Page 62 of Sterling Stone

“I know it’s all still frightening,” I say, dropping my hand to brush back his hair. “But Grandma Trudy will be just fine.”

My voice lifts like I’m trying to convince myself as much as Simon. With a gentle tug at his long bangs, I try again. “You hear me? I’m here for you.”

Simon nods, and I smile weakly, because he doesn’t believe me. Not yet.

But I’ll show him.

I’ll show all of them.

I’m still shaken by Simon’s words hours later when Stone drives me back to Trudy’s house. Simon is going to Judd’s for another night.

Does he see me as a flight risk? Do I cause him the same apprehension I once felt?

Mama was unstable. Is that how Simon sees me? I don’t drag him on adventures. I leave him behind.

The thought makes me feel a little nauseous.

“Why don’t you shower?” Stone suggests, following me into Trudy’s living room.

“You sayin’ I stink, Superman?” I muster the energy to tease him.

Stone chuckles. “I’m saying, maybe wash off the day.”

His suggestion isn’t a bad idea. Today has been a lot.

The doctors in and out; nurses, too, then the social worker, and Simon’s visit.

I’m still troubled by my relationship with Simon, guilt hitting me hard once again. I don’t want Simon to feel uncertain or uneasy. Trudy is here for him, but I need to be more present as well.

When I return to the living room, I’ve wrapped my hair in one of Trudy’s scarves. I’ve had the reminder of Trudy tucked in my pocket because I gave her my scarf yesterday. Despite sitting beside my aunt all day, I still wanted this extra little piece of her close to me.

While I thought Stone would question the vivid fabric on my head, he doesn’t. He sits on the couch with his head tipped back against the cushions.

Earlier, I’d noticed how fine he looks in a tan button-up with a cowboy flare to it. Interesting color choice for a man who wears a similar palette in his uniform every day. He also has on faded jeans that mold to his backside and nicely accentuate the strength in his thighs.

He also looks tired. He’s driven me here and there, worked a shift, after sleeping on that lumpy sofa last night.

“You don’t need to stay,” I say quietly, feeling a pinch in my chest at the thought of him leaving. “I can use Trudy’s car and drive myself to the hospital tomorrow.”

Something in my expression causes Stone to ask, “What’s that look for?”

I shake my head. “What look?”

With the scarf on my head, and Trudy’s too-large-for-me robe over a night shirt that hits my knees, I imagine I’m quite a sight. An August night, after a hot shower, and I’m bundled up like an Arctic blast is about to hit.

Stone points toward my face and circles his finger in the air. “That look?”

“I left my van in Alabama, but I need to get it here somehow.” In my haste to get to Trudy, I left my van parked in the long-term parking lot at the Alabama airport. Seeing as I suddenly don’t know how long I’ll be staying in Sterling Falls, I want my Gloria.

He nods.

“And I have a mural I’ll need to reschedule.” Because, as I told Simon, I’ll be staying in Sterling Falls. While the time limit is undetermined, I’ll be here as long as it takes for Trudy to fully recover, like the doctors have promised.

My mind starts to race again, and Stone holds out a hand. “Come here.”

I take his offered hand, causing him to tug me down to sit beside him on the couch. With the sudden effort, I sort of fall into his side, and then just stay there, leaning against him.

“How are you holding up?”