Page 50 of One Sultry Summer

“Yeah, Papa. My Nana Abby says if I ever talk like that she would wash my mouth out with soap.”

“Don’t give your Granny Jenny any ideas.”

“Too late. Now sit your old self down.” He sat at the head of the table.

“Tell us, we’re all ears.” Jenny patted me on my hand.

“There’s nothing to tell.”

“Granny Jenny, you should get the soap out, cuz he’s lying.” My eyes darted to Emily. The kid was selling me down the river.

“Emily. Let your daddy tell us when he’s good and ready.”

“Yes ma’am.” She continued to eat her grits.

I sat silently for a beat while I ate my food. When I finished, I pushed the bowl aside and took a sip of my coffee. The warm liquid was sweet and comforting. I tried to figure out how toexplain it to them, then I cleared my throat.

“I met someone and she’s not from around here.”

“Wait, you’re not planning on moving are you?”

“No. Not at all. We’re staying right here in Skybrook. I only wanted to explain that I like her a lot, but I doubt she’s going to stay on.”

“I know this is your first relationship since her passing, but don’t be afraid to try. Lauren wouldn’t want you to live alone for the rest of your life. And we don’t want that for you or Emily either.” There was a softness in Jenny’s voice that was comforting.

“Remember son, just because she’s gone doesn’t mean you’re not family. You can stop here any time. Our door is always open for you, and anyone you see fit to welcome into the family.”

I nodded my head in response and held back the tears. I was glad to hear they were okay withme dating. It made me even happier that neither spoke about “a man having needs to fill”. There was no way I was going to discuss my sex life with my ex-in-laws.

“Well, I like the pretty lady. I think she’ll be good for you Daddy.”

“You don’t say.”

“Plus, she saved me from the tornado.”

Both looked at me for answers. I then told them how Valerie and I met and the events that led up to today. Before I knew it, a half-hour passed, and I needed to get to work. Just as I thought, Emily wanted to stay the night. So I brought her backpack in from the truck and left it beside the front door.

Before I left I made Jared show me what was hurting and explain to me what happened. He told me that he was on a ladder cleaning the roof gutters and fell off and twisted his ankle. Jared was embarrassed as he recounted his accident. He was ashamed to admit that his clumsinessled to his injury. Despite his discomfort, he was thankful I examined him.

I advised him to elevate it, and ice it for 15 minutes every couple of hours. As stubborn as he is, I reminded him that accidents happen and he can always call me for assistance, any time of the day or night. Emily pulled Lauren the panda out of her bag, and told me she would take care of her Papa for the rest of the day. I kissed her forehead and headed to work.

After speaking with Jenny and Jared, my mood lifted as I drove to work. I was concerned they’d hate me for finding someone new. No one could ever replace Lauren, and I doubt Valerie would even try. I was relieved to hear they didn’t resent me for moving on but actually encouraged it. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest, knowing they understood my feelings. I felt a sense of peace knowing that my past and present could coexist, and hopeful Valerie and I could build something meaningful together, withoutforgetting the past.

The road ahead might not be easy, but with love and understanding, I was ready to embrace this new chapter in my life. I only hope Valerie feels the same way. Despite it all, I’m willing to have a long-distance relationship if that’s what she wants.

I pull into the parking lot of my office building and jump out of my truck and lock it with my key fob. I’m greeted by my office staff and patients waiting in the lobby. After I spoke with Nurse McDermott all those weeks ago, it made it easier to manage working together effectively, as we no longer had unwanted issues between us.

My workday was busy, as I was double booked trying to see as many patients as possible since the storm. I had my staff call our patients over the age of sixty to check in on them. We need to take care of the elderly who don’t have family and are on their own.

The day went by in a flurry as I workednonstop. When the last patient was seen, I had a moment to breathe, and I wondered what Valerie was up to. Just then, my phone rang, and it was my mom.

“Hey mom.”

“Hey, Sugar. I’m not bothering you am I?”

“Nope. I just saw my last patient. What’s going on?”

“Do you think you can swing by and help me out?”

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