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Gavin Jacks had taken a seat and made himself comfortable.
“Mr. Jacks, can I get you anything?” Mabel was staring at the man like she’d never seen one before. Which was weird since she was closing in on sixty and had been married for almost forty years. “We’ve got coffee and tea and bottled water.”
Gavin’s countenance changed from slightly annoyed to sunny in a heartbeat. “Dear woman, thank you for thinking of me. I would love some tea. Something herbal, if you have it. I find tea so soothing, don’t you?”
Diane’s frown deepened. “Are you a waitress or a nurse?”
Mabel didn’t look back. “I’m such a fan, Mr. Jacks. I’ve watched you for years. All of your shows bring so much joy.”
“Does Dale know?” Major couldn’t help but ask because he was with Diane on this one. Mabel was a perfectly reasonable woman, a practical woman who didn’t swoon at the sight of a man.
Mabel waved that off. “Of course he does. Gavin Jacks is my hall pass. I’ll go see what we have.”
Gavin stood and took Mabel’s hand between both of his, charm pouring off him. “I’m honored. Why don’t you show me where the break room is and I’ll make us all some tea? Perhaps you could check on our Brynn and bring us some news. It might ease her mother’s mind.”
Mabel beamed up at him. “Of course. Come with me and I’ll show you where it is.” She started down the hall. “And don’t worry about your girl. She’s in excellent hands.”
Gavin stopped in front of Diane, his voice going low. “Careful, darling. I can almost see an expression on your face. Wouldn’t want your dermatologist to hear about that.”
Diane practically growled his way. “Stay out of my relationship with my daughter.”
“I’m trying to ensure you keep a relationship with your daughters. Emphasis on the multiple. Think about that.” When he looked Major’s way, the amiable smile was back on his face. “Excellent work, Deputy. The wheelchair would have been far too slow. And congratulations on your speed. It’s easy to see why you looked so fit in your too-tight underwear. I’m going to gift you with some boxers.”
He turned and walked after Mabel.
“I have boxers,” Major said under his breath. “It was laundry day.”
“Don’t mind him. He’s cranky.” Diane turned back to the hall that led to the exam rooms, and for a moment Major was worried she would make a run for it. “Did Brynn seem all right? Is this Lila person competent?”
“She’s great. Lila’s smart, and she takes good care of every person who walks through those doors.”
“My daughter didn’t walk, though, did she?” A brow arched over her eyes.
“She’s in good hands.”
Diane turned his way. “All right, I’ll accept that. But she’s not in your hands, is she? You dumped her.”
“I didn’t dump her. I can’t see anyone right now. I’ve got too much going on in my personal life.”
A sigh came from the woman, a weary sound. “Yes, she mentioned your father is sick. I dealt with something very similar. I’m sorry to hear it’s happening to you.”
The compassion in her voice moved him because it wasn’t expected. He’d thought he would have to fight to keep her in the lobby, but she seemed resigned. She seemed almost tired. Human. For the first time, she seemed less like a perfectly made-up warrior queen and more like a mom who genuinely loved her daughter.
Diane moved to the row of chairs along the far side of the waiting room. She would be able to watch the hallway for anyone coming from the exam rooms.
He joined her, sitting a couple of seats away. “He has early-onset dementia. He was diagnosed right about the same time we found the tumor. We cleared up the cancer, but the dementia has only gotten worse.”
“Yes, it doesn’t get better.” Diane’s eyes stayed on the hall. “I know how hard that is, Deputy.”
“Brynn mentioned you lost your own mother to it.” He was curious. He knew he’d been the one to break things off with Brynn, but he still thought about her, still wanted to know how her life worked and what her family was like. That desire to feel close to her made him willing to open up a bit.
“Oh, technically we lost her to a fall she took,” Diane said quietly. “It’s an odd thing. Her death certificate calls her death an accident, but she was gone long before. I sometimes wonder if that’s why we don’t do as much research on dementia as we do other diseases. It takes the soul and leaves the body behind.”
His gut clenched because it wasn’t like he hadn’t thought the same thing before. Hearing it verbalized felt harsh but true. “I have to take care of him. I can’t have reporters showing up at his home.”
