Chapter 12 #2
She spent another two hours dealing with emails and phone messages and then met with Arnelle to go over several health-related items. Corey and Trish were at the top of her list for Arnelle.
“Trish has given me permission to confer with her medical team, which is very helpful,” Arnelle reported. “I’ve got a good handle on what’s going on and how we can support her.”
Maggie told her about the visit from DCS. “I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can for Lily, too.”
“I’ll consult with Trish and see what I can do there.”
“We need to arrange for transportation to counseling appointments so Lily can continue her therapy.”
“I’ll take care of that.”
They often sent residents to appointments via Lyft or Uber, and the fees came out of the program budget.
“Now about Corey,” Arnelle said. “We’ll need to get her into counseling as soon as possible.”
“Agreed.” Maggie handed her a list the hospital social worker had provided. “Here’re some resources.”
“We may want to look into hiring a part-time counselor so we can offer that service right here rather than sending people into town for it. It’s a safe bet that most of our residents would benefit from regular therapy.”
“I’ll talk to the bosses about that. I’m sure they won’t have a problem with it.
” Reid and Kate had basically written a blank check to give the residents everything they needed.
Although Maggie had created a budget for the program, they were willing to make additional funds available as needs arose.
They had figured there would be extras, especially in the first year.
“Corey will be discharged tomorrow or the day after,” Maggie said. “I gave them my number to call when she’s ready for a ride. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Sounds good. Congrats on the new niece, by the way.”
“Thank you.” Maggie showed her some new pictures Kate had sent earlier.
“She’s a beauty.”
“Yes, she is. The grandparents are arriving as we speak to meet her.”
“You should get out of here and go be with your family.”
“That’s the plan. See you tomorrow.” Maggie locked up her office and went to her apartment to shower and change clothes before she left for Kate’s. She stood under the hot water for a long time, letting it wash away the stress of the day so she could focus on her sister and the rest of the family.
Maggie wanted to show them a strong, competent woman who was adjusting well to her new life, not an emotional basket case who was forever bordering on the verge of breakdown.
She brushed her hair, put on enough makeup to conceal the dark circles under her eyes and got dressed in jeans, boots and a lightweight sweater.
With her purse, keys and phone in hand, she left her apartment and encountered the chatter and voices of residents having dinner in the conference room, which once again became a dining room at dinnertime.
Her inclination was to check in with everyone before she left, but tonight, she left things in the hands of her capable staff and got out of there while she could. The next crisis, she had discovered, was always imminent.
She’d received a text from Jill two hours ago, letting her know the family had landed at Nashville International Airport.
They would be settling in at Kate’s by now.
When she’d asked, Reid had told her the runway at Matthews House was too short to accommodate the private jet her dad chartered to bring the whole crew.
As she drove the short distance to her sister’s place, Maggie kept the window down and the music loud, hoping to reset from the difficult day so she could enjoy the time with her family.
In the driveway at Kate’s were two large black SUVs that’d been rented to transport the family from the airport.
Knowing their dad, he’d gone to enormous lengths to make sure their visit wouldn’t be a burden to the new parents.
Maggie went in through the mudroom and dropped her bag and keys on a bench before continuing into the kitchen, where Buddy’s mother, Miss Martha, was stirring a big pot on the stove.
“Now the gang’s all here,” Martha said, opening her arms to hug Maggie.
Martha, who had white hair and wise brown eyes, was one of the sweetest ladies Maggie had ever met.
She’d immediately made Maggie feel like a beloved granddaughter and was an extra mother to Reid, after having worked as his family’s housekeeper.
She had to be eighty-five by now, but you’d never know it to look at her.
“What’re you making? Smells delicious.”
“I whipped up a big pot of chili and cornbread to feed the troops tonight so no one would have to cook after traveling.
“That was awfully nice of you.”
“Truth be told, I also wanted to get a look at my new grandbaby. She’s a stunner.”
“She certainly is.”
“Your first niece or nephew, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Such a special time for all of you. How’s it going at the house?”
“It’s great. Something different every day.”
“It’s such a wonderful thing y’all are doing there. I couldn’t think of a better way to make that old house come alive again.”
“It’s definitely alive.”
Martha smiled. “Go on in and see your folks. They were asking about you.”
Maggie gave Martha’s arm an affectionate squeeze. “Always good to see you, Miss Martha.”
“Likewise, sweetheart.”
As she followed the roar of voices into the great room, she was nearly mowed over by four young brothers who rushed toward her as a group.
“Whoa, Nelly.” Maggie laughed as she wrapped her arms around them.
They all talked at once, bombarding her with news and laughter and boyish exuberance.
Her dad rescued her. “Boys. Give your sister room to breathe.”
The boys backed off, and Maggie stepped into the outstretched arms of her dad. He smelled like home to her and held her close for a long, perfect moment.
“Hi, Daddy.”
“Hi, Mags. So good to see you.”
“You, too.” She pulled back to look up at him.
Other than a few more gray hairs around the edges of his dark hair, he looked the same.
Growing up, her friends had always commented on how handsome her dad was, and at the time, Maggie had been revolted by that.
But now she got it. He was a good-looking man who seemed to get only more so as he aged.
Andi came over to join them, hugging Maggie. Her mom and Aidan came next, followed by Frannie, Jamie, Owen and Olivia.
“Where’s Eric?” Maggie asked.
“He couldn’t miss school, unfortunately,” Jack said. “He was super bummed, but it was the right thing with finals next week.”
“Aw, I’m so sad I won’t get to see him.”
“We are, too,” Andi said as she secured long dark curly hair into a messy bun, “but you’ll see him for graduation and then again for the wedding.”
“You look good, Mags,” Clare said. “How’s life in Tennessee treating you?”
“Very well, as you know, because I talk to you every day.”
Clare laughed. “You can’t blame a mom for asking.”
“Today was a bitch. I need a drink. Anyone else want one?”
“Sign me up,” Jack said. “Lead the way.”
He and Maggie went into the kitchen, where she poured herself a glass of wine from one of the bottles that’d been put on the counter and Jack got beers for himself and Jamie.
“How’s it going being a grandfather?” Maggie asked him.
Martha snickered under her breath.
“I’m adjusting,” Jack said. “Slowly.”
“Comes at you outta nowhere,” Martha said. “One minute you’re minding your own business, raising your family. Next minute, bam. You’re a grandparent.”
“That’s exactly how it happened for me, only I’ve got ten-year-old boys still at home.”
“Well, that’s your fault, my friend,” Martha said.
Jack laughed. “Indeed it is. They’re keeping me young, though, so there is that.”
“That,” Martha said, “is everything.”