“Hi. My name is Blaise. I’m in your wife’s book club.” Maybe not the exact truth but close enough without overcomplicating things. “Althea’s getting some rest but I’m here to keep you company and to read to you. I hear you like Louis L’Amour.”
A weak smile bent his mouth. “Nice to meet you,” he wheezed. “I do like him. Thank you.”
He didn’t need to speak, but she wasn’t about to tell him what to do. It was a nice room, private, with furnishings that could have easily been at home in a hotel room. She took a seat in the chair beside the bed, imagining that’s where Althea had been.
“Before I start reading, do you need anything?”
He shook his head. He already looked happier than when she’d first come in. “Althea’s a good woman.”
Blaise smiled. “I have no doubt about that, but I’ll tell you a secret. I haven’t met her yet.”
His smile widened. “You will.”
A nurse knocked on the door, pushing it open and wheeling a cart in. “Hi, there. I’m Debbie. Just here to do a quick blood pressure and check vitals.”
“Do you want me to step outside?” Blaise asked Lester.
He shook his head.
Blaise took out her iPad while the nurse did her thing. She took her phone out, too, and sent the group a text.Here with Lester now. Seems in good spirits.
She knew she’d probably get some responses but she put the phone away so she could start the book when the nurse left.
The nurse finished up, marking things down on Lester’s chart. Or at least that’s what Blaise assumed she was doing on the tablet that was attached to the cart. “All right, Mr. Anderson,we’ll leave you alone for a bit. Next interruption will probably be lunch.”
She gave Blaise a short smile, then pushed the cart out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar as it had been.
“Ready for me to read?” Blaise asked.
Lester nodded.
“Hondo Lane got to his feet…”
She read for a solid twenty minutes before taking a break and then it was only to take out her water bottle and have a sip. She continued on in the same manner, reading a while, stopping for some water, then carrying on.
About an hour in, Lester’s lids dropped and his breathing became very even. She stopped reading, expecting he was asleep. She sat very still, waiting to see if he’d sense she’d gone quiet and wake up.
He didn’t.
She closed her iPad cover and took out her phone to see if she’d had any responses. She had.
Paige was first.Thank you so much for doing this. Althea is very grateful.
Then Cece.How’s he doing?
Maude came after her.I’ll be there to relieve you at noon.
I’ll be in after Maude, Essie had texted.I’m making a small casserole for Althea, which I’ll drop off on my way to the hospital.
Blaise answered Paige.Happy to do it. Feels good to be useful.Then Cece.He seems to be doing well. Nurse was in to take vitals. He just fell asleep and I’m letting him be.She sent a thanks to Maude and to Essie,That’s so good of you. If she needs anything I can always stop on my way home.
The texts went on for a few more replies, finally petering out. Blaise opened her iPad and made a note of the page it was on sothat Maude could find where to start reading, then put her tablet away and sat quietly.
The soft hum of the machines was enough to lull anyone to sleep, although being comfortable enough in a hospital to get rest was something entirely different. She was happy to sit and keep Lester company.
Her phone vibrated. She picked it up and checked who’d texted her this time. Not the girls. Her son, Evan.
She’d missed his call.
