Page 273 of Love in Riverbend
Life postponed.
Job gone.
That leaves one loose end.
I can’t think about Marilyn or Justin right this minute. It’s too much. I don’t want to lose her, and I don’t want Justin and Devan to lose their livelihood. Those thoughts and more had me tossing and turning all night. It doesn’t take a wealth manager to know that Devan’s teacher’s salary won’t carry them through an entire year.
By the time I make it back to the kitchen, the first floor is warming nicely. I hand Mom back her phone. “Thanks.”
She pours us each a cup of coffee, looking in the refrigerator for cream and handing me the cup with black coffee. “Your dad wants to stay and help Justin with the farm.”
“No, you and Dad broke free.”
“So did you, Rick.” She sits at the kitchen table and pats the seat next to her at the head of the table.
Begrudgingly, I take the seat.
“Your dad and I are parents, first and foremost. Jack isn’t a spring chicken, but he was doing what needed to be done two years ago. Justin is going to need every willing hand.”
“He’s got me and Randy.” I think about what Marilyn said. “Dax will help when he can. Hell, I’m sure all the guys will.” Meeting Mom’s stare, I add, “Someone needs to take the reins. Until Justin can be that someone, I’m going to take the role.”
“Have you talked to Justin about this?”
I shake my head.
“Marilyn?”
“We’re not that serious, Mom.”
“Oh really? Does she know that?”
I push the chair from the table. “I’m going to take a shower, and then I’ll head to Bloomington. I doubt Justin is in the mood to chat, but I’ll talk to him. He needs to concentrate on getting better, not worrying about what is happening here.”
“Neither Justin nor Devan will want you to put your life on hold for them.”
“I’m not asking. I’m telling.”
It’s after nine when I pull into the visitor parking lot at the hospital in Bloomington. Carrying the bag Mom packed for Devan, I check in at the front desk and make my way to Justin’s room. With a deep breath, I push in the door and step into the room.
Justin’s leg is lifted by chains and pullies. His eyes are closed, and Devan is curled up in a reclining chair, looking like a kitten under a blanket. Not wanting to wake anyone, I take the bag into the room and open the closet.
“Hi,” Devan says softly.
“Shit,” I whisper. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
My sister stretches, pushing up her arms and fisting her hands.
“I’m sure you didn’t get much sleep.”
“Not much,” Justin says. “Why are you here and not in Indy?”
“Because of you, asshole.”
Devan throws the blanket to the side. “Is that bag for me?”
“Yeah,” I say, handing it her direction. “Mom put it together this morning.”
My sister takes the strap of the bag. “I’m going to go into the bathroom and try to feel human.” She lowers her voice as she steps near me. “See if you can talk to him.”
