One Summer Night

by Gerri Hill

  She did not see Kelly until the following afternoon when she was just returning to her office after her last class. Kelly was heading down the hall with her arms full of books and papers.

  "Hey," Kelly said and stopped.

  "Hi."

  "How are you?" she asked.

  Jo noticed there was no smile in her eyes and none on her face. "I'm okay," Jo replied.

  "Good. Listen, I'm running late. I'll see you around,"

  she said and hurried off.

  "Sure," Jo called after her but Kelly was already out the door at the end of the hall.

  "Sure," she said again, to herself.

  Jo walked to her office, sat down and stared at the papers on her desk. Her assistant had been busy, she noted. She didn't care. She shoved the papers aside and rested her elbows there instead, holding her head. She missed Kelly, but it was her own fault. This was the way she had said she wanted it.

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  On Wednesday, Kelly was nowhere to be found, and by the afternoon, Jo went in search of her. Her office was locked and Jo went to find Susan.

  "I haven't seen her today," Jo explained.

  "Oh, she's here somewhere," Susan said, absently shuf-fling papers on her desk. "I think she has a friend in from out of town, though."

  A friend? Who? Jo willed Susan to continue, but she didn't, so Jo left her to her work and slowly made her way back to her office. She had mounds of work to do herself, but she didn't have the heart. Instead, she called Harry and invited herself over to dinner.

  "Jo-Jo, I'm sorry. We're having a dinner at the Senior Center tonight."

  "Oh."

  "I can always cancel," he offered.

  "No, don't be silly," she said.

  "Why don't you come over for lunch on Saturday? It's supposed to be beautiful weather. Maybe we'll take the boat out.”

  She smiled and agreed. "I'll be there in the morning,"

  she said as she hung up.

  On Thursday, when Kelly again did not come to her office, Jo walked down the hall to her open door. Kelly was typing rapidly on the computer but raised her head when Jo walked in. Their eyes met for a split second then Kelly looked back to the terminal.

  "What's up?" she asked as she typed.

  "I just haven't seen you all week," Jo said.

  Kelly's hands paused over the keyboard. "Did you think you would?" she asked.

  Jo was taken aback by her words. "I thought maybe we needed to talk," she said.

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  Kelly looked at her briefly, then went on typing. "I’ve been busy and no, I don’t think we have anything to talk about,” she finally said.

  "Susan said you had a friend in," Jo said, before she could stop herself.

  Kelly looked up again. "Yes, I do."

  She didn't offer more, and Jo didn't dare ask.

  "Well, I'll leave you to your work, then.”

  Jo cursed herself all the way back to her office and slammed her door once she got there. "Damn the woman,"

  she said aloud.

  Jo had sent Kelly away, yet she was miserable. She sat around daily thinking of Kelly, wondering what she was doing. And with whom.

  She did not see Kelly at all on Friday. Her class was surprised when she again let them leave early, but the truth was, she just could not stand another minute there. She had to get away.

  That night, she went out to dinner with Betsy and Janis.

  They went to Bonita’s, and she was again reminded of the first night she had been with Kelly. She cursed herself for her thoughts. Let it go, she told herself.

  "How's Kelly?" Betsy asked.

  "I imagine fine," Jo said.

  "You imagine?"

  "I haven't seen her much this week," Jo said.

  "Really?" Janis said, and her tone indicated to Jo that she knew they hadn't been seeing each other.

  "Why not?" Betsy asked bluntly.

  "Look, just how much do you know?" Jo finally asked.

  Betsy put her fork down. "We know about that night in June. We know about last weekend. We know you told her to get lost," she said.

  "She told you?" Jo asked, her eyes wide.

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  "Well, yes," Janis said. "We've talked."

  "Actually, we had dinner with her this week," Betsy said.

  "You have? I didn't realize you were such good friends."

  "Well, we do go to all the softball games," Janis said.

  "We've become friends."

  "She's not a bad person, Jo," Betsy added.

  "How do you know that?" she asked. "Do you really know her?"

  "Jo, you can't compare everyone to Nancy," Betsy said.

  "I don't compare everyone to Nancy. But Betsy," she said, leaning forward. "let's face it, Kelly comes with a reputation, just like Nancy did. Almost worse, in fact."

  "An offhand remark from Christy doesn't count. And you can't believe what Deb told you. Hell, she's got the hots for you. She'd say anything to get you."

  “Deb does not have the hots for me, as you so crudely put it.”

  “Of course she does. Why are you the only one who can’t see it?” Betsy shook her finger at Jo playfully. “And don’t think Deb didn’t know something was up with you and Kelly that night. Why else would she call you and fill your head with crap about Lucy?”

  "Kelly told you that, too?"

  "Yes, she told us everything," Janis said. "She needed to talk. She was hurt and upset.” Janis lowered her voice. "She really cares for you."

  "I don't want her to care for me," Johanna said stubbornly. "I can't go through that again."

  They were silent for a moment, then Betsy picked up her taco again. "Well, you don't have to worry about that now, do you?” She took a bite of her dinner. "I think things are over between you two, anyway. Right?"

  Jo didn't answer, just gazed thoughtfully at her friends.

  Yes, things were over, if they had ever even started.

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  Chapter Nineteen

  Jo slept late on Saturday morning, then took time to start laundry before going to Harry's. It was a beautiful November day, just like he had predicted, and she was looking forward to spending the day at the lake. She vowed she would not think of Kelly today, although she had had a restless night thinking about her. Surely, she could get through the day without doing the same.

  She listened to her favorite Elton John CD on the way to Harry's, driving with the sunroof open. Clear, blue skies overhead helped to brighten her mood and by the time she drove down Harry's driveway, she was singing.

  Parking in her usual spot she was surprised Harry was not sitting on the porch waiting for her, like he usually did.

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  She had picked up some things for their lunch, and she grabbed the sack from the seat beside her.

  The front door was open and she went in.

  "Harry?" she called.

  There was no sound in the house, and she assumed he had gone to the boathouse. She went into the kitchen and frowned. His breakfast dishes were still out, pans still on the stove. It was very unlike him to leave a mess. Putting the food she had brought in the refrigerator, she looked around, hands on her hips and then walked into the living room, thinking he must be outside. She looked out on the deck and saw him.

  "Harry!" she screamed as she ran to the door and threw it open.

  He was lying on the deck, his coffee cup shattered on the boards beside him.

  "Oh, God, no," she pleaded. She bent to him and heard his shallow breathing. Without hesitating, she ran back inside, dialed 911, requested an ambulance and then hurried back to his side.

  His hands were cold when she held them. "Harry, please," she begged. "Don't you dare leave me."

  It seemed like hours before she heard the sirens. She didn't know what to do for him so she sat beside him on the deck, in spite of the broken glass, holding his hand and stroking his face, talking softly to him.

  When the ambulance finally pulled up, she ran to the fron
t door and called to them.

  "Back here!" she yelled.

  They were on the deck in no time, gently moving her aside so they could get to Harry. "Just stand back, ma'am.

  We'll take care of him."

  She leaned against the railing, one hand covering her mouth as she watched them take his vital signs and give him 139

  oxygen. They spoke in low tones, and she couldn't make out all they were saying.

  "Ma'am, we're going to take him over to Breckenridge.

  You can ride with us," the young man told her and she nodded numbly, following as they carried Harry away.

  She sat in the emergency room for a full hour and a half before she heard anything. She thought she should call Betsy but she didn't want to leave, even for a minute.

  "Ms. Marshall?" a woman asked from the doorway.

  "Here," Johanna said, rising.

  "I'm Dr. Stewart," she said, and offered Johanna a smile.

  Jo took her outstretched hand but did not return her smile.

  "How is he?" she asked. She had no patience for pleasantries.

  "Let's sit down," the doctor suggested, motioning to the uncomfortable chair that Jo had been sitting in.

  "He's had a stroke," she began.

  "Oh, no," Jo gasped.

  "I'm afraid he's in a coma, Ms. Marshall. His vital signs are very weak. I'm worried about his heart. This has put a tremendous stress on his system, especially at his age."

  "What are you saying?" Jo whispered.

  She smiled, but Jo could tell it was forced. "I just want you to be prepared. He had what is called a cerebral embolism, resulting in severe trauma to the brain. The next 48 hours will be critical. We've relieved as much pressure as possible, but now we just have to wait."

  Jo rubbed her forehead wearily. "Can I see him?" she asked.

  "You can sit with him for just a moment," Dr. Stewart said. "Come with me."

  Johanna followed her to the Intensive Care Unit. All around were the sounds and smells of the sick and dying, 140

  and she squeezed back her tears as she looked in on Harry.

  He was very pale, his snow white hair blending with the sheets. He had tubes in his nose and mouth, helping him breathe, she supposed. She walked slowly to him and took his cool, limp hand.

  "Oh, Harry," she whispered.

  "I'll have a nurse bring you a chair, Ms. Marshall."

  "Thank you," she murmured, without turning around.

  Her eyes were fixed on Harry's face, which looked so smooth and peaceful. What was he thinking? About Beth?

  A nurse brought a chair for her, and she sat down beside his bed, holding his hand, trying to warm it. She looked up at the monitor above his head, keeping track of the slow beat of his heart, and wept.

  "Don't leave me, Harry," she cried softly. "I'm not sure I can make it without you.”

  Tears rolled down her face and she wiped them away absently. Her mind flashed back to some of their times together. She thought about the first summer she had lived with him and Beth, after her mother had been killed. He had taught her to drive the boat that summer, and they had spent endless days fishing and swimming in the lake. The next summer, he had taught her to drive his old Ford pickup, a four-speed with a temperamental clutch. He had stood beside her throughout high school, when she had run wild and nearly drove her grandmother insane, and he had proudly watched as she graduated college a few years later.

  All those years, he had taken care of her and protected her.

  Now, what could she do to repay him?

  "Nothing," she whispered. "I can't do anything for you.”

  She hung her head and sobbed, holding his hand to her face.

  "Oh, Harry."

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  She stayed at the hospital until nine that night, sitting with him for a few minutes at a time. Just before nine, a nurse touched her gently on the shoulder and told her it was time for her to go.

  "When can I come back?"

  "In the morning," she said kindly.

  Jo nodded and walked away, turning back once to look at him again. She stood in the parking lot and looked at the sky, trying to decide what to do. She should call Betsy, and his friends from the Senior Center. But even that was too much effort. Instead, she hailed one of the cabs lining the circle drive and sat mutely as she was driven back to the lake.

  The silence at his house was nearly her undoing. He should be here, she thought. She occupied herself by cleaning his kitchen and sweeping up the broken glass on the deck, but it was so quiet in the house, she couldn't stand it. She locked up quickly and drove home, dazed.

  Once home, she knew what she needed to do. Without thinking, she picked up the college directory, found Kelly's number and punched it out quickly. It was Saturday and late, and she wondered for one awful second what she would do if Kelly wasn't home. Or worse, if she wasn't alone.

  Kelly picked up on the third ring and just the sound of her voice brought a fresh sob from Jo.

  "Kelly?"

  "Jo? What is it?" she asked, concern in her voice.

  "I need you," she said softly, her own voice cracking.

  "What's wrong?"

  "It's Harry," she sobbed.

  "What happened, Jo?"

  "He had a stroke. He's in the hospital."

  "I'm so sorry," Kelly said gently.

  "I need you tonight," Jo whispered.

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  "I'm on my way," she said and hung up.

  A few minutes later, Kelly walked in and found Jo huddled in the corner of her sofa, her knees drawn up to her chest. Jo looked at up her, then let out her breath, sobs shaking her shoulders. Kelly sat beside her and drew her into her arms. Jo cried for a long time while Kelly softly stroked her hair, wiped her tears as they fell, and kissed her forehead gently.

  "He's all I have in the whole world," Jo cried.

  "Go ahead and cry. I’m here for you, Jo" Kelly said softly, and Jo cried harder.

  "He's not even trying to fight this. He's missed my grandmother so much."

  "What do the doctors say?"

  "He's in a coma. They don't think he'll make it," she said, burying her face in Kelly's shoulder and sobbing.

  "I'm so sorry.” Kelly held her close, stroking her hair until Jo had cried herself out.

  "Come on. I'll help you to bed. You need to sleep some, you'll have a long day tomorrow."

  Jo let herself be guided down the hall and into her bedroom like a child. She stood silently as Kelly pulled back the covers on her bed.

  "What else can I do for you?" she asked.

  "Oh, Kelly, please don't go. Please stay with me," Jo said and swallowed another sob.

  "I don't think I should," Kelly said.

  "Please."

  "Okay. I'll sleep out on the sofa.”

  Jo hung her head and felt fresh tears fall down her cheeks. She doesn't want me anymore, she thought.

  "What is it?" Kelly asked gently.

  "I need you," Jo said through her tears.

  "I'm here."

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  Jo shook her head. "I need you to hold me, to touch me,"

  she whispered.

  "Oh, honey," Kelly said softly and went to her.

  Jo wrapped her arms around Kelly's waist and held her tightly as Kelly's arms enfolded her, holding her close.

  "I'll stay with you. Come, lie down.” Kelly led her to the bed, and Jo sat on the edge and let Kelly undress her. Then she crawled under the covers. Kelly turned out the light, shed her clothes, and finally Jo felt her weight settle on the bed beside her.

  "Come here.” Kelly pulled Jo into her arms and held her, her hand brushing the hair from Jo’s eyes. "You'll be okay,"

  she whispered.

  Jo laid her head on Kelly's shoulder, cheek pressed against her breast, and felt safe. Her eyes closed wearily, and relaxed as Kelly's soft hands caressed her back she finally fell asleep.

  Later she woke with a start, still in Kelly's arms, nestled at her side. Her ne
ck ached. She looked at the digital clock.

  Three-fifteen.

  "What is it?" Kelly asked sleepily.

  "Nothing.” She sat up and moved Kelly's arm down to her side. "Your arm must be asleep by now."

  "What arm?" Kelly asked and flexed it.

  Jo was suddenly aware of their nakedness, and she settled back down, curling up beside Kelly again. Her hand moved under the covers and cupped Kelly’s breast, her thumb rubbing Kelly’s nipple lightly, feeling it harden against her fingers.

  "Jo?" Kelly breathed.

  "I want you," Jo whispered.

  "Jo, don't," Kelly warned.

  "Don't you want me anymore?" she asked.

  "You know I do."

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  "Then make love to me," Jo insisted. "I need you.” She raised up and found Kelly's mouth, kissing her tenderly.

  "Yes," Kelly breathed and pulled her close.

  Their lovemaking was quick and frantic, then slow and gentle as they took pleasure in each other’s arms. This was what Jo needed, what she wanted. She wouldn't send her away again.

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  Chapter Twenty

  Jo woke at seven and sniffed the air, smelling breakfast.

  She sat up, thankful that Kelly had not left. She wasn’t ready to be alone. She walked naked into the bathroom and took a quick shower before finding Kelly in the kitchen.

  She was at the sink washing dishes when Jo walked in.

  She glanced over her shoulder and their eyes met.

  "Good morning," Kelly said and turned back to the sink.

  Jo walked up to her and hugged her around the waist, pressing her breasts against Kelly’s back. Kelly turned around then and held her with wet, soapy hands.

  "Thank you for being here when I needed you," Jo said quietly.

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  "I want to be here for you, if you'll let me."

  Jo pulled away and looked at her. "I've just been so awful to you. Why do you keep coming back?"

  Kelly smiled. "If I told you the truth, it would send you running again."

  Jo looked closely and saw the answer to her question in Kelly’s dark eyes. Jo was frightened by what she saw there.

  She was glad that Kelly said nothing. She didn't want to hear the words. She wasn't ready yet.

  "I hope you don't mind," Kelly said, motioning to the stove where bacon sat draining on a paper towel. "You probably don't feel like eating, but it's going to be a long day."