Chapter Six
Jason
“That’s quite the pep in your step, Dr. Zmudosky,” Greta calls out as she leaves exam room two.
I smile. “Life is good.”
She hugs the file to her chest and walks down the hall toward me. “Something tells me this has nothing to do with your mother and everything to do with a certain green-eyed lady?”
“Maybe? But speaking of Mom, I need to head out. Her doctor would like a word with me, and he leaves in an hour.”
“Give her a kiss for me when you see her. Your mom, not—”
“Yeah!” I snap and peer around us. “Understood. See you in the morning?”
“I’ll be in a little late. Ana has an award ceremony in the morning, and my first appointment isn’t until ten thirty.”
“Student of the month?”
“Yeah.”
“Smart girl like her momma. Congratulate her for me,” I say and move toward my office.
Hurrying, I gather my things and walk into Mom’s doctor’s office nearly thirty minutes later. He gives me an update on her condition and how she’s adapted to the facility. Once we finish discussing where she’s at, he warns me of a few changes to expect in the next year if her health declines like the patients before her.
When we finish, my shoulders sag and I feel like the forty-two-year-old I am. I force a smile and wave hello to a few people I pass until I finally reach her room. After taking a deep breath, I knock. I set aside the knowledge of what’s to come and focus on the woman on the other side of the door. My mom is strong and capable for now. “Cross that bridge when you come to it,” I mutter to myself.
The door opens, and she peers up at me. Confusion gives way to recollection and then she pulls me in close. “Jason, honey! What are you doing here?”
“Hi, Mom. I wanted to come by to see how you’re doing,” I tell her and follow her inside. Her room is more of a one-bedroom suite sans the kitchen. Her bedroom and bathroom are to the left, and a small sitting area is to the right with a TV mounted on the wall. It’s not large by any means, but she’s happy with it. When the time comes to change the course of her treatment, her room will change as well.
“You’re such a good son, Jason. Always have been. I have a couple cookies I snuck out at dinner, would you like one?”
“Sure,” I tell her, even though my stomach is clenched with worry. She unwraps a napkin, and I smile. “Chocolate chip, my favorite. It’s like you knew I’d come by to visit.”
Mom swats my knee and chuckles. “Don’t sass me and eat it.”
“Thank you, Mom,” I tell her and take the opportunity to observe her while I’m chewing.
She looks good on the outside: hair brushed, no stains on her clothes, and I don’t smell anything foul. Today’s a good day, and I’m glad I stopped by to see her.
“How have you been, honey? I hope the drive wasn’t too bad.”
“No, it wasn’t too bad.” I search her face, trying to understand if she meant traffic or if she thought I drove the three hours from my old place. Not wanting to upset her, I leave it alone.
“You seem different today,” she says, and her eyes are clear as she studies me. “Have you met someone?”
Surprise fills me. Her mind may be going bit by bit, but her mother’s intuition is as sharp as ever. “Funny that you mention it, yes I have.”
“Well, go on. Tell me about this woman who’s worthy of your attention.”
I chuckle and tell her about Ava, leaving out our sexcapades the night we met. Mom smiles and her eyes brighten. She looks younger, and it reminds me of old times. I’ve always been close to her. She created a home and filled it with love, and it set a precedence for what I want in my life.
Maybe a life with Ava in it.
Whoa! Slow down, buddy!
“She sounds wonderful, Jay! I’d love to meet her if things go well between you two.”
