17. Difficult Choices
Claire awoke the next morning, with her strength returned. She sat up in bed, taking a moment to gain her bearings. She hated that she’d taken over Pat’s bed from him. Today she meant to change that.
The sounds of someone moving about in the house caught her attention. “Hello?”
Pat strode into the room, his hair damp from a recent shower. He wore his usual linen shirt. His hair had grown back, and she calmed the urge to want to reach up and touch the soft new curl against his collar.
“Good morning! You’re looking much better.”
She returned his smile. “Feeling much better too.”
“I spoke with Janie and she said that she’d stop by and take you to the doctor to get a check-up. But for now, would you like a cup of coffee or tea?”
“Coffee sounds delightful.”
“Okay if I put on some music? I like to listen to something fun and uplifting in the mornings. But if you prefer the quiet, your wish is my command.”
“Sure.”
After he left, the strains of “Build Me Up Buttercup” had her singing along with the tune. She pushed up from the bed, dancing her way to the bathroom. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she smiled at her reflection. Her hair shone as she ran the brush through it. She sighed with contentment. She may not be completely healed, but she had certainly moved past the worst of it.
The terracotta tile floor was cool underfoot, she slipped her feet into Pat’s large slippers. She shuffled into the kitchen with them, breathing in the heady coffee aroma.
“I hope you don’t mind. I borrowed your slippers.”
He laughed at the slippers engulfing her feet. “I don’t mind. But not sure how comfortable they are. Would you like me to go get some from the casita?”
She shook her head before grabbing a small blanket from a nearby chair and putting it over her bare shoulders. She let out a loud yawn. “Geez, how can I still be tired? I’ve done nothing but sleep for the last few days.”
“True, but that’s a healing sleep. Your body needed it. I’m glad to see the pink back in your cheeks. I think that you’re past the worst of it.”
“I sure hope so. That wasn’t fun. At least what I can remember of it. Can I help?”
“Got this, but if you want to grab some cream from the fridge, I’ll grab the cups.”
Claire took the cream and came over to where Pat stood. He stared into her eyes before taking his knuckles and gliding them gently down her cheek. “I was really worried about you. I don’t what I—” He stopped.
“Here.” He handed her a cup of hot coffee.
She poured some of the cream into the cup before making her way over to the table. Its warmth permeated her throat and chest. “Umm, this is so good.”
“It sounds like you’re making love to that coffee.” It was Janie’s voice.
“You don’t realize how much you love coffee until you haven’t had it in a while. But I hoped I wasn’t that crazy sounding.”
Janie laughed. “My lips are sealed. Enough coffee for me, Pat?”
“Sure, have a seat and I’ll bring it to you.” Pat poured more coffee into a cup and added some cream before setting it in front of Janie.
Claire noticed a bubble of jealousy rushing into her chest. So what that he knew how she took her coffee? Friends did that, right? But she stared over at Janie, her thoughts moving on a bad tangent.
Janie broke her thoughts. “You’re looking a lot better. I can take you over to the clinic and we can get you checked out. See how you’re doing and any other course of treatment needed. Oh, I brought donuts.”
She went over to her purse and grabbed a bag from Donas sitting next to it. “I know sugar is probably the last thing you need, but at our age, we have to celebrate when we kick any illness in the backside.”
Claire looked at the sugar-coated twists, but they weren’t appealing. “Thanks, but still not ready to eat much.”
“How about some oatmeal or some toast?” Pat inquired.
“Dry toast might be good,” Claire responded as he popped some bread in the toaster.
Janie took a bite of the donut before licking her fingers of sugar residue. “Okay, so we’ll head to the doctor as soon as you’re ready. Do you want me to go grab some clothes for you?”
Claire replied, “No. I’m feeling steadier on my feet. I need to give Pat back his room. I should change the sheets.”
“I’ll take care of that. Don’t worry about it.” Pat poured more coffee into everyone’s cups before setting a plate of dry toast in front of Claire. He opted for the donut.
Claire took a bite, chewing slowly. “Janie, thanks for getting my flight worked out. I appreciate your doing that.”
“All good. I didn’t want you to lose it, so I could change it for a nominal fee.”
“Again, thanks. I appreciate all you did for me.”
“Naw, that’s what friends do. Now, are you about ready to go get dressed?”
Claire nodded. She stood and Pat came from the bedroom with the pair of flats she’d been wearing the night she fainted. So much had happened since then and her mind struggled to remember everything that had transpired over the last few days.
“Pat?”
“Yes?”
“Was there something we were discussing before I decided to take a three-day nap? Sorry, my mind’s still a bit fuzzy.”
“Don’t worry about it. Whatever we need to discuss, we can do it later. Now, go get dressed so you can get to the doctor. I’ll feel better after they’ve looked you over and made sure you’re on the mend.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Claire waved to the pair and gripped the rail tightly as she made her way down the steps to the garden. Crossing over to her casita, she entered to find the bed neatly made. She went over and pulled one pillow from the bed. Sadly, it smelled of clean cotton. Pat must have changed the sheets before he made the bed.
She threw the pillow back onto the bed, before dressing into a sleeveless shift dress. She added a sweater but figured this would be easier for the doctor’s visit. Claire came out of the casita to see Janie wave at her from the stairs. “Perfect timing. I was on my way to see if you were ready.”
They walked out to where Janie’s vehicle sat. It was a short drive to the doctor’s office and soon she was in one of the rooms. After a chat with the doctor and more bloodwork, she was happy to hear that her lungs sounded clear. However, she was advised to take it easy for a week. As for travel, it was out of the question for now.
Frustrated that this meant another delay, Claire forced herself to be thankful. It could have been a lot worse. She could have ended up in the hospital. Thankfully, she’d known to take good care of herself and worked on her health. She should have noticed something was off with the way she felt. Or that with all the people who’d been coughing and sneezing around her, she should have done more preventative care.
Shoulda, coulda, woulda.
Why think of what might have been done after the fact?
Janie dropped her back at the house before saying she’d check in on her tomorrow.
“I’d give you a hug, but probably not a great idea,” Claire said.
“I doubt you’re contagious any longer.”
“Oh, shoot. I didn’t even think about Pat. He must think I’m a jinx. First his arm and collarbone, and if he gets pneumonia—” Claire clasped her hands in a praying motion in front of her face as a lump appeared in her throat.
“That’s the last thing he’d think. You could give him the plague and he’d be okay with it.” Janie twisted in her seat. “Claire, I hope I’m not speaking out of turn here. But that man adores you. I’ve never seen him so happy. He’s a good friend. Please don’t break his heart.”
Claire didn’t know how to respond. “I like him too.”
“But do you love him? He told me about the thing with his author’s name. Please don’t let something so minor come between you.”
“Trust isn’t minor. He kept it from me.”
“And I agree with him. I doubt you would have helped him if you had known he was a best-selling author. Would you have helped him?”
“Well, maybe. However, I doubt I would have given as much input as I did. But we’ll never know now, will we?” It was a poor comeback to the truth being spoken.
Janie’s brows knit together. “What else? Is there something you’re not saying?”
“I’ve been offered a job back home. It’s perfect for me. Did I tell you this already? The last few days are still a bit hazy.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve already told me. Here’s the thing. A job doesn’t sit up night after night, ensuring you’re okay. A career doesn’t take the fall and hurt themselves to save you. When I was younger, I thought life revolved around making my way up the ladder. Instead, I discovered that the ladder was only the world’s view of success. If I could go back, I’d spend more time with friends and family. Some are no longer here because I was too busy pursuing fulfillment. There’s nothing wrong with going after goals and dreams, it’s when they take the place of life. Pat’s perfect for you. You’re perfect for him. Don’t pass up the best perfect life for the faux one.”
A knot formed in Claire’s chest. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Tears sprung to her eyes.
Janie reached toward her. “Come on. Give me a hug. If I was going to get anything from you, I’d have gotten it by now.”
They embraced before Claire sat back, wiping the tears from her face. “Janie, thank you for being such a good friend.”
Janie smiled, also wiping tears. “I’m just thankful we got another chance to connect. Lots of times we don’t get one. Now, don’t overdo it today. Listen to what the doctor said and spend the next week resting.”
“It’s not like I’ve been doing much else since I’ve been here.” Claire slid out of her seat as she opened the car door.
“Hasta luego, eh?” Janie waved as Claire shut the door. She watched as Janie’s car disappeared down the road.
She needed to make a decision, and soon. But she knew one thing. Her mind had cleared, and she needed to find out from Pat about the picture in his office.
Because standing next to Pat in the picture was the man she’d planned to marry.
Charlie.