Page 90 of Sterling Stone

He rolls to his side, and I rub his back like Trudy used to do for me. And I once did for Jolene. He instantly closes his eyes.

Even after I’m certain Simon is sleeping, I sit on the edge of the bed, marveling at how people can come into your life at odd times, and loving them becomes as easy as if they’ve always been there.

And while my thoughts are full of Simon, I realize I also might mean Stone.

Flagpoles, allowing you to flap and flit with the wind, but holding tight during the roughest storms.

32

[Taxi]

Trudy and I wait for her final discharge, which includes instructions about a strict diet, exercise restrictions, and a demand for rest. Stone said he had something he had to do and couldn’t get away, so I drove Trudy’s car to pick her up. I don’t want to turn Trudy’s return home into a house party anyway. She’ll want to fuss, treating people like guests instead of letting people treat her like the guest of honor. She’d never sit still, thus wear herself out, so her welcome home is only going to include Judd, Simon, and me.

However, when Trudy and I pull up to her house, I’m the one treated with a surprise.

Gloria, my 1970 VW Westphalia Camper, is sitting in Trudy’s driveway with the back hatch open, exposing the engine, and a man bent over like he’s inspecting the mechanics of the vehicle. The white topped, bright red bottom van contains all my worldly possessions, which includes my precious brushes and rollers, and a collection of denim overalls.

“What the . . .” Trudy whispers when I park next to Gloria in Trudy’s sedan.

Stone straightens beside my girl, while I set Trudy’s car in Park. Then he rounds the car to open Trudy’s door and offer her his hand.

“Why, Stone Sylver, you’re a sight for sore eyes, but my fragile heart isn’t sure I can handle a gift so handsome as you.”

My mouth falls open, and Stone’s cheeks turn pink.

“Oh my.” She turns and looks at the giant WELCOME sign hanging from the eaves. Her voice catches when she says, “My precious cottage.”

If Trudy starts crying, I’m going to be a mess. Not that she isn’t too strong for tears and always preaching a good cry clears the soul, but I’m feeling especially raw right now.

Aunt Trudy is finally home. Gloria is here. Stone is present. And Simon.

“Happy you’re home, Trudy,” Stone states, looping his arm around Trudy’s shoulders as an embrace.

This man will be getting more than a hug from me once I can get away from playing nursemaid, which I can’t and won’t do for several weeks. Trudy needs me. Simon, too. And I won’t let either of them down.

Stone helps Trudy toward the front door while I linger behind, turning to glance back at my van again.

She’s a sight for sore eyes, but she’ll also be staying put for a while.

Simon rushes out the front door to greet Trudy, and she folds herself around him like the protective guardian she’s always been. Trudy is a superhero. Her hug is a giant cape of love.

With Simon’s arm around Trudy’s back, like his thin frame is supporting her larger one, he leads her toward the front door where Judd awaits.

Stone steps back to me.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper, more relieved by his presence than I ought to be.

“This is why I couldn’t go with you to pick up Trudy.” He waves toward Gloria.

“How did you get her here?”

“Remember when I asked you for your license plate number and the make and model of her the other day?”

The other day, when he asked, I joked that he was going to call her in to be impounded. He laughed in that hearty way he sometimes does. A drumbeat sound strangely matching the rhythm of my heart.

“I was hoping she’d arrive yesterday, but there was some kind of hold-up. Not ideal for your surprise to arrive at the same time as your aunt’s return home.”

I remain quiet, speechless really.