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"We were just getting to know each other," Holly said smoothly, ignoring Eli's irritated expression. "Weren't we, Mrs. Donnelley?"
"You can call me Katherine, dear. Why are we all outside on the porch?" She waved her arms impatiently. "Into the house, everyone."
Eli looked even more annoyed. "Only for a bit, Mom. You need to get back to bed soon."
Katherine patted his arm and smiled at Holly. "He worries about me. He's such a good boy."
They followed his mother into the house, and the nurse held out her hand to Holly. "Hello. I'm Jessie, Mrs. Donnelley's nighttime nurse."
"I'm Holly Wilkes. Eli's friend."
"Nice to meet you." Jessie put her hand on Katherine's shoulder. "Mrs. Donnelley, I'm going to get things ready for you to go to bed. I'll see you in a little while."
"Okay, dear."
She followed Eli and his mother into the kitchen, and Katherine paused next to the fridge as they entered the room.
She stared intently at Holly. "Who are you? Are you my new nurse?"
"My name is Holly," she said softly. "I'm Eli's friend."
Eli ran a hand down over his beard as he studied their exchange. His entire body tensed, and the weary look on his face made her worried.
"Sit down," Holly told them. "How about I make some tea?" She looked questioningly at Eli. "Which cupboard?"
He gestured toward the one above the stove and sank down into a chair.
Holly filled the kettle and turned on the stove, then took down a pack of decaf tea from the cupboard. She lined up the mugs on the counter while she waited for the water to boil.
"Do you two know each other from school?" Eli's mother asked.
"Yes," Holly said, nodding. "From college."
"College? Eli's not in college," his mother argued.
"Not anymore, Mom." He reached across the table and took her hand. "That was a long time ago."
"I love your home, Mrs. Donnelley,” Holly said. “It's lovely."
"Thank you. "I..." She paused, then waved her arms, a look of frustration on her face. "Dammit! Dammit to hell!" She slammed her hand down on the table, her lower lip trembling. "I hate this."
"Mom," Eli said urgently. "Are you—"
"It's okay," Holly cut in. "It's really late, and I'm sure you're exhausted, Katherine."
"I am." Her shoulders slumped, and she stared down at the table. "I'm very sleepy. I think I'll go to bed."
"Mom, I have to go home." Eli's tone was soft and gentle as he spoke to his mother. "I need to get some sleep, but Jessie's here."
"Okay, honey." Katherine got up from her chair. "You go home and rest."
"Come on. I'll walk you to your room first."
Eli led his mother out of the kitchen, while Holly turned off the teapot and emptied the kettle.
After putting back the mugs, she peered into the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.
How had he managed to keep this hidden from everyone for so long? The entire time they'd been in the kitchen, the stress on his face had been evident. His whole body had tensed up the moment she'd offered to make tea, and the sadness in his eyes broke her heart.
