Page 12 of Ultimate Freedom

“You’re pretty swell yourself, sugar. Have fun in the city but get home soon.”

***

Lying in bed, he thought about the earlier call he’d made to say goodnight to Demi. He’d sensed that something was different. In fact, each day he was held up, things got downright weird. Like she appeared almost shy… hell he didn’t know exactly.

Sensing her being troubled, he finally asked, “What’s wrong, honey?”

“Nothing. We’re fine here. I’m up ten games of crib on both Glen and Rudy. And… Laurie liked my book so much; she sent me a huge advance to start my second story.”

He’d laughed at her bragging and was thrilled she’d decided to continue with her writing. “That’s great, baby. Look, I miss you guys. If the cold snap breaks, I’ll try and get home tomorrow.”

“We miss you too. I hope you can get here, but I understand if you can’t.” Then she’d shut down the call, and he sensed she’d left something unsaid.

Unable to relax, deciding he’d question her on their next face-to-face, he thought about how things must be going at the cabin. He knew Rudy had started getting around a lot better, and Glen kept busy with chores like keeping the firewood well stocked, shoveling the snow, and watching the generator so it didn’t freeze. According to the frequent talks he had with his buddy, they spent most evenings playing games and taking turns cooking. In fact, they sounded like they were totally enjoying life without him, and it kinda pissed him off.

By the time he heard from Norrie that their flight had been cancelled yet again, he’d been taking care of business almost a week. “I’m so sorry, Whit. We’ve been at the airport for hours, and they shut down another plane just now. Doesn’t look like we’ll be able to fly out until tomorrow.”

“Hey, don’t worry. You can’t fight Mother Nature. Just get here as soon as you can.”

He fumed quietly for the rest of the day and woke up the next morning feeling lonesome. Maybe he’d just close down for a few hours and try to get out to the cabin with Clive. Feeling certain they were snowed in, or they’d have drove Blue into town, he decided to pay extra to have their road cleared.

Thinking it was a great idea, he made the arrangements and felt a lot better. But just as he was about to lock the store up and head outside to where Clive waited, he got a call that changed everything.

Chapter Eight

Demi hated having Whit being close and yet so far that they couldn’t be together in person. As much as she loved the efficiency of her new phone, she hadn’t quite gotten into the vibe of seeing another person on a screen, knowing they could see her. She’d always been one who needed her personal space, and this felt like a complete invasion to her. Though she tried not to let it interfere with their discussions, she couldn’t wait until Norrie returned, and life got back to normal.

Thankfully, her shoulder became stronger every day. When she overdid things, her body let her know, and so she still had to take things easy. Thankfully, Lexie kept in touch, and they discussed her healing process.

“I want to start working it. What do you suggest?” If exercises would help her get strong again, she itched to get started.

“Hey, just be patient and let everything heal. Maybe this week you can begin with some light massage. It’ll help loosen the tightness. Get Whit to use a cream and work it in gently, not too hard.”

“Whit hasn’t been home since you guys left.”

“What? Why?”

“It’s completely snowed in here. We had a huge dump the day you flew out; you were lucky it came after your flight. Then everything froze. And more snow fell each day. The highway has been so treacherous, he’s worried if he does get through our road, he won’t be able to get out again.”

“Jesus, I’m sorry, Demi. We didn’t know. He never mentioned it to Norrie. We’ll get back as soon as we can. I’m glad you still have Glen and Rudy with you to take care of things.”

“Me, too. Rudy’s healing fast now. In fact, he’s more anxious than I am to be done with this living like a patient.”

“I know. When I talk to him and Glen, he keeps trying to push the limits. Not that it’s a bad thing. In Rudy’s case, his body will stop him going overboard. Those ribs will take their merry old time healing. I already told him he needs to pay attention, or he’ll suffer for his foolishness.

Demi chuckled. “He’s already paid the price a few times. Glen’s been like a clucking hen around him… hell, around both of us. Actually, he’s been quite wonderful.”

“Norrie showed me a picture of Glen from last year. I can’t believe how much better he is after meeting you. Norrie explained what happened. In fact, she’s told me a bit about all the characters in town, and between us, I can’t wait to get back. I’m thinking about the place like it’s home now.”

Demi let out a small laugh. “Bet knowing Norrie lives here makes a difference.”

Lexie giggled; a sound not usually heard from the woman who previously seemed so serious. “She’s wonderful. My folks love her. I promise, we’ll get home as soon as we can. Now listen, doctor to patient, leave your shoulder alone to heal, and I’ll do an examination when I’m back at the clinic. Then we can discuss some exercises.”

Demi hung up agreeing yet frustrated. Sneaking various chores, she admitted there was a lot of tenderness around her wound, and yet if her mind could drive her body, she’d be outside helping Glen shovel instead of inside arguing about cooking.

One thing she could do was to work on her computer. Deciding not to snivel over things she couldn’t change, she got out her laptop and checked her emails.

That’s when she saw the letter from Lefty, Harold’s friend in Vancouver. The same man who owned the café and hadcooked them one of the best meals she’d ever eaten in a restaurant.

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