Chapter 23
[Taxi]
In the morning, Stone and I both wake, apparently rested, despite a lumpy couch beneath our sides. My alarm goes off because I want plenty of time to get back to the hospital.
Stone and I are quiet together, giving each other hesitant smiles. I give him privacy to redress while I use the bathroom, giving myself a pep talk about making it through another uncertain day.
While I refuse breakfast, Stone stops in Sterling Falls at his brother’s bakery, Curmudgeon Bakery, where he picks up muffins and coffee.
“In case you get hungry later,” he tells me, taking care of me in another small way. I’ve been solely responsible for myself for so long, his care and concern thrill me in a way that seems almost foreign.
We exchange phone numbers, and I tell him I’ll call him with any updates. He offers to return after his shift.
I’m grateful he’ll be back, although I don’t want to be a burden. I’m set to argue that I can call him when I need a ride back to Trudy’s, but he holds up a hand, stopping me before I can speak.
“Just let me be here for you.”
The words stop me short.
Late in the afternoon, Judd and Genie bring Simon to the hospital to see Trudy.
She woke up only once, earlier. The doctors have warned she’ll need plenty of rest at first. Then lots of home care, including rides to appointments and eventually physical therapy.
It’s a lot to consider, and unfortunately, Simon hears the tail end of a conversation about next of kin and responsibility.
Judd suggests we all go to the cafeteria for a treat, although I’m not necessarily hungry, but I would like a minute with Simon.
Genie is also an artist, designing quirky calendars with fun, non-traditional dates in them, and she has a sketchbook with her and a set of colored pencils she offers Simon.
I sit beside him, silently sketching out an image while he attempts his own drawing on the opposite page. Judd and Genie sit across from us with Nolan strapped to Genie’s chest.
Judd and I are discussing Trudy’s future again, when I finally say in exasperation, “I’ll take care of it.”
I’m tired of hammering this point home with Judd.
He’s an amazing human being who has been dutiful and kind to Trudy, but she’s my aunt.
Judd also has a special relationship with Simon.
The two are extremely close, so I know I need to tread lightly here.
I just want Simon to know he’s loved by many, not just a few.
Suddenly, Stone appears at the edge of the table, looking refreshed in a pair of worn jeans and a beige, denim shirt that reminds me a little bit of his uniform.
“You’ll take care of what?” he asks, glancing from me to Judd and back.
“I’ll take care of her,” I emphasize. “Trudy.”
Stone looks at Judd, then me again, like he’s confused.
“There was just a little mix-up in Trudy’s personal information with the hospital. She didn’t have anyone listed as next of kin,” Judd explains.
I nudge Simon’s shoulder with mine. “And I’m trying to reassure my little man that I’m here to take care of Trudy. And him.”
I smile affectionately at Simon, who doesn’t look up at me. He’s been exceptionally quiet, which is understandable considering all he’s been through. Thank goodness he’s already in therapy.
When Simon doesn’t look at me, I glance back at Stone.
“There’s also a concern for Trudy’s ongoing care,” Judd explains. “Who will assist her with her personal needs, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy sessions?”
I turn toward Judd again, narrowing my eyes at him. “And I already said I’m here for them.”
Glancing back at Simon, he appears to be focused on his drawing, but his hand has stilled. I’m not comfortable having this discussion in front of him, and I cup his chin, gently turning his head so he’ll look at me.
His hair is dark, hanging longer in the front, and brushing the tops of his dark-framed glasses. He looks like a miniature Judd with his bright blue eyes and these glasses. He worships my old friend, but I’m trying to assure Simon that I’m family.
Simon doesn’t even blink when he says, “But you always leave.”
The words pierce my heart like a blade. Admittedly, we aren’t close. He came into Trudy’s life almost two years ago, and I’ve flitted in and then back out. It also hits hard that I’m trying to prove I’m stable when I haven’t done anything to show he can trust me.
For some reason, I glance at Stone again.
“Well, maybe it’s time for me to stay a while,” I say, directing my gaze back to my nephew of sorts.
Simon doesn’t respond, and I hate that I glance at Judd next for backup.
“Taxi wants to stay at the house with you and Trudy. Sounds fun, right, buddy? You’ll have Grandma Trudy home and Aunt Taxi there.”
Judd doesn’t sound overly convincing about my presence.
Simon shrugs, and I hate the dismissal. Hate that I really haven’t done anything to let this little guy see he can have faith in me.
“I know it’s all still frightening,” I say, dropping my hand to brush back his hair. “But Grandma Trudy will be just fine.”
My voice lifts like I’m trying to convince myself as much as Simon. With a gentle tug at his long bangs, I try again. “You hear me? I’m here for you.”
Simon nods, and I smile weakly, because he doesn’t believe me. Not yet.
But I’ll show him.
I’ll show all of them.
I’m still shaken by Simon’s words hours later when Stone drives me back to Trudy’s house. Simon is going to Judd’s for another night.
Does he see me as a flight risk? Do I cause him the same apprehension I once felt?
Mama was unstable. Is that how Simon sees me? I don’t drag him on adventures. I leave him behind.
The thought makes me feel a little nauseous.
“Why don’t you shower?” Stone suggests, following me into Trudy’s living room.
“You sayin’ I stink, Superman?” I muster the energy to tease him.
Stone chuckles. “I’m saying, maybe wash off the day.”
His suggestion isn’t a bad idea. Today has been a lot.
The doctors in and out; nurses, too, then the social worker, and Simon’s visit.
I’m still troubled by my relationship with Simon, guilt hitting me hard once again. I don’t want Simon to feel uncertain or uneasy. Trudy is here for him, but I need to be more present as well.
When I return to the living room, I’ve wrapped my hair in one of Trudy’s scarves. I’ve had the reminder of Trudy tucked in my pocket because I gave her my scarf yesterday. Despite sitting beside my aunt all day, I still wanted this extra little piece of her close to me.
While I thought Stone would question the vivid fabric on my head, he doesn’t. He sits on the couch with his head tipped back against the cushions.
Earlier, I’d noticed how fine he looks in a tan button-up with a cowboy flare to it. Interesting color choice for a man who wears a similar palette in his uniform every day. He also has on faded jeans that mold to his backside and nicely accentuate the strength in his thighs.
He also looks tired. He’s driven me here and there, worked a shift, after sleeping on that lumpy sofa last night.
“You don’t need to stay,” I say quietly, feeling a pinch in my chest at the thought of him leaving. “I can use Trudy’s car and drive myself to the hospital tomorrow.”
Something in my expression causes Stone to ask, “What’s that look for?”
I shake my head. “What look?”
With the scarf on my head, and Trudy’s too-large-for-me robe over a night shirt that hits my knees, I imagine I’m quite a sight. An August night, after a hot shower, and I’m bundled up like an Arctic blast is about to hit.
Stone points toward my face and circles his finger in the air. “That look?”
“I left my van in Alabama, but I need to get it here somehow.” In my haste to get to Trudy, I left my van parked in the long-term parking lot at the Alabama airport. Seeing as I suddenly don’t know how long I’ll be staying in Sterling Falls, I want my Gloria.
He nods.
“And I have a mural I’ll need to reschedule.” Because, as I told Simon, I’ll be staying in Sterling Falls. While the time limit is undetermined, I’ll be here as long as it takes for Trudy to fully recover, like the doctors have promised.
My mind starts to race again, and Stone holds out a hand. “Come here.”
I take his offered hand, causing him to tug me down to sit beside him on the couch. With the sudden effort, I sort of fall into his side, and then just stay there, leaning against him.
“How are you holding up?”
“Like a ton of bricks ready to topple,” I openly admit. I feel shaken in all sorts of ways. Trudy’s health. Simon’s mental state. Stone.
“Understandable,” Stone chuffs. “What do you need to stabilize that pile for a little bit? A movie? A glass of wine?”
I softly snort. “Trudy does not keep alcohol in this house.”
Trudy is not a prude, but she preaches against the evils she’s seen caused by alcohol consumption, and she never had liquor in her home while raising other people’s children.
The thought hits me hard.
“Movie then?” Stone arches a brow, distracting me before my thoughts can take another detour into the past.
We both glance at the medium-sized television in the living room.
“Superman?” I question.
“What happened to alien invasions?”
A second passes before I remember the book I’d been reading when I first encountered Stone.
Daddy Dom Alien Invasion.
Since then, I’d gone on to read an entire collection of blue alien romances.
“Oh, I moved on to silver foxes.”
Our eyes lock, and the corner of Stone’s mouth twitches.
“As in shifters?” Stone asks, wiggling that arched brow.
“What do you know about shifter romance?” I tease.
“I’ve got a sister in a fake book club.”
“Fake?” I snort. “What’s a fake book club?”
“A group of women disguising themselves as a book club, meeting once a week over a yarn shop, where they drink wine, and the shop owner sells sex toys.”
My mouth falls open. Stone laughs.
“You’re totally kidding me.”
Stone raises one hand, palm out with two fingers extended, and places his other hand over his chest. “Scout’s honor.”
I grip those two raised fingers and tug. “I bet you were the best Boy Scout as a kid.”
Stone shakes his head. “Hate to disappoint you, but I didn’t need that organization.” He runs the knuckles of his other hand underneath his chin and scratches. “I learned what I needed to know by running wild on our property and in the woods behind it.”
Still holding those two fingers for some reason, I scan down his body, drinking in his broad shoulders and firm chest.
“Outdoorsman?” I question.
He shrugs. “Not as much as I used to be. Go on hikes when I can.” He glances across the room at the blank television.
I sense another story here, but Stone and I have had enough tough talks in the last forty-eight hours.
“How are you at technology?” I ask.
He turns his head toward me, and I nod at the television set. “You figure out how that works, and I’ll go see if Trudy has microwave popcorn.”
It’s late. He should go home, but I don’t want him to leave. Just like last night, there’s something about his presence that brings me comfort.
We’re both tired, but I’m also not ready to sleep. His rejection for something more last night was warranted, but I don’t know that he’d willing sleep with me again, coiled around me like a human security blanket.
After a squeeze on the two fingers I’m still holding, I release them and head for the kitchen while Stone reaches for the remote.
When I return to the living room with a giant bowl of popcorn and two cans of soda, Stone reads a list.
“We have Superman with Christopher Reeves, a true classic, or Man of Steel with some Henry Cavill guy.”
“Do not tell me you do not know who Henry Cavill is?” I add an mm-mm-mm to emphasize how fine that man is.
“Okay, we will not be watching Man of Steel,” Stone states, narrowing his eyes and scrolling back through the list of options.
“And why not?” I laugh, taking a seat a little too close to Stone once again and tossing popcorn into my mouth.
“Because my fragile ego cannot handle you drooling over another man with me sitting right beside you.” His eyes dance when he looks at me, but his smile is tight.
Jealous much? A little healthy envy is a turn on. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Mr. Sylver. That man is only a fantasy. And you are very real.”
As real as a dance in an empty bar and a kiss in a vacant hallway.
If I had a man who curled my toes when he kissed me, I might cling a little.
Aunt Trudy was ridiculous. I didn’t want to be a clinger like Mama, but then again, the situation with Stone is different. He’s been attentive and kind, respectful and present.
With a spark in his eye while he’s looking at me, I toss more popcorn in my mouth and chew, needing a distraction for my mouth, which might have already admitted too much.
“Delilah, you’re dangerous,” he teases.
I wink. “Just being little ole Taxi over here.” I smile, still chomping on popcorn.
Stone rakes his gaze over my position next to him. I’m on my knees, angled toward him, while balancing a big bowl in my lap.
And that gaze of his is a brush stroke of flaming blue, the incandescent kind that pops to life, hissing and dancing, teasing with heat and promises.
“Somehow Taxi seems even more dangerous.”
The corner of his mustache rises, his mouth slowly curling.
“Not sure I’m the only dangerous one in the room,” I whisper, keeping my gaze on him.
His focus falls to my lips. Unable to stop myself, I smile, taking my time to curve my mouth, dragging out his attention there.
Irrationally, I want to dump this bowl of popcorn off my lap and climb into his instead. My blood rushes faster, pulse beating harder. I want this man with something deep within me I can’t quite explain.
Stone swallows thickly, chuckles softly, and turns his gaze back toward the television. He clicks on Man of Steel, and we blindly watch a beautiful man act as a superhero, when a real one sits beside me.
Because Stone Sylver must be made of steel and iron and every other metal there is, holding him back from kissing me, when he knows I want him to kiss me again.
And I think he wants to kiss me, too.