Nikki couldn’t fight the bright smile that took over her face or the knowledge that her cheeks were probably flushed as she watched him ascend the two steps leading up the porch. The butterflies in her stomach wreaked havoc. Familiar emotions stirred within her as the faintest spent of his aftershave infiltrated her nostrils. In that instant with his smiling face inching closer to her, Nikki was finally able to admit she had feelings for Paul Thompson; feelings that probably never left her all these years.
ChapterTwenty-Five
"Hello dear, you don't know me, but I know your sister. She was a real gem. As busy as she was with running her business and serving on the committee of the Humane Society, she still found time to spend with little old me…I sure do miss her, as do our bridge club."
"Thank you, Miss…?"
"Just call me Etta, dear," the woman replied with a broad grin on her wrinkled face.
Nikki nodded with a smile. "Etta, thank you for your kind words. I’m sure Trish will let you know just how appreciative she is of your praises when she wakes up.”
A look of doubt flashed in the woman’s eyes before her lips turned up in a smile, and her head rocked back and forth."I will continue to pray for a miracle," the woman said, placing a feeble hand on Nikki’s upper arm.
Nikki returned the smile, though not as enthusiastically as she had at the beginning of the conversation. When the old woman walked off, she puffed out a breath of annoyance. She knew the people meant well, and she didn't doubt their sincere shows of affection for her sister, but it was also evident that a few of the folks had given up on her regaining consciousness, and that annoyed her because there was a niggling doubt at the back of her mind that it was a possibility.
Collecting her thoughts, she schooled her expression and fixed a smile on her lips as she turned back to the people and the festivities. Lot 28 had been transformed into an open space decorated with balloons and streamers. Potted bamboo palms and succulents lined the room's sides and corners, and an orchid stood regally before the podium. The banner that flew above the podium was thoughtful in its representation of Trish while inspiring hope—The Trisha Murphy Foundation (Raising Funds For Those Who Can't Do It For Themselves). She liked it very much.
"Your sister sure will make a fuss when she wakes up and realizes she has a fund named in her honor. Serves her well too. She's given enough to be rewarded for it, whether she likes it or not."
"Hi, Nelly." Nikki turned and smiled at the woman beside her, looking up at the banner."I haven't been here long, but I agree with you 100 percent. Trish deserves this honor and so much more.” She turned to stare up at the banner again. “I just wish she was awake to witness it all.” She bowed her head, and her eyes fluttered shut, her emotions threatening to overtake her.
Nikki felt the small, fragile grip of Nelly’s fingers around her upper arm. She opened her eyes to stare into the determined gray eyes of the older woman.
“Trish will be fine. That one, she’s a fighter,” Nelly spoke confidently before allowing her hand to fall away from Nikki’s arm.
A small, grateful smile lifted the corners of Nikki’s mouth as hope blossomed in her chest once more. She knew in her heart of hearts, then, that Trish would be okay.
“Let’s get you a chair so you can rest,” Nikki suggested, hooking the old woman’s hand with hers.
“I know you probably can’t eat anything here, but would you like some punch? It’s natural,” she offered Nelly after settling her on a cushioned seat.
“Got any lemonade?” Nelly asked, smiling up at Nikki.
“I’ll check.” With that, Nikki walked toward the serving area. Ryan and his team and a few volunteers recruited by Reed were in charge of monitoring and sharing the food. Nikki marveled at how many choices were available to the people.
Before she could make it to the table displaying the beverages, a couple walked in her path, stopping her in her tracks.
“Hi, my name is Sally, and this is my husband, Karl Shetty,” the woman said with a bright smile on her lips.
“Nice to meet you.” Nikki smiled, reaching for the hand the lady stretched to her before doing the same with her husband.
“How did you know Trish?” she asked them.
“I met her a year ago. I came to volunteer at the Humane Society, and she was there.She was very friendly and helpful. It’s because of her that we even have a cat.”
“That sounds like Trish.” Nikki smiled in encouragement.
“She was also instrumental in my meeting Karl because she encouraged me to follow my heart and give him a chance. I did, and look at us now.” The woman smiled lovingly up at the man with his hand around her, already smiling affectionately back at her.
“Trish is a phenomenal woman,” a proud Nikki responded with a wide grin. It was beginning to look like a recurring theme that her sister had left the lives of those she interacted with transformed in some way or another.
Finally excusing herself, she made it to the drinks section and got Nelly a cup of lemonade and a fruit punch for herself.
“Here you go, Nelly,” she said, handing the woman the cold beverage.
“Thank you, dear,” she responded, taking the glass and bringing it to her lips almost immediately. “Where’s that lovely niece of yours?” she asked Nikki after a few sips.
“She’s at the house with Paul. They’re packaging the pastries to bring here for the guests,” she informed the old woman whose head bobbed in understanding. “We’ve got quite the turnout,” she mused, looking around the almost packed room. Paul had mentioned that about forty people could hold in the space comfortably, but at least double that number of persons were on the outside patio and surrounding lawn sipping wine, chatting, and laughing. The soft jazz music floating out in the air created a laid-back atmosphere.
