"I most certainly do."
"I'll call you if there's anything to report.He’s moving around much better, I promise.Even promised to take me dancing soon, but we won’t take a single twirl until he’s fully ready."
"He’s so lucky to have you,” Claire said.
“I keep telling him that,” the woman said with a laugh.
“You’re a godsend, Carol.”
"Hey, how was Hamish's big shindig?"she asked.
"It was wonderful.He was man of the hour… in more ways than one."
The two women chatted for a few minutes before ending the call.Claire sat on the couch, struggling against a sense of helplessness as she replayed the conversation in her mind.Aside from a few minor details, they exchanged the same information every week.Carol truly was a godsend, handling all the things Claire would—and should—have been doing for her father if she hadn't moved away.Guilt twisted in her gut, steady and persistent like the rain tapping against the windows.She scrolled through the numbers on her phone, needing to hear the one voice that could always quiet her doubts.
"Hello?"he answered.
"Hi, Dad.How are you feeling today?"
"I feel wonderful.Fit as a fiddle."
"How's the back?And your knee?"she questioned, not fooled by his chipper tone.
"Not bothering me one bit."
"Don't lie."
"Well, it's still a bit tender but I'm feeling better every day.Should be back up on the treadmill in a day or two."
"Stay off the treadmill.I don't want you up on anything other than your pain meds for the next couple of days."
"How was the big soiree?"he asked.
"Amazing.I wish you could have been here."
"I've tried to reach Ham several times, but the man is never available."
"Oh, he's available,” Claire said.“You just have to be wearing a skirt to get his attention."
She and her father talked for half an hour, with Claire breaking the news of Hamish and Molly's tryst.Harry laughed hysterically when he learned the details.Claire didn't see the humor.
"Hamish is Hamish, my dear.He loves women.Always has."
"He's sixty years old, Pa."
"Only on paper, my dear,” Harry said.“In his mind, he just turned twenty-one."
"What would Mom think?Knowing her baby brother just bedded her daughter's closest childhood friend?"
Harry laughed again."Perhaps you should be taking notes."
"I’m sorry, what?"Claire raised her voice in shock.
"Molly and Hamish are out living life.You should give it a try."
"Iamliving life,” Claire said defensively.“I have an exciting job with a company I love."
"Yes, but you know the old saying—all work and no play…” Harry cautioned.
