6. Friends to the Rescue
Upon Claire’s return to the house later that day, she pulled the items together to wash his hair. Once everything was in order, she poked her head into Pat’s bedroom. There, she discovered Pat sitting on the edge of the bed.
Claire huffed, “I told you to call me! I would’ve come to help you up.”
“You can’t do that forever. However, I find it’s a bit more difficult than expected. Sitting here, I’m feeling woozy, like my balance is off.”
“Exactly why you don’t want to do this. But don’t worry about it. I’ve got you.” She reached over to help him up, pressing her body close to his.
“You smell nice.”
“Don’t change the subject. You could have caused another jaunt to the hospital.”
“Sorry.”
“Just don’t do it again. Now, do you feel stable enough to stand up?”
He nodded, grimacing.
“Still hurting? Once we get you into the living room, I’ll see when you can have your next dose of pain pills.”
Claire stood with planted feet to steady him against her side. He was right. Even though she was fairly strong, she wouldn’t be able to hold him if he fell. “Ready?” He nodded his okay to move forward. They shuffled into the dining room, where Claire had already set up a chair with a large bowl on the table.
She maneuvered him toward the chair, bending with him as he grasped the chair back. “If you sit sideways, you can hold on to the chair back with your good arm. Then we won’t drip so much all over the floor.”
“You tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
He smiled at her, and she fought the urge to place her hand on his cheek.
Once he settled, she pulled a plastic trash bag from the counter. “This will help. If you’ll stick your head through this hole—”
He laughed, “You sure you’re not trying to smother me?”
“If I’d have wanted to do that, you’d have woken up dead.”
“Oh, goodie.” He winked.
She shook her head in mock disgust. “You’re goofy. You know that?”
“Well, if I recall, you dubbed me an old fool.”
She sighed. “Sorry. It’s what came to my mind in that instance.”
Her thoughts flew back to that moment.
Then you kissed me. Would calling him that again produce the same results?
Their eyes met and held. He had to be thinking of their kiss, too.
Claire cleared her throat before glancing away. “Look, if you want to be presentable before they arrive, I suggest we get to this.”
“I’m in your hands.”
After covering his shoulders with the trash bag, she pinned a towel around his neck. “Can you lean back against this pillow?”
He took his time, positioning his head over the basin.
She helped him to get comfortable. “Yes, that’s it.”
Using her fingers, she moved them through his silver locks as she poured warm water onto his head. “How’s that? Not too hot, I hope.”
He let out a long sigh of contentment. “No, it’s wonderful.”
“Good. You won’t have to stay like this for the shampoo part. Just tilt your neck back a bit and hold that washcloth over your eyes.”
He followed her commands as she massaged the shampoo into his hair. He moaned, and she stopped. “Are you hurting? Do I need to be gentler?”
“Absolutely not. It’s been a while since I’ve had anyone massage my head. It’s bliss.”
“Glad you like it. Let’s rinse this out now. When I put on the conditioner, I can do some more of it.”
The process repeated, and she massaged the conditioner into his scalp. It wasn’t long before she’d finished his hair. Dumping the water in the sink, she had Pat straddle the chair while she blow-dried his hair. “Have you ever thought of cutting your hair? Especially now with your arm being like it is in the cast with the sling.”
“No. When I decided to come here, I thought I’d let my hair grow. But I’ll do it if you will.”
“You want me to cut my hair?”
“I’m game if you are. We can each say how much. I’ll go first. Just below your shoulders.”
Claire let out a breath. That wasn’t so bad. “Well, I’d expect it will be at least four to six weeks for your arm to heal. How short do you propose for yours?”
“I’d even do a shorter cut. It’s not like it won’t grow back. What about the beard and mustache?”
She shook her head. “Oh, no. I love, um, I mean, it looks good on you. Makes you look distinguished.”
“Ah, distinguished. I like the sound of that. Okay, let’s set up an appointment for next week.”
“I have my dental treatment next week. But I guess I could do it before then.”
“Great. Now, I think we need to set the table before Steve and Gwen arrive. If you’ll do the honors, I’ll supervise.”
Over the next hours, they talked and laughed, sharing stories, and learning more about each other. Claire had lit the candles on the table when she heard voices at the gate.
“Hola! We’re here!”
Claire went outdoors to greet them. After washing Pat’s hair, she’d gone to the casita and changed into a red silk blouse and navy palazzo pants. She pulled her hair up into a bun and added red lipstick. Finally, she added some silver jewelry she’d loved.
Gwen met her on the stairs first. “Wow, you look stunning. Red is definitely your color.” She pressed her cheek against Claire’s in greeting.
“Thanks. Can I take anything?”
Steve joined them on the veranda, handing off a bag filled with wine. He gathered Claire in a side hug. “Thanks for inviting us.”
“No, thank you both. This is so thoughtful.”
Steve walked over to Pat and shook hands.
“How are you feeling?”
“Like I had a really bad fall.”
Steve guffawed. “You’re funny, Pat.”
As Claire watched, the guys talked about a recent sporting event.
At the kitchen counter, Claire and Gwen unloaded the bags of food. They put the items into bowls so everyone could enjoy some of each of them. Laughter flowed along with the wine as the couples shared stories. After eating, they made their way up to the Mirador for after-dinner drinks. Pat huffed about not being able to partake but the trio were adamant he should abstain.
Steve said, “Pain pills and liquor are never a good mix. And I doubt even I could grab you if you decided to take a spill on the stairs.”
“I don’t know whether to be frustrated or thankful for you all uniting against me. But I’m going with thankful.” He raised his iced tea in salute to them. “I owe you all a debt.”
Steve stroked his chin. “Hmmm, what can I hold over you?”
They all laughed. The night wore on as the couples chatted about all mGwenr of things. Tiny lights sparkled, as did the conversation.
Her eyes wet from tears of hearty laughter, Claire spoke, “It’s been a wonderful time this evening. The last time I laughed this hard was with my book club friends.”
Gwen said, “Oh, there’s a book club here? I’d love to get involved with one.”
Claire shook her head. “No, back where I live. It’s in Denver. We’ve all had trips planned or upcoming, so when we’re not all in town, we meet online.”
“Let’s start one here,” Gwen said.
“I suppose. But I’m only here for a short while.”
“No! Pat, tell her she can’t leave.”
Pat’s gaze met hers. “You heard her. Don’t leave.”
A lump grew in her throat. Thankfully, Steve cut in. “Did you come down for vacation?”
“Actually, to get some dental work done.”
Gwen responded, “I’ve heard good things about that. So far, haven’t needed it but give me the name. I’m sure we will. How’s it gone?”
“So far, so good.” Claire rapped her knuckles on the wood table. “I go next week for the procedures.”
“Oh, no. You both will be out of commission at the same time?” Steve chimed in.
“It shouldn’t be too bad. I chose to be put under. I tried it without sedation one time getting a tooth pulled. I pushed away so hard, I ended up sleeping the entire afternoon from all the stress. I figure why not do it there?”
They laughed.
Gwen nodded. “Makes sense. I’m a scaredy cat. Hate dentists.”
“Darling, I think we’ve overstayed our welcome. We should probably let them get to bed,” Steve chimed in.
Claire blushed bright red. Did they think she …they? “I stay in the casita.”
“Of course you do,” Gwen replied, before hiding a grin.
Oh great. She’d taken it the wrong way, which made it even more embarrassing that she thought that.
Gwen took Claire’s arm. “Let’s go down and clear up so these two old geezers can finish their chat.”
“Hey now, we resemble that remark!” Pat quipped.
Gwen chuckled before linking her arm through Claire’s. “He’s something, isn’t he?”
Something all right. Claire nodded.
Back in the dining room, Gwen scraped the plates, rinsing them in the sink. “So, Claire, you can tell me to butt out, but what’s the deal with you and Pat?”
”What do you mean? I’ve just rented his casita.”
“Um, sure. Then all the sparks flying around the two of you mean nothing.”
Claire gathered up the bowls. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“That guy is in l-o-v-e. It’s written all over his face. He can barely stop grinning every time he looks at you.”
“Oh, well—”
Gwen crossed her arms. “And it’s mutual.”
Claire groaned. “Is it that obvious? I mean, I’m not, I mean I like him—”
Gwen’s brow rose as she bent her head to stare at Claire. “You’re not fooling me, lady.”
“Well, like I said, I’m only here for a short time.”
“Maybe. We’ll see. I sure hope not. I think we could have a great time together and start the best book club.”
Male voices stopped their conversation.
“Got this old guy down the stairs safe and sound. Now, are you ready?” Steve swept Gwen up into his arms, dancing around the room.
“Yes.” She picked up her purse. “Well, we’ll be saying goodnight.”
Gwen hugged Claire and Pat while Steve stuck his hand out to shake. “Enjoyed it. We’ll have you at our place once things calm down.”
“That sounds nice,” Pat said, unconsciously wrapping his good arm around Claire’s shoulder.
Warmth radiated in her from his embrace and the simple, yet powerful, gesture.
She saw Gwen’s look. Was it that obvious that the two were smitten with one another?
“Keep us posted. We’ll come if you need us.” They moved down the stairs until they were at the gate.
Steve cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, “Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do!”
“Which isn’t much!” Gwen answered back.
The pair waved as Steve and Gwen exited the courtyard and closed the gate behind them.
Music played in the background as they faced each other. Neither moved nor spoke.
Finally Pat said, “I’m feeling a bit tired. Would you mind helping me into my bedroom?”
“That’s what all men say.” She winked.
“Oh, so how many men?”
She hesitated. “It’s what I’ve heard.”
“So what about now?”
“What do you mean?” She adjusted her arm around his waist as they walked to his room.
“Any man in your life now?”
“No. How about you?”
“No. There’s no man in my life.”
She burst out laughing. “Well, at least I know that now. Woman?”
“Only one.”
She jerked at his words. “Oh, I see.”
“I don’t think you do. But suffice it to say, I’m not ready to talk about it right now.”
“Okay.”
Claire managed to get him to the edge of his bed where he plopped down, groaning as he clutched his arm. “Let me get your pills.”
She went to grab his medication and a glass of water from the kitchen. Returning, he sat staring at the wall. “Are you sure you can get undressed and into your pajamas?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine.” He patted the ones that lay on his bed.
“Okay, well, I’ll say good night then.” She walked toward the door before turning around. “Oh, I forgot. I read the first three chapters of your book. It’s fantastic. I’m impressed.”
“Thanks. Now I just need to figure out the next plot points.”
“I have some ideas. Maybe they’ll give you some inspiration.”
“I’m open to hearing them.” His face grimaced as he pulled back his arm.
“It’s the least I can do. I feel responsible for what happened.”
“Only if we agree you won’t pay rent during the extra time.”
Claire grasped the doorjamb. “Even better. Now, don’t forget. If you need me—”
“Just whistle?”
She chuckled. “Oh, I love that old movie. ‘You know how to whistle, you just put your lips together and blow’ but in this case, I say use the cellphone next to your bed.”
“Maybe we can find it and watch it one night.”
“It’s a date.” She smiled, closing the door behind her. As she descended the steps, her thoughts went back to what he’d shared. Only one.
Yet there wasn’t any woman she’d seen around since she’d arrived. Of course, that didn’t mean anything.
So many mixed signals. So many emotions warring inside.
She went over, locked the front gate, and made her way back to the casita. Worried thoughts went through her mind. What if he fell and she couldn’t hear him? She had no desire to spend another night on the uncomfortable sofa in his living room. She did some stretches before falling into bed. Even with her tossing and turning, she soon drifted off to sleep with his words on her mind.
“Only one.”