Page 57 of Waves of Hope

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHARLOTTE

Charlotte trotted over to Granny Liz’s house with mixed feelings. Her emotions had been on a roller coaster ever since she’d thought Shane might die. It was then that she realized how devastated she’d be if he hadn’t recovered. Though they’d talked of being just friends, she realized that deep down, she hoped their friendship might grow to something more meaningful. But it was way too soon to do more than wonder about it. Ever since the accident, Shane had become withdrawn.

He was sitting on the porch in a rocking chair when Charlotte arrived. “Hi,” she said cheerfully. “I’m going to be your companion for a while. Granny Liz asked me to come over to visit with you so she can go out on errands with Austin.”

Shane shook his head. “It’s foolish, all this business of someone being around to make sure I don’t pass out or something. I got a bump on the head. Big deal.”

“I know,” said Charlotte taking a seat in the rocker next to his. “Granny Liz is the one who needs watching. She’s been in a tailspin ever since the accident. We scared her. Even Grandpa Sam is worried about her. So, let’s just humor her for a while longer.”

“But I’m fine on my own,” said Shane pushing back. “In fact, I’m heading to Miami tomorrow. I have some things to take care of with the Family First family of mine.”

“Is it safe for you to drive? It’s been less than a week since the accident.” She saw his eyebrows form a Vee of frustration and added, “I’ll drive you if you want.”

He studied her. “I don’t know why you’re both so upset over all this.”

“Granny told me you’re special to her. And since you are the oldest of all the grandkids, she treasures you maybe more than the rest of us. It’s been a wake-up call for all of us to realize that anything bad can happen at any time.”

“I’ve decided as much as Granny wants me to spend most of the summer here, I can’t. Not with everyone watching over me. Thanks. I accept your offer to drive me back to Miami.” He took a sip of water. “I’m sure Jed will be happy to drive you back here on the weekend. He really likes Livy and will return on Saturday. In the meantime, you can stay in my condo on one condition. No hovering. Got it?”

Charlotte raised her hand. “I promise.”

“There’s plenty of room, so we don’t need to bump into one another,” said Shane.

“Okay. I’ll see what I can work out,” she said, rising. “I’ll leave you now.”

“Thanks.” Shane leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

As she left him, she was more than a little worried. He seemed so depressed. She’d read up on concussions and near-death experiences and knew depression could sometimes follow.

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Charlotte met with Livy and Brooke and told them about her need to help Shane for a couple of days. They both agreed to her plans, especially when she mentioned that Jed would bring her back with him when he came to the cove to see Livy.

“Is anything serious going on with you two?” Brooke asked her. “You’re staying at Shane’s condo.”

Charlotte caught her lip and sighed. “My staying there is just to help him out. I’m not sure what happened, but this accident has changed him. I’m going to suggest he see a counselor to work some things out.”

“I have noticed he’s become very quiet,” said Livy. “Jed told me he’s asked for several days off.”

“It was a close call,” said Brooke. “People tend to say it was just a bump on the head, but if he was unconscious like you say, then who knows how long it will take him to heal.”

“He wants to be at home, but I’m hoping to convince him to come back to the cove for Granny Liz’s sake, if not his own,” said Charlotte. “But if he feels forced to stay here, it won’t go well.”

“You’re right,” Livy said, shaking her head. “I can understand. My mother went crazy when my brother, Thad, got a concussion playing football. But this is more difficult because Shane is that much older, that much more independent and can’t be told what to do.”

“Thanks for understanding,” said Charlotte. “Now, I’m going to get to work finalizing the purchase of bedspreads and linens and towels. The laundry service is giving us a discount for switching over to them. An added bonus.”

“I was able to get the ice machine. Amby is going to pick it up for us this afternoon, along with the other pieces of equipment we talked about,” said Livy. “I’ve warned Billy Bob about changes in the kitchen area, but this will be the first big sign of it.”

“You’re brave to work with him. When he stares at you, he’s so scary,” said Brooke.

Livy grinned. “I’ve discovered he’s a gentle giant with a large sweet tooth. So I’m keeping him well supplied with cookies. That and his favorite Tic Tacs keep him happy.”

“He’s a softie,” Charlotte agreed, “but he likes to pretend he’s tough. I suspect he’s actually a little shy.”

“Gran and John are grateful he’s worked for them for so long. I’d like to keep him here for as long as we can,” said Brooke.

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