Page 44 of All Bets are Off

“Yeah?” He brightens. “You promise you’ll eat it if I do?”

I nod. “You know what I like.” I go back to my computer, and, finally, West leaves.

It’s a long time before I see what’s on the screen again. I keep thinking about Anna, so pretty and young. West really liked her at one time. It could happen again.

Annoyed with myself, I get up from the couch and stretch. My cell phone rings, and I pick it up from the table. It’s Mom’s nurse.

“Donna? Everything okay?”

“Your mom’s fine, but she took a little tumble. She’s been complaining about her vision.”

“She fell?”

“Yes, she tripped but fortunately landed on the bed. She just bruised her leg on the frame, that’s all. She’s already forgotten about it and is watching TV. I’m more concerned about her eyesight. I thought you might want to get it checked out.”

“I will. Thank you.” Disconnecting, I stare off into space. Another health problem for Mom. What is going on with her?

“Logan?”

I turn to see Colt standing behind me. I hadn’t even heard him walk into the room.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“You looked lost in thought,” he says.

“Yeah, well. My mother’s having another issue—this time with her eyesight. It’s a little overwhelming. She’s always had good health, and all of a sudden, she’s falling apart.”

“I’m sorry. Is she okay right now?”

I nod.

“That’s good. Want to get your mind off things? How about a game?” He indicates the stack of board games on the shelf by the fireplace.

“Sure.” I close my laptop and set it aside.

Colt chooses Trivial Pursuit, which I haven’t played in years. I quickly learn Colt’s eidetic memory gives him an unfair advantage. When Donna calls again, I’m sprawled on my stomach on the floor, head resting on my hand while we play.

“Logan, I’m sorry to bother you, but your mother is very upset. Maybe you should come over.”

In the background, I can hear Mom ranting about something.

“Sure, Donna. I’ll be there within half an hour.” I look at Colt. “Sorry. I have to go.” I help him put the game away.

“Let me go with you,” Colt offers.

“Oh, that’s not necessary. I’m okay.”

“But you don’t have to go alone. Let me go with you. I don’t have anything else to do.”

“Okay. Thanks.” I grab my keys, and in twenty mintues, Colt an I are on the elevator on my way to my mother’s room.

When I enter, she’s pacing the living area, fingers threaded through her hair and chest heaving. Donna stands nearby, watching her.

“Mom? Is everything okay?” I ask.

Turning to me, she gives me a brief look before looking behind me at Colt.

“West? Is that you?”

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