Page 36 of The Lucky Heart (Jamison Valley 3)
Gigi pushed Jess into the room and the doctor entered behind them. At least I assumed he was the doctor based on his charcoal scrubs and the sterile package in his hand. He looked more like a Calvin Klein underwear model. His brown hair was tied back in a man bun and he had a devilish grin.
“Hi, Noelle. I’m Dr. Faraday. Sounds like we’re going to do some stitches today.”
Mom nodded and I hopped off her bed so Jess could take my place. He held her hand and started asking questions while the doctor worked opposite him to stitch up the five-inch gash on her arm.
“Do you remember what happened?” Jess asked.
She shook her head. “I must have tripped. Or got bumped. Sorry, I don’t remember.”
“It’s okay. What were you doing at the hardware store?”
“I was trying to find a little housewarming gift for Felicity.”
“That’s sweet of you, Noelle,” Gigi said.
“Yes, thank you, Mom.” She always had the best intentions. It was a shame that following through with them had so often caused her trouble.
“Do you know what you cut yourself on?” Dr. Faraday asked. “This is a pretty nasty gash.”
Mom shook her head but Silas spoke up. “I caught a glimpse of it from behind. She fell right into the corner of a big metal shelf. One of those little hooks they hang from the holes must have caught her on the way down.”
I cringed as he spoke, picturing Mom’s skinny arms grasping to break her fall, instead snagging on the hook.
“Okay,” the doctor said. “I’m going to order you an antibiotic and some pain meds. Once that numbing agent wears off, it’s going to hurt but I think it should heal up nicely with just a small scar. You’ll be good as new in a couple weeks.” He continued on with post-care instructions and risk factors to watch for seniors. When he was done, he stood and patted her hand. “If you need anything else, Gigi can track me down.”
We all said our thanks and huddled around Mom’s bed after Dr. Faraday left the room.
“Ma, why don’t you rest for a few minutes?” Jess suggested. “Be back in a bit to take you home.”
“And I’ll come over and cook dinner tonight,” I said.
“Okay.” Her eyes left mine to find Silas. “Thank you for bringing me here. I’m so sorry.”
He bent to kiss her cheek. “No thanks needed and no apology necessary. I’m just glad that I could be there.”
We all fell in line to give her a hug before letting her close her eyes and rest in the quiet room.
“Is she getting worse?” Silas, Gigi, Jess and I were congregated in the hallway. “She had an episode a little over a week ago, that night that we brought you flowers. I don’t ever remember them coming on so often. Has it been like this for a while?”
I hated that I even had to ask. If I had been more present in her life, I would already know the answer.
“If she is, she’s not telling us. I wonder how much time she’s losing at home that she’s hiding,” Gigi said.
“Or doesn’t even fucking remember,” Jess said.
“I think we should get some new tests done,” I said. “It’s been years. Maybe there’s something more that we can do for her now.”
“Agreed,” Jess said.
“I’ll visit with Dr. Faraday,” Gigi said.
“Sure you will,” Jess muttered.
Gigi grinned and winked at me. “Jess is a little jealous of Dr. Faraday.”
“Fuck that. I’m not jealous.” He crossed his arms over his chest with a harrumph.
I couldn’t resist. “He is so pretty. I volunteer to go with you when you talk to him about Mom’s tests.”
