Page 52 of Justus
Mystomach clenches and I roll onto my back with a grin.
“Youthink you won, don’t you?”
“I’lllet you know in a few minutes.”
Oh,I fucking won. Twice.
* * * *
Aydaleaves the next day after I convince her I’m fine and promise to call ifanything changes. The next week passes as we fall into a routine. Doug spendsthe nights with Mom, while I spend the days. Justus stays with me most of thetime, making sure I eat and don’t wear myself out.
Momis doing better than we ever could have hoped. She’s off of the respirator,alert, and eager to be moved to the rehab center. Her doctors have found agreat place where she’ll live for the next two months. She’s lost a lot ofmuscle and balance after spending so much time in bed. They will help her gether mobility back, plus teach her everything she needs to know about life aftera heart transplant. What foods she can eat, how to take her anti-rejectionmeds, how to avoid infections. The transplant saved her life. Cardiac rehabwill give her back her quality of life.
Twodays before she’s set to be moved, I get a call from the cardiac rehab facility.
“Hi,is this Ms. Belmont?”
“Yes.”
“Iwas just calling to let you know we have a room ready for your mother and thepayment situation has been straightened out. We look forward to helping herrecover.”
Confused,I sit up, my book sliding off my lap. “Payment situation?”
“Yes,as we explained to Mr. Belmont, your mother’s insurance company wouldn’t coverher stay or treatment here, but the amount has now been paid in full, sothere’s nothing to worry about.”
“I-whopaid it?” I stammer. I sure as hell don’t have that kind of money and neitherdoes Doug. Maybe she qualified for some kind of assistance?
“Oh…um…”The sound of ruffling papers rattles in my ear before she replies, “We receiveda check from a Justus Alexander.”
“Thankyou,” I reply, hanging up. Justus paid for her rehab? I had no idea he had thatkind of money. And what the hell is with this guy? He ignores me for nearly amonth, then swoops in and plays the hero?
Dougenters the waiting room. “Justus is at home. I told him you’d be there in a few.”
“Didyou know he paid for Mom’s rehab?”
Aguilty look flashes across his face. “Yeah, you weren’t supposed to find out.”
“Why?”
“Hedidn’t want you to know.”
“Imean why would he pay it?”
Dougblinks. “Damn, you can be stupid sometimes, sis. Because he’s in love with youand you’ve got him completely wrapped around your finger.”
Mymind churns. It was supposed to be pretend, but we found something between us.Something I assumed was gone when he did his disappearing act. The fact he camehere to be with me means so much, but I guess I assumed it was out of pity, orbecause Ayda suggested it. He’s been so great all this time, and it occurs tome I haven’t appreciated it as much as I should. I was too preoccupied.
Withall this going on with Mom, he’s been the one stable thing I can count on, butI feel so much more than gratitude. I love him. Could Doug be right? DoesJustus really feel the same for me? I don’t think you drop hundreds ofthousands of dollars on someone you’re just fucking.
“I’mgoing to check on Mom, then I’ll head out.”
Momis sitting up, watching TV. “Hey, Sade. I told Doug you don’t have to be hereall the time. I’m doing fine. I’m sore, but I feel better than I have in years.It’s like I can feel the life inside of me rebuilding.”
Alump raises in my throat when I see the light in her eyes. I know she has along way to go, but she does look so much stronger. “I’m so happy for you,Mom.”
“Now,you need to get back to your life in Indianapolis.”
“Afteryou get settled at the rehab center. I’ll still be coming to visit though.”
