Page 33 of Sherry and Sunflowers
"What do you mean?"
"All she's told me is that they're running some tests and she has to go back in a week."
Ollie frowned. "What kind of tests?"
"Bloodwork is all I know."
"That could just be routine, right?"
Reaves shook his head slowly. "She was in there for a long time. And, Ollie… she's scared."
Ollie glanced over to where she and Zia were sitting with Callie on the loungers by the pool. Zia was gesturing wildly as she talked. Callie was smiling, leaning in as she listened. Alara was smiling too. But…
"You're right," said Ollie. "She's not really here, is she? She's got something on her mind. Something big."
"Exactly," said Reaves. "I'm glad you can see it, too."
"Well, whatever it is, she's finally on the path to getting well."
"I hope so," said Reaves.
Ollie scowled at him. "Don't you dare start thinking the worst. I know. It might look that way; I've thought it myself. But let's take it one step at a time. First, we find out what we're dealing with. Then we figure out how."
Reaves shot him a grateful smile. "Who made you a part of this we?" he asked with a laugh.
Ollie didn't even smile. "We both did when we were about five years old. So quit deflecting and go grab the burgers from the kitchen, would you?"
Reaves turned to watch Alara and Zia again before he went.
Ollie followed his gaze. "Zia still looks like she's in good spirits."
He nodded. "She is, most of the time. But…" He paused. "I think that's the thing that terrifies me the most, Ollie—she's scared too."
"Damn!" Ollie shook his head. "I didn't think about that. She's so bright and so much fun, but she doesn't miss a trick, does she?"
"She sure doesn't."
Ollie grasped his shoulder. "It's a good thing they have you now."
"But that's the thing. They don't. You know I'd do anything for them. I think Zia does too. But Alara's not ready to accept it."
"She will. She'll come around."
"What makes you so sure? I mean, I'd love to believe it, but…"
Ollie smirked. "I know you've told me a couple of times now to leave the subject alone. Let it go while you wait patiently for Alara to be in a better position. But it gets more obvious every time I see you."
"What does?"
"You, my friend, are a man in love."
Reaves let out a breath. Love was a big word—but he couldn't bring himself to deny it.
~ ~ ~
"Zia." Alara spoke sternly but kept her voice low, not wantingto draw the others' attention.
Zia gave her a guilty little smile. "I'm not feeding them, Mom, I promise. I'm just saving them some for later."
