Page 100 of Greed

“No, trust me, it will go smoother if you just let him stay.”

“Are you sure? I have no problem hauling his ass out of here.” The woman crossed her arms over her chest and stared at Riker.

Minetta smiled at the nurse. “No, really, it’s okay.” She glared up at him. “I’ll deal with him.”

“Alright then, but you're both out of here if there is any more commotion.” The nurse stomped off and ordered the other residents back into their rooms.

Grabbing Riker’s arm, she pulled him into the room and closed the door. “What the hell are you doing here?” He laid his hands on her shoulders, and she jerked away. “Don’t touch me,” she whispered harshly.

“Minny, I didn’t sleep with Skye. I know that’s what you think, I know that’s what she led you to believe, but I need you to trust me. Nothing happened.”

“You really expect me to believe that? Do you just happen to have all your friends over for shower parties?”

“Who…” Minetta looked to see her mom shuffle closer. She sighed and rubbed her face.

“Riker, this is not the place or the time for this conversation.” She left him at the door and made her way to her mom. “Hey, mom, everything is okay. You don’t have to be scared.”

“You, you,” her mother said, her arm raised to point at Riker.

“This is a friend of mine. He isn’t staying,” Minetta said. She patted her mom’s hand as she linked their arms together and started to guide her to her chair, but her mom tugged against her.

Her mom pointed at Riker again. “Angel,” her mother said, and Minetta froze.

“What did you say?” Minetta stared at her mother’s face, but her eyes were trained on Riker.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Johnson.” Riker slowly walked toward them, and as he did, tears burst forth from her mother’s eyes. Unhooking her arm, Minny watched with fascination as her mother, who hadn’t recognized anyone for years, reached for Riker. Her mouth fell open as her mother wrapped her arms around Riker.

“Have you come to take me home,” her mother asked, the first full sentence she’d spoken in years, and it was her turn to cover her mouth and blink away tears.

“Soon. You will go home soon, but not today. Today we are here to visit,” Riker said, his voice soft and calm as he stroked the grey braid laying on her mother’s back. “Would you like the chance to speak to your daughter, to say a proper goodbye?”

“Yes, the fog…it’s clear. Am I going to be alright, or am I dying?”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Johnson. I don’t have the power to heal you, but I can give you some time with your daughter to say what you want to say before you travel home to see your husband.”

Minetta sniffled and wiped at the rampant tears running down her face. How did he always have the power to melt her heart, even when she wanted to punch him in the face? Her mom reached up and gripped Riker’s cheeks in her hands.

“Thank you, dear boy. I’ve been waiting for you.” Her mom turned and looked at her, and she couldn’t hold it back anymore as she stared into eyes that actually saw her. “Look at you, sweet girl, you’re so grown up. So beautiful.”

Minetta rushed forward and gripped her mother in a tight embrace. “I’ve missed you so much, mom. There is so much I want to tell you, so much that has happened. I…I don’t even know where to start.” Her mom pulled back, and they laughed. “Here.” Minetta grabbed the box of tissues and held the box out for her mom to take some.

Minny watched as she dabbed at her eyes. She’d always been so proper, so lady-like. Minetta and her dad always had so much fun poking at her mom and how everything had to be perfect. Not in a mean or snobbish way. She just had a particular way of doing everything.

“Well, for starters, why don’t you tell me where you happened to meet this handsome angel? Good choice, my baby girl.”

Minny’s eyes locked with Riker’s, and the kindness she saw in his face broke her all over again. She mouthed thank you, and he gave her a wink. “Would you ladies like to sit in the garden? It’s lovely right now.”

“Now that sounds wonderful. Can we, Minny?”

“Of course, mom, let me get you your sweater and slippers first.” She rushed around the room and gathered her mother’s things before holding out her elbow for her mom to take.

Her mom blushed a bright pink and looked up at Riker. “Would you mind taking me down to the garden? It will drive all the other women here crazy that I have such a stud on my arm.”

“Mom,” she said and laughed as Riker smiled wide.

“I would be honored.” He stepped up beside her and held out his arm like a true gentleman. “Now tell me, Mrs. Johnson, how naughty was Minny as a little girl?”

“Oh, do I have stories for you. She wasn’t always so sweet and innocent, don’t let that smile fool you.”