Chapter 15
fifteen
. . .
Rachel
Iheld Mom's hand as the doctor walked in with a grim expression.
It turned out that was his natural face.
"Good news," he said with a face that wasn't singing "good news.
" "It wasn't a heart attack just some mild indigestion made worse by a panic attack.
I will be sending you home with some prescriptions for high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
You should check in with your general practitioner this week for a full physical. "
"We'll get her an appointment," I said confidently, but the truth was Mom wasn't old enough for Medicare, and she could only afford a crummy health plan that covered barely anything. I dreaded seeing the bill from this hospital visit.
"We're getting her release papers ready. Should be another hour. I'm glad this wasn't a heart attack," the doctor said and walked out.
I spun around, leaned down and hugged Mom. "You had me so scared."
"I'm sorry about that, sweetie. Your old mom ain't ready to kick the bucket yet. And I ruined your date." She smiled up at me. All the color and life had returned to her face. "What a looker. How was it going? Before I ruined it."
I thought about it for a second. "Actually, it was going pretty well, but you know, Mom, I've got so much going on in my life. I don't have time for—"
She squeezed my hand. "What? No time for some fun or a little romance? Nonsense." She sat up straighter, and the monitors beeped a little faster. "Where's Jack?"
"With Ronan. I better go take Ronan back to his car. You'll be all right?"
"Of course I will, and tell him thank you for me. It's a good thing you were with him tonight."
"I'll say." I kissed her on the forehead and walked out to the hallway. Jack was entertaining Ronan with a silly dance, and Ronan was tapping out a tune on his thigh.
I stopped and watched them for a moment. I didn't need five questions or an internet search or more dates. I just needed to see him with Jack. "Oh boy, Ray, he's more than a heartbreaker. He's the whole damn package."
A nurse glanced at me as I spoke to myself. She paused and looked back. "Do they belong to you? You are one lucky woman."
I smiled but didn't feel the need to explain that only one belonged to me. After all, let the nurse think I was going home with the green-eyed hunk at the end of the hallway. What could it hurt?
Jack spotted me as I reached them. "Mommy!"
I picked him up. "Shh, not so loud, Jack. Inside voice, remember?"
"Mommy," he said in a rough, spitty whisper. "Ronan and I were making music. He's going to teach me how to ride a horse."
I lifted my brows. "Oh, is that right?"
"Just as soon as your legs are long enough to reach the stirrups, buddy."
"Ronan, how can I ever repay you for your help tonight?"
The impact of his smile hadn't dimmed yet. I wondered if it ever would. "How about another date night?"
"I think we can work that out. I'll give you a ride back to your car. Mom's fine, but it'll be an hour or so before she's released."
"Good to hear."
We each took hold of Jack's hands and walked him down the hallway with the obligatory lift and swing. He giggled like a maniac. I was never going to get him back to sleep tonight. I doubted I'd sleep either.