, leaning forward. She brushed her lips over my cheek and then turned away.
“Anytime,” I replied and headed out of the front door, a flush clearly on my face.
I was in my living room when I saw the dust rising as Ryan’s truck approached. I expected him to come in my door; instead, he went to Emmy’s. A few minutes later, I heard her laughter through the open windows on the back of the house.
“Do you see all those woods out there?” he said as he pulled her door open. “They are filled with bears.”
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