“Now you’ve got me concerned. I thought he was just a little down. It sounds like you’re really worried for him. What’s going on?”
“I don’t really know. He’s just moping around. It’s weird. He mutters to himself. He’s up late at night, pacing. And you should see his white whiskers! He’s not shaving every morning like he always has.”
“Oh dear. That’s not like him. He’s always groomed to perfection and has a plan for every day. What could’ve happened?”
“I’m not sure. I think it may have been something with a neighbor.”
“A neighbor? I can’t think of anyone who would upset him to this point. Can you?”
Ruth adjusted her posture and stuffed a pillow behind her back. “Maybe. Have you met the woman from one street over? I’m not sure which house she lives in, but she’s very beautiful. She has long white hair and dresses like Jackie O.”
“Huh? I don’t think I’ve seen any neighbors like that. But if she broke his heart, we have to snap him out of it. Do you think they were having a fling?”
“It wouldn’t surprise me. He’s been alone for twenty years.”
“Yeah, ever since Mom died. It’s about damn time he got out there. But to get out there and get your heart broken? Oh, I feel so bad for him.”
“You know, it’s weird, but that neighbor said he called her after I called him crying. And about an hour later when I got here, she came over and we had tea. She made it with an actual leaf from a plant she had in her bag. And after that, I felt incredibly good. I thought it was just the chat and caffeine that perked me up, but that feeling of strength and vitality hasn’t gone away. When I offered Dad a cup, he looked like he’d seen a ghost.”
“Did he drink it?”
“No. He refused. Then he sent me shopping. He hasn’t been the same since.”
“This is definitely weird. Yes, come to Puerto Rico, and bring him with you.”
Ruth let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks. There’s a little something I have to do here, but count on us showing up very soon.”
“Just give me a call or text with your flight information. I’ll come and get you at the airport. If I can’t for some reason, Noah will.”
“That sounds good. I miss you, Kizz.”
“I miss you too, Ruthie. I’m so glad you’re coming. I can’t wait to see you!”
“Me too. Maybe Dad will snap out of his depression down there.”
“He was perfectly fine when he was here last week. In fact, he seemed to really like it here. I think it will do him good to get away from whatever it is up there that’s bothering him.”
“I agree. Let’s figure out a way to get him to come with me, and if I have to, I’ll ask for help to kidnap him.”
Kizzy laughed. “Well, you sound great. And soon, I hope all three of you will be here!”
* * *
“Your idea was a bust, Fate.”
“What idea?”
“The Wiccan priest you fixed me up with. At first, he seemed nice—a little old-fashioned, but not in a bad way. Then he began telling me how he and his friends worship me. Did you know they bring me food and wine, then eat and drink it themselves?”
Fate rolled her eyes. “Talk about old-fashioned. Bringing an offering is a custom from ancient pagan times.”
“Well, whatever it was, Pan showed up and ruined everything.”
Fate shrugged. “Hey, if it’s meant to be…”
“Stop. I don’t want to hear it!”
“Look, it’s not as bad as all that. It was only your first try. There’s a saying, ‘You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.’”
