Never Forgotten
Page 44
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When we arrived at the hospital, Mom was waiting in the lobby in a wheelchair, looking healthier than she had in weeks. She blushed prettily at Dr. Riley, and I wondered if she wasn’t developing a bit of a crush.
I ran forward and hugged her, kissing her cheek. “Hi, Mom.”
“Meara! Kim!” she exclaimed, delighted. “I didn’t know you were going to come! I feel so popular. Here I was just expecting Dad, and instead I get an entourage.”
Dr. Riley squeezed Mom’s shoulder. “I would expect nothing less than a regal send-off for my favorite patient. Take care of yourself, get plenty of rest and fluids, and have an extra helping of stuffing today, okay? You are too thin, Sharon.”
Her blush deepened. “I’ll do that.”
Dr. Riley shook hands with each of us, wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving. I picked up Mom’s bag. “Can you walk?” I asked, uncertain.
“Of course.” She laughed and stood. “Dr. Riley is the one who insisted on the wheelchair.”
“Hospital protocol,” he said, winking at me.
“Thank you for taking care of her.” I sincerely meant it.
“It was my pleasure,” he said, and I think he sincerely meant it, too.
Kim and I climbed into the back of the truck so Mom could sit up front. I leaned forward to tease her. “What was that, Mom? Dr. Riley’s favorite patient?”
Mom blushed. “He’s a nice man, that’s all.”
I laughed. It wasn’t every day that Mom was embarrassed. I let it drop. The ride back was rather quiet. Mom closed her eyes and fell asleep. Grandpa Jamie put on an oldies radio station, a definite signal that he didn’t feel like talking. I was dying to compare notes with Kim, but we had to wait until we were alone. Unfortunately, by the time we got home, we only had enough time to get ready and head over to Evan’s house for dinner.