Fatty Patty (A James Bay Novel) (42 page)

Rose started to speak, then quickly decided to keep her mouth shut. Let Lil think what she wanted. Too bad it wasn’t the truth. It certainly would make things simpler if Andy was gay. At least then if she eventually accepted his offer both of them would know there were no strings attached.

Up until a few weeks ago, she’d thought things were going fine. She worked hard, put in long hours. The firm was happy with her performance. But the message from the senior partners had been clear, despite their approval of her request for six weeks of unpaid family medical leave. She was an integral part of their team, and team players didn’t walk away from their jobs. Team players found someone else to handle family emergencies. Team players stayed and worked their clients.

Team players made partner.

Rose sighed. This six-week sabbatical would probably mean at least another year grinding away for the firm. One more year of following the rules, schmoozing the clients and chaining herself to her desk. But how far could she push it? She was already working twelve-to-fourteen-hour days. Did she want to shoot for twenty? She’d already sunk pretty low. Pathetic, actually. A double espresso, comfy bathrobe and hefty Sunday newspaper now served as her regular weekend date.

But try as she might, she couldn’t visualize Andy lounging in a bathrobe beside her. She doubted he could sit still long enough to read the Sunday paper. He’d have her out jogging at the crack of dawn.

Lil patted her hand. “It just takes time, honey. Sooner or later, the right man will come along.”

“I’m not worried.” And she wasn’t. When was the last time she’d met someone new? Men didn’t exactly stroll into her life. True, there had been that fireman from earlier today. But did he even count? Smashing into someone’s prized pickup wasn’t the best way to meet a man. Still, he’d taken it in stride. Plus, he didn’t look like the jogging type.

More like someone who might fight her over the Sunday comics.

Once they managed to make it out of bed.

Rose blinked hard. When was the last time she’d even read the comics, let alone daydreamed about a man she barely knew? A man she probably would never see again.

The soothing pressure of Lil’s hand steered her back to the hospital lobby.

“Don’t think for one minute that you’ll have to go through this alone. I’ll be around whenever you need me. So will the Judge. You know how he can be. Once he makes up his mind, there’s no stopping him. He’ll camp out in your living room if that’s what it takes.”

Rose stifled a smile. With the Judge a daily visitor, she would definitely need to lay in an ample supply of coffee beans. His Honor broached no nonsense when it came to serious matters like his cigars and caffeine.

“There you are, you two.” Irene hobbled back into the waiting room, leaning heavily on her cane. “I’m sorry it took so long and you had to wait on me.”

“I haven’t seen our girl in a while. It gave us time for a good chat,” Lil replied with a firm pat on Rose’s hand.

“Who were you chatting about?” Irene’s bright eyes darted back and forth between them. “What did I miss?”

“Nothing at all.” Rose unfolded herself from the chair and offered a steady arm to her mother. “Here, let me help.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

Love and guilt mingled with relief as the soft weight of her mother’s slight frame sank against her. Rose blinked back hot, unexpected tears. How in the world was she going to do this? She’d never been good at nursing cuts and bruises, let alone assisting a semi-invalid. Six weeks of forced confinement in James Bay ranked at the top of the list of things she’d rather not do.

But how can I tell her no? She needs me. And I love her.

“Well, I’m ready to go.” Irene took a deep breath. “I’ve already had enough of this hospital. No doubt I’ll be mighty sick of it once I’ve been here a few days.”

“Enjoy it while you can,” Lil said as they headed for the door. “You’ll have lots of visitors and they’ll bring flowers and candy…”

“Ooh, candy, I like that idea,” Irene said as they stepped into the sunshine. “Remember, milk chocolates are my favorite… just in case anyone asks.”

Rose winked at Lil over the top of Irene’s head. Her mother’s fondness for sweets was well-known to all.

“I’ll bring the car around.” Lil left the two of them standing on the curb.

“Thank you for coming home, sweetheart.” Irene’s words were whisper soft. “Lil means well, she always does, but… well, I’m glad you’re here.”

One glance at the sweet familiar face wizened with pain and Rose’s heart melted like chocolate in the warm sun. Impulsively, she reached out and hugged her mother close. “Don’t worry, Mom, it will be okay. Things will work out.”

“Of course they will,” Irene replied matter-of-factly. “You’re finally home where you belong. That will do for a start. Now all we need to do is make sure you stay here.”

Rose’s jaw dropped in protest. Then, on second thought, she clamped her mouth shut. Better to save her energy and arguments. She would need all her wits in the next few weeks. Her mother, Lil, and the Judge had always proved staunch allies. If they got wind of Andy’s proposal, they’d be after her in no time flat to turn him down. Rose was straddling career choices that would impact her entire life. The last thing she needed was to spin her wheels battling counter tactics designed to keep her home.

So much for a leisurely sabbatical playing nursemaid and chauffeur, Rose thought to herself as she swallowed down a sigh. The next six weeks definitely were not going to be as simple as she had thought.

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