“Hmm. Okay, Jeff.”
Oliver stepped off to the side and clicked into Matt’s number. Thankfully, his brother answered. “Hi, Oliver.”
“Hi. Listen, Mama was in the garden today and fell. She hurt her wrist and got a bruise on her forehead.”
“That’s awful. How is she?”
“Physically, she’s doing all right. She’s unhappy though.”
“You don’t have to take care of her all by yourself.”
“Actually, Matt. I can’t take care of her at all.”
“What are you saying?”
“I didn’t want my family to worry so I haven’t told you what’s happening at work.” As succinctly as he could, Oliver told him the details about the collective.
“Dear God in heaven. Areyousafe?”
“Yeah. But Mama should stay with one of you until this is over. In case there was a man here, which I’m beginning to think there was.”
“Of course. I want to help. So will Jenny. Should I come over to Mama’s right now?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“I’ll be there buddy. You can count on us.”
* * *
They’d waited for Matt to arrive, then Anabelle drove Oliver to her house. Rain drizzled onto the windshield and the wipers kept up their squeaky motion. When they arrived at her house, she said, “Come inside, now.”
“Yeah, I will. My headaches from the barbell incident finally went away but now I have another one.”
Anabelle wasn’t surprised. He’d been under stress since Finn was attacked. A month worrying could be overwhelming and the wear and tear on him was showing.
Once inside, he blew out a heavy breath. “Let’s have a drink.”
“No. Headaches and alcohol don’t mix well. But I’ll get you some ibuprofen.”
When she came back with it, he gulped back the pills. “Let’s sit for a while.”
They dropped down on her couch and she took his hand. “I know this is awful, but at least your mother’s safe tonight.”
“Yeah. I hate that Matt moved to Syracuse, but at least they’re out of the area.” He slid one arm around her and kissed her head. “You sure you don’t want to stop seeing me for a while? I’m not letting you go forever, but we could take a hiatus until this is over with.”
“Let me think about that. I’d hate not seeing you. Even for a bit.”
“Me, too.” He stared into her eyes. “I love you, Anabelle. I’ve known for a while so this isn’t stress induced.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She smiled. “I love you, too.”
“Now that makes me feel good. Really, really good.”
She stood. “Come on, we’re going to bed.”
“My head’s pounding, honey.”
“I’m going to give you a massage. It’ll help.”