Part 10 (1/2)
”Yes, you did, Greg. You had feelings for that gorgeous redhead on the very first day you met her.”
”No, that's not true. Besides, she was married then.”
”So? You can still love somebody, even though you know you can't act on it or tell them.”
Was Jane right? Had he been in love with Cynthia all along? Before he could come back with a zinger of his own, Jane had turned to walk away. Did Jane learn this wisdom through personal experience? He wondered who the man could be.
As Greg picked up his newspaper and began to read, Jane watched him from behind the counter. He could be so clueless sometimes, she thought. But in all fairness, why should he suspect? After all, Jane was 59 years old. But it had been a lonely life since her husband had died four years ago. Only her customers kept her going. Particularly the one she was currently admiring.
Greg was still reading the sports section when Jane delivered his scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and b.u.t.termilk pancakes. ”So, you're on your way to the hospital?”
”Yeah.” He lowered his voice. ”And I hate it.”
”Why?”
”I'm just no good at it. I never know what to say. The person is lying there dying and I'm supposed to comfort them somehow. Today one of our men is having surgery. But at least it's only back surgery. He's not likely to die on the operating table. Those aren't too bad. It's the heart surgeries and the terminal patients that get to you.”
”But you're so empathetic, Greg. I'd just tell people to shut up and get a life. Or at least make the best of whatever time they've got left.”
”h.e.l.lo?”
”Carsie, how are you holding up?”
”Hi, Grandma. I'm fine.”
”No, you're not. How couldyou be? Your wedding got called off. I'm sorry, Honey.”
”But I'm okay. Elmo just needs some time to find the best kind of medicine for his mother. Then we'll reschedule the wedding. It'll all work out soon.”
”Well, I hope so. But in the meantime, I want you to come stay with me for a few days.”
”Thanks, Grandma, but I need to stay here and support Elmo.”
”But Carnie tells me he's spending every waking hour in his study. And that he's totally ignoring you.”
”No, he's not ignoring me-he's just busy doing research. And that's good. Because the sooner he decides how to treat Mallie Mae's condition, the sooner we can get married.”
”I understand. But I really miss you, Sweetie. And since your sister moved out, I get so lonely.”
”I'm sorry, Grandma, but you know you're gonna have to get used to that.”
”But just think, Dear-being here with me would make the time go by faster for you.”
”I guess so.”
”You knowit would. And I'll even make a batch of my cherry divinity.”
”Now you're bribing me.”
”Well, is it working?”
”I'll talk to Elmo.”
”Great. I'll make meatloaf and yams for dinner.”
Her grandmother could be so pushy. And she nearly always got her way. But maybe she was right. A few days with Grandma Sylvia might do her good.
She found Elmo in his study, glued to his computer.
”Honey?”
Elmo didn't even look up at her. ”Yes?”
”Grandma wants me to drive up to Jefferson and spend a few days with her.”
”That's good.”
”So, you don't mind if I go?”
”Sure.”
”Elmo! Are you even listening to me?”
He stopped reading and looked up at her.
”I'm sorry, Baby. What were you saying?”
”Grandma wants me to go stay with her for a few days.”
”Well, that's fine. You should go. At least I wouldn't feel so guilty about ignoring you.”
”Yeah. You've dealing with enough guilt already. I don't want to add to it.”
”Then go to your grandmother's house. Stay a few days. Maybe it'll make us both feel better.”
”Okay.”
Elmo stood and took Carsie in his arms. ”I love you, Baby. You know that.”
”I love you too.”
After a quick kiss, Carsie went to her bedroom to back a bag.
On his way to the hospital, Greg called Cynthia's cell phone.