you’re right. But I hate leaving her like this.”
“We’ll be back tomorrow. And the next day. And the next.” He started the engine then turned to her. “Suzy said her attitude will improve in a few days.”
“Suzy, huh?” Tori wiped the corners of her eyes, then blew her nose. “You two seemed awfully cozy.”
“We talked when we got the pie and coffee.” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t exactly call it cozy. But she did help explain things.”
“Well, I like her.” She grabbed a new tissue. “She seems so nice.”
She did. And not like the flighty woman he’d met only days ago. “She’s good at her job. And you can see that she’s good with people.”
“I feel better knowing that she’s watching out for mom.”
“I do too.” Despite her house and the disaster in the yard, she appeared competent. Friendly. And he wouldn’t have to worry about his mom.
At least not about the nursing care she was receiving.
“I TOLD YOU I wanted eggs over easy.” The breakfast tray clattered to the floor as Mrs. Stone swept it off the bedside table with her arm.
It had been a quiet night, Mrs. Stone falling asleep soon after her children had left. She was obviously making up for lost time. Suzy sighed and squatted to collect the pieces of broken china mixed with scrambled eggs and toast. She loaded the mess onto the tray and took it to the cart by the nurses’ station. She picked up the phone and ordered a replacement breakfast for Mrs. Stone: eggs over easy with wheat toast. Orange juice. Coffee.
The woman had ordered scrambled eggs, but Suzy gave her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she hadn’t heard right.
But she knew she had.
She returned to Mrs. Stone’s room. “I ordered you a new breakfast. Eggs over easy, just like you like them.”
“I’m hungry now.”
“It will only be a few moments.” Suzy checked the woman’s vitals and made note of them on her tablet. Her blood pressure teetered on the high side, but considering her mood, it wasn’t a surprise. “I’m going to deliver the rest of the breakfast trays and return with yours.” She started to walk out of the room.
“I’m sorry.”
It was so soft, she almost didn’t hear it. Suzy nodded. “I’m sorry too.”
By the time she’d finished her rounds and made notes on all her patients, Carly had arrived for the day. “How’s the new patient?”
“We’re waiting on a new breakfast tray after she threw the other one on the floor. I already put in a call to housekeeping.” Suzy shrugged. “I get it. She’s angry, but she doesn’t have to take it out on me or my clean floors.”
Carly put her arm around Suzy. “Don’t take it personal.”
Suzy shook her head and gave a wide smile. “Never do.” She brought up the main menu of her tablet. “Nothing new to go over. Besides Mrs. Stone’s temper tantrum. I spoke with her family, and they’ll be back later today to see how she’s doing.”
Carly nodded. “I get the feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of them.”
Suzy agreed. She had plenty of patients who saw their children once a week or once a month. Some who never had visitors. But Mrs. Stone would probably have more than her share of time with her kids. “I also had a call from Mrs. Stone’s supervisor at work asking if he could visit. He might be by at lunch.”
Carly made notes. “Any plans for today?”
“Besides sleeping?” She dismissed the niggling feeling that she should be cleaning the back yard. She still had time. Nine days. Plenty of time to get it all done, right? “I should probably do some laundry. A little grocery shopping.” She groaned. “Three more days, and I get a day off. I can’t wait.”
“Well, go get some well-deserved rest. I’ll hold down the fort until you get back.”
In the break room, Suzy punched out and retrieved her purse and coat. It was late September, so mornings started chilly. As she walked out the main entrance, she almost bumped into Will. “Wow, you’re early this morning.”
“Thought I’d check on her before work.” He seemed to note her appearance. “You’re just leaving for home?”
“Only a half hour past my usual time too. Let’s write the day on the calendar.” She crossed her arms. “You might want to tread lightly around your mom, she’s had a rough morning.”
“She’s never been a morning person. At least not until after two cups of coffee when the caffeine kicks in.”
“Thanks for the tip.” She stood while he watched her intently. She glanced behind her then touched her cheeks. “Do I have something on my face?”
“Pardon?”
“Was there something else you needed, Mr. Stone?”
“It’s Will. Remember?” He glanced at his watch then at her again. “Do you have time for coffee?”
She peered down at her scrubs. “I’m not actually dressed for going out.”
“I don’t care what you’re wearing. I was hoping we could talk. Even for a moment.”
She bit her lip and considered it. On one hand, it had been a long night and she could use the sleep. On the other, when was the last time an attractive man had taken her out for anything, even coffee? “Fine, but it has to be quick. I have a yard to clean up.”
He gave her a smile then led her to his truck. Once he started the engine, he glanced at her. “I really appreciate this, Suzy.”
“Sure.” She turned and looked out the window as he drove into town and to the diner. He helped her out of the truck then walked beside her into the restaurant. They could only find two open spots at the counter. “They’re busy this morning.”
“It’s blueberry pancake day.” He motioned to the waitress for two cups of coffee. “Would you like a stack?”
“I’m not much for breakfast in the morning.” She thanked the waitress who poured her coffee then added double cream and triple sugar. “But coffee? Now you’re talking my language.”
Will gave her an almost smile and stirred one sugar packet into his coffee. “I was hoping we could discuss how to help my mom.”
“Bring her some familiar things from home that will offer her comfort. Remember that she’s in an unfamiliar place, so that will help her find some peace.”
“Things like what?”
“Pictures. Favorite book. If she likes to do crosswords...” Suzy shrugged. “You know, things she
