Page 27 of Gary

She was ashamed that even now, she resented that phone call and was feeling horrible. Her body was still vibrating, and she could feel the imprint of his body against hers. She wanted to see him naked.

“Oh Lord.” She whispered. Shoving the door open, she got out and took several deep breaths, appreciating the chilly air wafting into her lungs before going to the front door to punch in her code.

Her mother was sitting around the kitchen counter, drinking tea, with a book opened in front of her.

“Honey, I did not expect you back so early. Would you like some tea?”

“No thanks.” She had hung up her jacket on the coat tree in the hallway. “Don’t get up.”

“How was the date?”

Turning away to get a glass of water, she took the time to steady herself. She and her mother had a very close relationship, but some things should remain private.

“Good.” Forcing a smile, she sat next to her. “He really can cook.”

Sharon eyed her daughter quizzically. “What do you think of him?”

Taking a sip of water to wet her parched throat, she took her time answering. “I think…,” she shook her head. “I think I am in trouble.”

“Oh honey.” Her mother reached over to clasp her hand. “That’s wonderful.”

“Is it?” She wondered. “He had to leave.” She told her mother about Gary’s father having cancer and being rushed to the hospital.

“Oh dear.” Both lapsed into silence as the memories of their own loss surfaced.

“I told him to call as soon as he hears anything. I am not expecting to hear from him tonight.”

“He might just surprise you. When do I get to meet him?”

Sadie shrugged. “Mom, we are not there yet. It’s…, things are happening too fast, it’s like it is spinning out of control and I want to slow it down. I think I am going to tell him that we should take it slow.”

“Or let nature take its course.” Sharon gave her a bolstering smile. “Your father and I met in high school, and we knew right from the beginning that we were made for each other.”

“That’s different.”

“Is it? You obviously have strong feelings for this man, and I would be right in assuming that what you feel is something you never felt before.”

“That’s the scary part.” Sadie took another sip of water. “It’s like something is sizzling between us that’s threatening to burst into flames. Oh mom, it’s scaring the life out of me.”

Sharon patted her hand, a benign smile on her lips. “Sounds very much like love, honey.”

*****

He found his uncle pacing the length of the private waiting room.

“Any news?”

“No.” Graham studied his nephew’s face. “Where were you? I was calling for ages.”

“I was busy. Didn’t hear the phone.” He muttered. Walking over to the table, he poured some coffee.

“Who is she?”

“None of your business…”

“She must be special. Someone you knew before you left? Or…”

“Or nothing. We are not discussing this right now. What did the doctor say?”