Off the Grid

I wish I knew. Lilac had been scarce all day.

“I’m sure she had to check in with the paper. I’m not sure how that’s going to work. I’m going to be down for at least a week while I finish healing.”

“It’s awesome that the paper wanted to do a paper on living off the gird. It’ll be great publicity for you.”

“If it still happens,” Thorn mumbled.

“You could always call. The sweet girl was so polite and respectful, I’m sure she’s only giving us time with you. I mean, it’s not like you’re dating. How is she to know the etiquette?”

“She saved my life, she can come and visit whenever she wants,” Thorn said, confused by the way a woman’s brain worked. How the hell did they live with all those unspoken rules?

“You should tell her that.” His mother pointed at him. “I need to get going. I just wanted to stop by and see you again to make sure you were actually on the mend and not just being a macho man like your father.”

“It’s not like it was a rattlesnake,” Thorn grumbled.

“Hush your mouth, before you bring bad fortune on to yourself. It was nothing short of the grace of God that kept you safe this time. When you’re out there in the woods so far removed from help you’re vulnerable in a way we aren’t here in town. I worry for you a lot and keep you prayed up just like the rest of my boys. Lilac Fehr took good care of you and I will forever be grateful. A woman like that is one you’d want to hang on to if you know what I mean.?

?? His mother winked as she grabbed her purse, kissed his cheek, and swept from the room in a light cloud of floral perfume.

Her knowing expression told him she’d picked up on their intimate relationship. What did I say while I was asleep?

“I don’t usually envy you, but I’d like to be alone with Lilac Fehr in the woods. She turned into a looker,” Caleb said.

Thorn growled. “Hey, have a little respect.”

“Oh ho. Yeah, there’s more than a teacher student vibe going,” Brock remarked.

“Look, I don’t need your shit right now. I got one more day in the hospital and then I’m going home.”

Caleb laughed. “You really think that’s an option? Mom is going to plant you in the guest room and drive you crazy while she helps you recover.”

“No way. Can I at least crash with one of you?” Thorn asked, not eager to go back into the house where his mother still suffered from empty nest syndrome.

“While either of us would be fine with it, you know darn well Mama Finch won’t allow it. She needs what she deems a trustworthy nurse to care for you,” Caleb replied.

“Shit.” Thorn let his head fall back onto the pillow.

A rap came on the door.

He peered up and grinned at the purple-tinged, curly hair that came into view.

“Can I come in?” she asked.

“Yeah, we were just leaving,” Brock said as he scrambled to his feet.

“We were?” Caleb asked. Brock elbowed him. “Oof. I mean, we were.”

Lilac smiled. “I didn’t mean to run anyone off.”

“Trust me, those two have outstayed their welcome,” Thorn drawled.

“Love you, too, Bro. Thanks again, Lilac,” Brock said.

“Ditto,” Caleb said as they moved around her and out the door.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to shut down the party,” Lilac said softly.

“No. I wanted to see you.”