“I hope it is too. I really like her, Ma.”
“You'd be an idiot not to, and I didn't raise an idiot.”
“No, you didn’t.” I get up and press a quick kiss to her head. Heading to the sink with our bowls, I quickly cleaneverything up and get the dishes in the dishwasher. Val texts to let me know she is on her way. While we were still at the hospital this morning, she said she was so worried on her day off yesterday and wants to come back today to help out with Ma once she gets settled. The friendship beyond just a caregiver and patient that those two have makes my chest ache. When she gets here, I'll run home for a bit to gather some things and make sure I'm ready to go back to work tomorrow. In the meantime, I make sure the hall bath I'll be using is clean and quickly put fresh sheets on the bed since I'm not sure when they were last changed. Then I hear Val coming in and greeting my mom.
“You can't say I don't keep you on your toes, that's for sure.” My mom's voice is rueful and apologetic as I come downstairs. “I’m so sorry for scaring you like that.”
“Eve, there is nothing to apologize for. I'm just glad you're ok.” Val's soft accent and low voice are so soothing.
“I didn't scar you for life?”
“Oh, please. I'm a nurse, my dear. It was scary to see you like that, but not even close to the worst thing I've seen. At least it wasn't something shoved into a hole it shouldn't be in.” My mom loses it laughing, and I can see the sly smile in Val's profile.
“You two are such trouble.” My words and footsteps into the kitchen bring their attention to me, and Val gives me a wink.
“It's better than being boring,” Val says immediately, and I chuckle.
“Alright, I'm going to head home for a little bit to take care of some things at the apartment and pack for a few nights here. I shouldn't be more than an hour or two. You both behave yourselves, even though I know you won’t.” Ishoot a wink back at them, kiss them both on the cheek, and head out.
When I get to my apartment, I check to make sure there aren't any urgent bills or mail, tidy up a little, and grab a small suitcase. I throw in a few clean work uniforms, regular clothes, toiletries, and I'm good to go. It's easy to wear the uniform to and from the hub, rather than changing there. If I had to complain about anything, there are so many times I've wished that there was a proper shower and locker room at the hub. With the hours we sometimes work, it would be quicker to shower and change there if I have somewhere to go right from work. It's not like I've been super social or anything since I've started working there, but it would have been nice. Now that Lyra is in the picture, I can see myself wanting to leave right from work to take her on fun dates.
As I'm gathering my stuff, my phone rings. I haven't checked it in a while, and as Seth's face fills my screen with his incoming call, I see that Lyra also texted back. I'll respond to her after Seth, and I take a deep breath before answering.
“Hey.”
“Ma said you had to head home for a bit to get stuff to stay there,” he says by way of greeting
“Yep, that's the plan. What's up, Seth? You ready to talk? Or are you going to lay into me for leaving her for a couple of hours with Val like she's a toddler in need of constant supervision?”
“I’m not going to lay into you. I think she was hoping I would call you to talk as soon as she told me I'd be able to catch you at your apartment just now.”
“So what is it you want to talk about?” I don't want to sound cold, but his reaction yesterday morning reallypissed me off, and it takes a lot to piss me off. Brothers have that way of needling right under each other's skin.
“I just want to make things right after yesterday. Look, I'm sorry about my reaction. I was half asleep, panicked because I'm not there, and a whole host of other feelings. If it's any consolation, Sienna ripped me a new one after we got off the phone.”
“I get it, ok? It still sucked though, Seth. It fucking sucks I'm here alone while you have your wonderful family across the country. You get to be out there, occupied with raising your kids and your busy job, while we’re here steeped in memories. It sucks that I have no one to share the load with. I could never think of Ma as a burden, but it is a lot between the stroke and now this. Having you lay into me like that made an already awful day 10 times worse.”
“Tar, I really am sorry. I know you're dealing with a lot, and I had no right to act like that. It was an awful gut reaction because as much as I love my life here, it sucks to not be able to be there sometimes and live so far from you and Ma. You're doing an amazing job looking out for her, I didn't mean to insinuate otherwise.” He sounds sincere but I’m not done.
“Do you know I’ve hardly dated since dad died? I’ve been so wrapped up in keeping me and Ma afloat that I just don’t have the emotional energy. I’ve finally met an amazing woman who sparks something in me, and I don’t even get to fully enjoy it. I want to date the hell out of her, but I’m constantly worried that something will happen with Ma, or that I have too much on my plate to be a good enough partner to her. Val is a huge help, but the moment I try to move on with my life, I have you on my ass for taking one fucking night for myself.”
He’s speechless for a minute. Then he says in a strainedvoice, “Taran, I’m so incredibly sorry. You deserve to be happy, and you deserve to move forward with your life. I know Ma doesn’t need 24/7 supervision. It was my stupid reaction. I’m going to be a better brother to you, ok?” His last word comes out choked.
“I think we both need to make more of an effort to be better brothers to each other and visit more, ok? Why don't you fly out soon? You'll feel better if you get to see her all recovered in person.”
“I’m looking into it already. I can get a few days off from work late next week to make it a long weekend. Sienna and I are looking to see what's going on at school for the kids, and whether we can pull them for a couple of days so we all can come. They're anxious about their Nana being ok.”
“That would be amazing.”
“So, you forgive me for being an asshole yesterday?”
“Yeah, dickwad, you're forgiven.”
“Thank you. So when I fly out, am I going to be able to meet this woman you want to date the hell out of, who brings delicious Italian food to the hospital? Ma was raving about her before she let me off the phone to call you.”
“That's up to her. She was really great about meeting mom under not so great circumstances, but we haven't even had time to check in with each other about where this is headed. I don't want to pressure her.”
“Where do you want it to head?”