Chapter Seventeen #3
Nora cut her off with a flick of her wrist, carrying Fallon’s bag into the house, telling her, “We’re going to sleep in Art and Rudy’s old room.
” When Fallon opened her mouth, Nora added, “Two twin beds,” before pulling a face that made Fallon laugh.
In the upstairs bedroom, Nora turned to her.
“I know we have a lot to talk about, but I want you to know, I’m very glad you came. ”
“You’re right, we do,” Fallon said. “But being here with you feels…comfortable.”
Nora rolled her eyes. “Not quite the sensation I was going for, but given your injury, I’ll take it.”
Fallon smiled. “How’s your dad?”
Nora turned away, looking out the window. “Not good. Miserable, in fact, and making everyone else miserable too.” She broke off abruptly. “But he’ll be glad to see you.”
After Nora helped her unpack, they made their way downstairs.
Mr. Palmer was indeed glad to see her and stood unsteadily, putting out his hand.
It shook uncontrollably, and Fallon moved closer to take it.
Letting go, he said something, but she only understood about every other word.
“I’m sorry, sir. My hearing hasn’t been too good since the accident.
Could you repeat that?” When she saw Nora jerk her head around, Fallon crossed her fingers behind her back.
Mr. Palmer nodded and succeeded in speaking a little more clearly. “I told that girl to bring you around,” he said, practically falling into his chair. “I’m glad she finally did one thing right.”
Fallon saw Nora flinch, and the need to defend her rose inside. “Nora loves you, Mr. Palmer, and she’s here now to help take care of you when she could be back in Tucson, working.”
“Oh, sure. Nora is a good girl. Kinda headstrong, but she sure takes pretty pictures. Have you seen any?” He fumbled on the small side table, bringing out a copy of the Arizona Daily Star from last month.
“Yes, sir. As a matter of fact,” Fallon said, deliberately not looking at Nora, “I’ve subscribed to that paper for several years now.”
“You have?” Nora spoke for the first time since they’d come into the den.
Having given away more than she’d intended, Fallon worked to tamp down the blush threatening her cheeks. She started to shrug before a sharp bite of pain stopped her. “Yeah, well, it’s nice to know what’s happening in other parts of the country.”
“Uh-huh.” Nora was smiling as she took Fallon’s good hand. “Come into the kitchen and meet my cousin.”
After they’d chatted with Anita for a few minutes, Nora’s mother came in with some folded dish towels.
“Mom, you remember Fallon, my friend from Firecamp, don’t you?”
Mrs. Palmer turned with a smile that looked remarkably like Nora’s. “Of course. It’s nice to see you again.” She extended her hand. Her grip was delicate in Fallon’s grasp. Her posture was slightly hunched but her movements had purpose.
“It’s nice to be here again, Mrs. Palmer.”
“Didn’t I tell you to call me Patricia when you were here before?” she asked with a playful lilt. It sounded so much like Nora’s teasing that it made Fallon laugh.
“Yes, you did. Thank you, Patricia.” Fallon glanced between them. “If you all don’t mind me asking, did Mr. Palmer have a stroke?”
Nora shook her head. “They said not, but we’re still waiting on a diagnosis.”
“Did they say what else it might be?”
“It could be anything from epilepsy to some kind of infection. Maybe we’ll know more after the latest test results.”
They sat quietly for a moment. Then Patricia offered them lemonade, but Fallon declined. “I’m sure it’s delicious, but I think I’d like to go lie down for a few minutes. That drive kinda wore me out.”
Nora stood quickly. “Of course. Let me help you.”
“I’m fine,” Fallon said, but Nora was already taking her arm.
They walked through the den where Mr. Palmer was snoring. Nora glanced at her watch. “I need to give Dad his pills. Go on, and I’ll be right up.”
The bed was much more comfortable than the one in the hospital, and the next thing Fallon knew, Nora was kissing her cheek. “Dinner’s ready, if you feel like eating.”
“Oh wow. I’m sorry. I didn’t expect to—”
“Stop,” Nora said. “You don’t need to apologize. You’re recovering from a traumatic injury. You’re allowed to rest.” She indicated the door next to the dresser. “The bathroom is through there if you need to freshen up.”
“Yes, thank you.” Fallon eased herself out of the bed and moved toward the bathroom before she remembered the fuss in the restaurant.
“Uh, there is one thing. If you expect me before dinner gets cold, you might need to help me with these jeans. Tomorrow, I’ll wear sweats that should be easier to handle. ”
Nora regarded her for so long, Fallon didn’t know if she needed to explain more clearly or tell her never mind. “Did you honestly think I’d object to taking your pants off?” Nora said finally.
Fallon stifled a laugh. “Well, you’ll have to put them on again before we can go to dinner.”
Sighing, Nora said, “The things I sacrifice for this family.”
Fallon grinned and shook her head. She felt better already.