Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 104657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 523(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 523(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
“Sally took my wallet. When is she bringing it back?” he asks.
“Who’s Sally?” I ask.
“That nurse with the nose ring.”
I look at the nurse without the nose ring.
She takes his fork when he hands it to her. “Thatcher, your wife has your wallet. It’s safe with her.”
“Dad, enjoy your bath.” I rest my hand on his shoulder and kiss the top of his balding head. A sheen of oil has matted what little hair remains. He definitely needs a bath.
When I make eye contact with the nurse, I realize enjoy might have sounded inappropriate. “What I meant was behave. Okay?”
Dad stares at the window. “That bird was here yesterday.”
There’s no bird.
“Love you,” I say.
He returns a slow nod, staring blankly at the birdless window.
As soon as I step into the hallway, I call Fitz. He doesn’t answer, so I call Jamie.
“Hey! How’s your dad?”
“Where’s Fitz?”
“Uh, maybe on his way home. Did you try calling him?”
“He texted me. What’s up with my new renter?”
“What do you mean?” she asks.
“Has she done something to my place?”
“I don’t think so. Did Fitz say something?”
“It’s what he didn’t say.”
Jamie laughs. “I don’t know what’s going on between you two. There’s nothing to worry about. Your new renter is lovely.”
“You’ve met her?” I press the elevator button half a dozen times.
“Uh, yeah. How’s your dad?”
“He’s full of shit. What’s up with the new renter? You’re all terrible liars. What aren’t you telling me?” I step into the elevator.
“Did you hear a curling iron started the fire in Everleigh’s house?”
“I did not. Quit changing the subject.”
“She lost her canary. Did you or your guys notice the cage when you went into the house?”
“Is that what this is about? Fitz is pissed because I suggested Everleigh stay with you, so he’s trolling me about my new roommate when there’s really no issue? Has Everleigh not moved out of your house?”
“Oh, yeah. She moved out.”
I step off the elevator and head to the exit. “How pissed off was he?”
“A lot at first, but he’s fine now.”
“Then why is he trolling me?” I look both ways and cross the street to my vehicle.
“Why does Fitz do anything?” She laughs.
“Well, I appreciate you taking Everleigh in. I felt bad for her.” I climb into my red Bronco, immediately rolling down my windows because it’s so hot.
“You did? Then why didn’t you suggest her staying at your place? After all, you were leaving for a month. You have two spare bedrooms and a she shed.”
“You know why I couldn’t offer her a place to stay.” I glance in my mirror and pull into traffic.
“I do?”
“Jamie . . .”
“If this is about your taking her virginity and then crushing her heart, that was years ago. I’m sure she’s moved on, and so have you.”
“Jaymes, she brought it up the night of the fire. That woman will never let it go. I hate talking about it. Everyone thinks it’s funny, but I saw my whole life flash before my eyes when I found out.”
“Will, that’s a little extreme.”
“It’s not. But whatever. Just drop it for good. Okay?”
“I’ll do my best. Just let me reiterate one last time: I really think she’s moved on. In fact, I think the two of you could be friends.”
I laugh. “Well, there’s no need for that, but I love that you’re a peacemaker. I’ve always said Fitz is one lucky bastard, and he doesn’t deserve you.”
“Aw, I love you. Don’t you ever forget that. Not now. Not when you get home.”
“Why do you say it like that?”
“I didn’t say it like anything. Love you. Gotta go. I have cookies in the oven for Fitz.”
“Is it wrong that I hope his parachute fails so that I can be there for you? Then you’ll make me cookies as a thank-you. If it turns into grief sex, so be it.”
“That’s probably why Fitz was reaching out to you. He wants to know you’re going to meet my sexual needs if he dies.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
Jamie giggles. “Bye, Will.”
I end the call with a big grin on my face. Why do I need a wife and children when I have friends like Jamie and Fitz?
Over the following weeks, my dad goes into skilled care, and I install grab bars in the bathrooms and a railing at the front door for if (when) he returns. Then we find a comfy leather lift chair for his room at the care facility. For now, I hope he’ll level out and be okay, but I haven’t ruled out moving closer, if he declines more and Mom needs me.
The drive back to Missoula is bittersweet. I’ve enjoyed spending time with my mom, even though she steered most of our conversations toward my love life. But I’m ready to return to work, my friends, and my house.
From the second I try to pull into the garage, the first red flag pops up. There must be ten thousand dollars’ worth of home gym equipment, including a machine cage, free weights, kettlebells, and medicine balls.