“It’s okay, we’ve got it under control,” I said, hoping to defuse the situation.
Dad pursed his lips and then sighed.
“I know you do,” he said, patting my hand.
A nurse came in then to take his vitals. Lucah and I gave him some privacy and went to go get coffee for everyone.
“I didn’t call Hal,” I said. “Should I have?” It had crossed my mind, but I hadn’t thought about it seriously until just now.
Lucah thought about that for a moment, and shook his head.
“I can’t answer that. They were friends for a long time.” It was true. That one fight they’d had shouldn’t negate all those years. If I had a breakup of sorts with Sloane, I would still love her and want to know that she was okay.
“You’re right. I should call him.” This was going to be one of the most awkward phone conversations ever. I finished my coffee and then Lucah and I went down to the lounge for some privacy. I still had Hal’s number in my phone. I didn’t know why I hadn’t deleted it.
It rang several times and then went to voicemail. He’d probably seen that I was calling and wanted to avoid me. Fine. I left him a message saying that Dad had had a heart attack and that he was doing okay, but that he might need a visit from an old friend.
“I think he’d want you here,” I said before I ended the message. “How did that sound?” I asked Lucah.
“Good. I’m sure he’ll call you back.” I hoped he would. Dad could use a friend right now. Someone who understood what he was going through. Someone who could be a real friend. He owed that to Dad, after everything.
We went back to Dad’s room and found Mom re-adjusting his blanket.
“You’ve gotten a makeover,” I said. Dad beamed at me. He had on one of his button-downs, pants, socks and a nice tie.
“It’s strange how being in your own clothes can make you feel so much more yourself.” He closed his eyes and smiled. Mom looked down at him and I could tell that she was relieved to see him like this. It made him look a lot less frail. A lot less like an invalid.
Lucah stayed with Dad and I took Mom’s arm and led her into the hall.
“I called Hal. I know they had their issues, but I thought Dad might want him here.” I bit my lip. I should have asked her first. Shit.
She looked at me for a few moments and then nodded her head.
“That’s probably right. Your father misses his friend. They were so close. I miss him and Margaret.” Hal’s wife and my mother had also been friends, but the relationship couldn’t survive the rift between the two men. It was a shame, all around.
“It’s terrible to say, but this might help them start to mend things. Oh, I’m just so tired. I don’t even know what I’m saying anymore,” she said, putting her hand over her eyes.
“Oh, Mom. Is there anything I can do for you?” She was always so put together and composed that I didn’t often think of her as needing things from anyone.
I put my hand on her shoulder and she moved so she was leaning against me.
“No, no. You’ve done so much. Thank you for the clothes. I just need to get some more sleep and once your father gets home, we can go from there. I just want to get him out of this damn hospital.” My mother wasn’t a person who cursed. Ever. She thought curses were for people who couldn’t find better words. The sign of a weak mind.
“Are you sure? There’s absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Do you want me to get Sloane to make you a fabulous dress?” She laughed lightly and sniffed, wiping her eyes and then clearing her throat.
“No, even though that would be lovely.”
“She sends her love. Everyone came over last night when we got home and they stayed with me. I also have the feeling if I hadn’t told them not to, they would all be camped out here right now.” And then, as if I’d spoken the Devil’s name, I heard Sloane’s voice.
“Here you are. It took us forever to find you,” she said as I turned and saw her walking toward us. She had bags on her arms, and just behind her was Ryder, Chloe and Marisol. The gang was all here.
Mom snapped upright and smiled her serene smile. The smile she gave everyone who walked into her home. Ever the consummate hostess.
“Sloane, how wonderful of you to come. You didn’t have to do that,” she said, kissing Sloane on the cheek.
“I would have been here sooner, but…” she trailed off, not wanting to tell my mother that she was hungover. Chloe and Marisol looked a little smudged around the edges while Ryder’s eyes flicked around, as if he was having flashbacks. I was surprised he even agreed to come here, given his history with the place.
“Thank you all so much for coming,” Mom said, giving them all hugs, even Ryder. He hugged her back, but looked a little surprised that she’d done it.