Page 13 of Truck Me
Garret gives a single nod. “Got a car to work on. You can help.”
“Yay!” Rayne claps her hands and follows Garret out the back door and into the cold.
“He’s always been so good with her.” I glance back at Grams, and she is staring at the door they just left through. “Rayne follows him around like she’s his shadow. The bond they share is special.”
“What bond?” I ask even more confused about their relationship.
“Oh, I imagine it’s how they both came into the world. They both lost their moms as newborns. That’s not an easy thing for a child to grow up with. It’s what connects their souls.”
“I hadn’t thought about that,” I whisper. The way Garret looks at her suddenly doesn’t feel so confusing. Of course he’d feel a connection with Rayne with the way they both lost their mothers.
“How’s your father doing?” Grams asks before I can get too lost in my thoughts.
“Not good. Mom can’t handle him alone anymore. Not with Rayne, at least.”
“Then it’s a good thing you’re here.” She pats my arm before she turns to fill a mug with coffee. “Would you like some?”
“No, thank you. I’ve already had several cups this morning.”
She nods, takes a sip, then speaks again. “You’re one of those fancy hairstylists, right?”
I chuckle. “I don’t know about fancy, but yes. I am a hairstylist.”
“I hear Mrs. Engle is looking for someone to take over her shop so she can retire one day. Might talk to her about a job. That is, if you’re sticking around.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that.” Choosing to ignore her last comment, I add, “Well, I better head back. We need to get Dad to his appointment. Thanks for watching Rayne.”
“You’re welcome, dear. Glad you’re home.”
I smile with a nod and make my way back outside. The bite from the frigid air causes me to shiver, and once again, I wish I’d insisted a little harder on driving over.
Because now I have to walk past Garret’s house. Just knowing he’s in his garage, probably sweaty and covered in grease, gives me wild fantasies that make no sense. For one, he is not my type. And two, he’s been rude toward me, not once, but twice now.
I have no reason to be thinking about his hard body, big hands, or beard-covered face. But Lord help me, I am.
* * *
“I think it’s time we talk about full-time facilities for Jim,” Dr. Chiles says to Mom and me. He’s sitting behind his desk while Mom and I are on the opposite side. It feels a little like I’m in the principal’s office and about to be scolded. I’ve never been in a doctor’s personal office before, and it’s uncomfortable. “I’ve made a list of some great facilities that specialize in dementia for you to consider.”
“Absolutely not.” Mom huffs. “I told you I’d never put Jim in a home. I’d rather hire in-home help when the time comes.”
“I understand your hesitation, Lois, but his decline is sharp. It won’t be long before you can’t handle him at home.”
“I can handle him just fine.” Tears prick at the corners of Mom’s eyes. “I will not shove my husband in a nursing home. I can’t do that to him.”
“I’m sure you’re handling him fine for now. I know this is hard, but the day will come when he’s no longer himself. You need to be prepared for when the bad days outweigh the good.”
“I said no.” Mom pushes to her feet and shoves her purse over her shoulder. “I’m going to go sit with Jim in the exam room. I can’t listen to another word of this.”
She marches out, leaving me alone with Dr. Chiles. I let out a low breath and force a smile. “It’s going to take her some time to get used to this idea, and that Dad has made me his medical power of attorney.”
“I know this is tough for everyone involved, but especially Jim. The more his memory slips, the worse he feels. I’m going to start him on a new medication which may help, but there’s no guarantees. He’s expressed his desire to be removed from the home before he completely goes, but your mother has refused to accept that. I just want what’s best for everyone. I hope you know that.”
“I do. And deep down, Mom knows that too. She’s struggling to accept that we’re losing Dad.” My voice cracks, and I take a deep breath attempting to get my emotions in check. This is not the time to lose it.
“I know. This is a tough disease on everyone involved. You and Lois can get as mad at me as you need to get. I can handle it.” He gives me a gentle smile that suggests he’s being sincere.
“I’ve only been home for a couple of weeks now. He’s had some rough days since my return, but it hasn’t been that bad.”