Page 73 of Hard Hat Hottie

“Yeah. They finally broke down and called me around 1:30 in the morning because they didn’t have the staff to keep her in her bed.”

“So, you’ve been up all night with her?”

“I think I caught a little catnap. She seemed to settle down once I got here.”

I hear some commotion in the background and assume Char’s at work. “Sorry. I had a break between clients, but my next is here ready for the works.”

“Thanks for calling, Char. Sorry I’ve been so distant. It’s?—”

“Harry. You don’t need to apologize. I get it. I have no idea how you’re juggling it all.”

The problem is, I’m not.

“I’m your friend to the bitter end, babe. Whether you call today or a year from now, I won’t love you any less. Life happens.”

I can feel my shoulders relax. I’ve had so much guilt about the people in my life I’m letting down. Mom, Gus and the guys, Braxton, Harlow, her boys… it’s all too much. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“When do you head out?”

“I need to fly out tomorrow night. I’m bringing Mom home tonight, one way or the other. Then, after she’s settled tomorrow, I’ll catch a flight back to Miami. Thank god for Joyce.”

“Well, I’ll try to drop by and see her. She needs a fresh coat on her nails, I’m sure.”

My brows pull together. “I thought you’d already done that.”

“Okay, Joyce. I’m planning to fly out in the afternoon after the therapy team arrives.” Thankfully, either Dr. Romano or Tiffany managed to arrange the nurse, physical therapist, andoccupational therapist to arrive together this afternoon so we can address any issues before I leave.

“That’s fine, Harrison. We’ll manage.”

“I want to drop by and talk to the crew at the hospital before heading to the airport. So I may leave them in your care after we cover the basics.” I rub my stiff neck muscles just thinking about it. “It’s going to be a busy day.”

“Harry?”

“Yeah?”

“How do you want me to handle her pain medication?”

“What do you mean? Like lock it up? I’ve got a small safe you can put everything in.”

“No, I’ve got that covered. But I know it makes her sleep. And she’ll need to get up and move around. I don’t want her to be any more unsteady than she already is.”

“I don’t want her in pain, Joyce. If she sleeps a little more, that’s okay. Nothing is more important than keeping her comfortable.”

I wish her goodnight and head to my room to pack, so I’ll be ready to head out as soon as I can tomorrow.

“Jo!” Walking over to my old friend, I pull him in for a hug. “It’s been too long.”

“You’re right. It’s bad enough I never see your brother or Ellie anymore. Well, unless Charlene comes by and lets me talk to them on their face chat or whatever you call it.”

I chuckle, picturing him trying to talk to them without the camera zooming in on his left nostril. “Yeah. The last time I tried to video chat, Jimmy Dean kept trying to take over the conversation.”

Jo lets out a hearty chuckle. “That damn pig. He’s living the life.”

“That he is.” Here I was groaning about having to stop and get gas before stopping by the construction site. This guy is the lift I needed today. He’s a staple in this town. Despite health issues and the waxing and waning economy, he’s managed to keep this gas station thriving. But this place is more than somewhere to pump petrol. It’s a small-town comfort. Maybe a little less so since Ellie moved away with my brother.

My eyes shift over to the deli counter, noting someone new has taken up residency there. “See somebody new is in place.”

“Yeah. An up and comer.” He laughs. “There ain’t nobody around who can fill Ellie’s shoes.”

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