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“I don’t know what I’m doing,” I said. “But…I’ve met someone.”
“Oh? Tell me more.”
I laid back on the grass and shut my eyes. “Well, he’s grumpy, hotheaded, hates change, and is probably the last person I would’ve ever thought I’d be a good match with.”
“I’m hoping there’s more to this description, honey…”
I laughed. “There is. While he’s all those things, he’s also thoughtful, protective, generous, respectful, and fiercely loyal.”
“Those qualities sound a lot better.”
“He’s also tall, broad, and devastatingly handsome.”
“Now you’re talking. You should have led with those. I like tall. Keep going…”
I chuckled. “Fox is really hard to explain. He used to be a professional hockey player, and now he owns a construction company. He’s exactly what you would picture when I say that—rugged and tough. Neither of us was looking for someone. I think it’s pretty safe to say Fox wasfightingfinding someone.”
“Do you think you’ll stay down there?”
“I don’t know. Things are so new. I haven’t had time to give it any serious consideration. But I have to be back at work in three weeks. Kolax and Hahm are growing impatient, and I’ve maxed out my leave.”
“Would this Fox ever consider moving to New York?”
I laughed out loud. “Definitely not. He’d be miserable.”
“You have a lot to think about, then. But you sound happy. How has your sleep been?”
“I can’t remember the last time I slept so well.”
“Probably all that fresh air.”
Or the orgasms. So much better than Ambien.“Maybe. But tell me about you. How are you feeling?”
Nilda and I talked for another ten minutes. After we caught up, she broached the subject she always did. “Have you spoken to your mother?”
“Not recently. How is she?”
“She’s doing well. You should give her a call. Maybe tell her about this new guy you’re seeing.”
That would definitely not be happening. “She would hate the thought of me spending time down here and dating a guy who does construction instead of neurosurgery. I think I’ll pass on that.”
“She misses you.”
Nilda meant well, so I didn’t argue.
“Before we hang up,” she said. “I need to talk to you about something. I’ve been putting it off, hoping to talk to you in person when you get back, but I’m afraid that’s not going to work out.”
That sounded ominous. “What’s going on?”
“I’m moving, honey.”
“Moving? You mean you aren’t going to live with Mom anymore?”
“No, sweetheart. I mean I’m moving to South Carolina. My sister Bessy doesn’t walk so well anymore, and I want to be closer to help out. Plus, the weather’s nicer, and I’m getting old.”
I sat up, feeling my chest grow tight. Nilda was in her late sixties now, but I was selfish when it came to her. “Oh my God, Nilda. You’ve been with me since I was a baby.”
“I know, sweetheart. But you don’t need to be taken care of anymore, and it’s time.”
