Page 7 of Truce Of The Matter

“Of course she is. Momma’s strong, feisty, and too damn ornery not to,” I tell her as she wipes the tears from her face.

“You’re right. She is.”

A wry smile forms on her face but her concern overshadows it. My concern matches hers but I’m trying not to show it for her and my dad. As imperfect as our family is, there’s no shortage of love. Even in our moments of disagreement, the love is ever present. A world without any of us in it is unfathomable.

“Are you okay to drive? We need to head that way.”

“Yeah, I’m good. We parked in valet.”

“I’m in the garage so I’ll meet you over there.”

Since we are in the hospital staff only side of the bay, she walks over to the front for valet and I cut back inside of the hospital. With my full hands, I need to take the elevator down to the parking garage.

The moment I reach the elevator; I try to reposition the large floral bouquets so I can press the down arrow. As I do, a hand grabs one of the vases.

“I got this,” his deep voice announces.

Startled, I loosen my grip on the balloons. When two slip away, he quickly grabs the strings before they get out of reach. That’s when I glance to my left and see him—Rex. Before I can thank him, he presses the up button then grabs the second vase.

“I’m actually going down,” I tell him before pressing the down arrow. “And thanks. You popped up right on time but you don’t have to carry everything.”

“Yes I do. Your hands were full.” Really appreciative, I thank him again. One of the two elevators opens but it’s the one going up. Then, less than a minute later, the other opens. About four people walk off then we walk on. “I thought you were taking this up to some lucky patient,” he says.

“No. My mom was discharged today.”

“I hope she’s okay,” he says with concern.

“She’s got some recovery to do but I’m prayerful and hopeful.”

“Prayers up for real.”

“Thank you so much. Prayers are needed.” The elevator reaches the ground level and the doors open. When we step out, I reach out for my stuff. “Thanks again. I got it from here.”

His eyebrows get tight and he stands firm. “Truce, I’m taking this to your ride. Lead the way,” he says with finality in his sexy, deep baritone, leaving no room for an objection or rebuttal from me.

I walk toward my car and he’s right behind me. When we reach it, I pop my trunk. There’s a box and towel inside; I came prepared. Gingerly, he places the flowers into the box and I cushion the towel around the vases. Next, he hooks the balloons through the left handle then ties them in place.

“Thank you and to show my appreciation, dinner’s on me the next time you and your pretty little girl come in,” I tell him.

“Her name is Aryel and no thanks to dinner. I pay my way, Truce. I just did what any man would have done. Light work.”

“I don’t know about any man,” I utter then laugh to myself, thinking about my selfish ex.

“I said man, not a boy.” He waves his foot under my bumper and the trunk slowly closes.

Well okay, Rex!

While I could stay standing here next to this sexy man who makes me feel oddly comfortable in his presence, I really need to get to Golden Age. I don’t want to miss anything concerning my mom’s care plan and treatment.

“I better get going. See you and Aryel this weekend?”

“You’ll see us.”

I walk toward my driver door and he follows. After opening my door, he closes it once I’m inside. Then, he steps back and remains standing there until I start my engine and back out.

I guess real gentlemen do still exist.

Chapter 4

---