Page 61 of Sterling Stone

We exchange phone numbers, and I tell him I’ll call him with any updates. He offers to return after his shift.

I’m grateful he’ll be back, although I don’t want to be a burden. I’m set to argue that I can call him when I need a ride back to Trudy’s, but he holds up a hand, stopping me before I can speak.

“Just let me be here for you.”

The words stop me short.

Late in the afternoon, Judd and Genie bring Simon to the hospital to see Trudy. She woke up only once, earlier. The doctors have warned she’ll need plenty of rest at first. Then lots of home care, including rides to appointments and eventually physical therapy. It’s a lot to consider, and unfortunately, Simon hears the tail end of a conversation about next of kin and responsibility.

Judd suggests we all go to the cafeteria for a treat, although I’m not necessarily hungry, but I would like a minute with Simon.

Genie is also an artist, designing quirky calendars with fun, non-traditional dates in them, and she has a sketchbook with her and a set of colored pencils she offers Simon.

I sit beside him, silently sketching out an image while he attempts his own drawing on the opposite page. Judd and Genie sit across from us with Nolan strapped to Genie’s chest.

Judd and I are discussing Trudy’s future again, when I finally say in exasperation, “I’ll take care of it.”

I’m tired of hammering this point home with Judd. He’s an amazing human being who has been dutiful and kind to Trudy, but she’s my aunt. Judd also has a special relationship with Simon. The two are extremely close, so I know I need to tread lightly here. I just want Simon to know he’s loved by many, not just a few.

Suddenly, Stone appears at the edge of the table, looking refreshed in a pair of worn jeans and a beige, denim shirt that reminds me a little bit of his uniform.

“You’ll take care of what?” he asks, glancing from me to Judd and back.

“I’ll take care of her,” I emphasize. “Trudy.”

Stone looks at Judd, then me again, like he’s confused.

“There was just a little mix-up in Trudy’s personal information with the hospital. She didn’t have anyone listed as next of kin,” Judd explains.

I nudge Simon’s shoulder with mine. “And I’m trying to reassure my little man that I’m here to take care of Trudy. And him.”

I smile affectionately at Simon, who doesn’t look up at me. He’s been exceptionally quiet, which is understandable considering all he’s been through. Thank goodness he’s already in therapy.

When Simon doesn’t look at me, I glance back at Stone.

“There’s also a concern for Trudy’s ongoing care,” Judd explains. “Who will assist her with her personal needs, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy sessions?”

I turn toward Judd again, narrowing my eyes at him. “And I already said I’m here for them.”

Glancing back at Simon, he appears to be focused on his drawing, but his hand has stilled. I’m not comfortable having this discussion in front of him, and I cup his chin, gently turning his head so he’ll look at me.

His hair is dark, hanging longer in the front, and brushing the tops of his dark-framed glasses. He looks like a miniature Judd with his bright blue eyes and these glasses. He worships my old friend, but I’m trying to assure Simon that I’m family.

Simon doesn’t even blink when he says, “But you always leave.”

The words pierce my heart like a blade. Admittedly, we aren’t close. He came into Trudy’s life almost two years ago, and I’ve flitted in and then back out. It also hits hard that I’m trying to prove I’m stable when I haven’t done anything to show he can trust me.

For some reason, I glance at Stone again.

“Well, maybe it’s time for me to stay a while,” I say, directing my gaze back to my nephew of sorts.

Simon doesn’t respond, and I hate that I glance at Judd next for backup.

“Taxi wants to stay at the house with you and Trudy. Sounds fun, right, buddy? You’ll have Grandma Trudy home and Aunt Taxi there.”

Judd doesn’t sound overly convincing about my presence.

Simon shrugs, and I hate the dismissal. Hate that I really haven’t done anything to let this little guy see he can have faith in me.