Lynn glanced at the clock. Nathan and Mia would be at Chess and Brooke’s house for the family dinner right about now. Was it silly to feel lonely and a little left out?
She gently stroked Thai’s fur as she pretended to focus on the show on television. It was a good thing she’d seen it more than once before, otherwise she’d have no prayer of remembering what this episode was about.
After the whole pizza box incident, Lynn was happy to stay at home. Walt had installed a couple of cameras so she could keep an eye on the front and back doors. Even so, she was starting to feel a little closed in. It was one thing to choose to become a recluse, it was entirely another to be forced into her new role as shut-in.
Thai was practically snoring on her lap. Even though her own foot was falling asleep, Lynn refused to move and wake him. If only she could sleep so peacefully.
She had just returned her attention to the television when her cell phone rang. Unsure of the number, she went ahead and answered it. “Hello?”
“Bethany?”
Lynn blinked at the sound of her mother’s voice. She couldn’t remember the last time they’d spoken on the phone. “Mom? Is everything okay?”
“We’re on our way to the hospital. Your sister collapsed and they think it’s her heart.” Mom’s voice shook. “I felt you should know.”
Lynn’s surprise stole her voice for several moments. “I’m glad you told me. What hospital are you going to?” She shifted her weight and reached for a nearby notepad and pencil, receiving a nasty look from Thai for her efforts. She wrote down the information. “Okay. Yeah, I’ve got it.”
“And Bethany? Don’t come to the hospital. Not yet. Your father wouldn’t be happy. I’ll keep you updated.”
Lynn wanted to argue with her. “Yeah. Call anytime—day or night. Seriously.”
“I need to go. Pray hard.”
“I will.”
The connection went silent, and Lynn set her phone down. A big part of her wanted to ignore her mom’s request to stay home and get in the car right now. But what if the stalker was outside? Would she lead him to the hospital and make things worse? What if the press caught wind of where she was going and crowded the hospital?
Either scenario had her stomach aching.
Mom was right. She needed to wait and get an update first. Find out how things were going before she went charging in. Hopefully Perry would get to the hospital, they’d make a change to her medication, and she’d be going home again before the day was out.
“Father, guide the hands and minds of the doctors as they care for Perry.” She paused as she thought about the fact that her mom had even called her. That in itself was a huge thing. “Thanks for encouraging Mom to reach out to me and let me know. Please continue to work in their hearts. I miss my family.”
For only the hundredth time that hour, Nathan came to mind. There was such a huge contrast between where they were in their lives. Here she was, sitting alone, while he was with an extended family today. It took everything she had not to send him a text and let him know she was thinking about him.
~*~
Nathan considered calling Lynn all weekend, but every time he got close, he realized he didn’t know what to say and then talked himself out of it. He finally convinced himself that waiting until Monday would be the best thing. He’d take Mia by Little Lambs, see Lynn in person, and see if she’d be up to meeting after work.
At this point, talking in person was going to be better than trying to talk on the phone or through texts.
As he got himself and his daughter ready for the day, he kept going over the conversation in his head. He thought he was prepared until he entered Little Lambs and didn’t see Lynn anywhere.
Sharon spotted him, waved, and came his way. “Hi, Nathan.” She took the diaper bag from him. “Good morning, Miss Mia.”
Nathan kept scanning the room, hoping Lynn would walk in from somewhere. “Good morning. I hope you had a nice weekend.”
Sharon shrugged. “It was okay. I kind of needed another to recover from it.” She reached for Mia.
He gave his daughter a hug and a kiss before handing her over then cleared his throat. “Didn’t Lynn come in today?”
Sharon hesitated. “She left me a message early. I guess her sister is in the hospital with some heart trouble. They made the decision this morning to operate. I’m not sure of the details, but Lynn was going over there to wait for more news.”
“Did she say which one?”
With a knowing smile, Sharon nodded and told him. “I know she’s nervous. I don’t think her dad invited her, but she’s going anyway.” With a pointed look, she added, “Lynn could probably use some support right now. Trust me, she’s had a really rough week.”
There was no stopping the immediate pang of guilt at only contributing to Lynn’s plight. He certainly knew how she felt. “I appreciate the information.” He ran a hand over his daughter’s silky hair. “Be good for Miss Sharon today, baby. Love you.”
