“Mr. Beck?” a woman said. It sounded like Rhonda, the receptionist.
“Yes?”
“Mr. Beck, are you able to come to Angel’s Hearth?”
“Is everything all right?” I asked. Anxiety gripped me by the throat, squeezing the air from my lungs. Had something happened to my mom?
“Mr. Beck, your mother had a little accident. She’s fine, no serious injuries, but she’s a little frazzled. It might be good if you came to see her.”
Nausea instantly filled my stomach.“What happened?”
“She took a tumble on the way down to dinner. Her legs gave out beneath her. I think it startled her more than anything, but it would be a good time to visit if you’re able.”
“All right. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
My finger slammed on the end button, and I shoved the phone back in my pocket. As much as I hated the thought of ending my non-date with Elsie early, my mom needed me. Would Elsie be mad? I hoped that she would understand this wasn’t a case of which person I cared about more. It was simply that my mom needed me right now, and I would do whatever I had to in order to be there for her.
My hands shook at my sides as I returned to the picnic and started packing up the food. “I’m so sorry, Els. My mom…” I blew out a breath. I didn’t know how to voice my fear or tell her how scared it made me that my mom had an accident. My hands trembled as I picked up the bowl of soup, almost spilling its contents.
Elsie put her hands over mine, steadying me. “Jameson, what happened?”
I met her concerned gaze. “My mom fell.”
As much as I hated pulling away from her, I returned my shaking hands to the dishes, shoving them into the basket, not caring if I spilled the leftover food.
Elsie placed her hands on my chest, forcing me to still. Her touch grounded me, forcing the anxious thoughts pummeling me to abate ever so slightly.
“Hey,” she whispered. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll finish cleaning up. Go see your mom.”
My hand settled over hers, rubbing her soft skin. It calmed me, if only for a moment.
“Will you come with me?”
Panic clouded my mind, and it was the only thought I had. I wanted Elsie there with me. I wanted her calming presence. I needed her hand in mine as I walked down the hallway to my mom’s room.
Her gaze softened. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” she asked.
“I want you to come,” was my only reply.
She hesitated a moment longer before nodding. “Okay. I’ll come.”
I sagged toward her. “Thank you,” I whispered, pressing my lips to her forehead. Together, we finished packing up the picnic remnants before I laced my fingers through hers and led her up the beach toward my truck.
Elsie
Aslight drizzle started falling from the sky as we parked in front of Angel’s’ Hearth. Instead of rushing inside, Jameson stared at the red brick building with glazed eyes, a heavy silence filling the cab of the truck. I wanted to reassure him, but I wasn’t sure how.
On the drive over, Jameson had explained that his mother fell on her way to dinner and that, though she was only in her early sixties, the combination of cancer treatment and medicine weakened her body, making it difficult for it to heal properly as a result. A simple fall like that might not have been a big deal for most people, but for her it could’ve meant a trip to the emergency room.
“Should we go in?” I asked, breaking the silence.
His eyes slid closed and his throat bobbed before he gave a small nod. His chest rose and fell in deep breaths, hands clenching his knees.
I reached across the space between us, putting my hand on his. “I’m sure she’s fine, Jameson. Your mom is strong. Look at all she’s fought through.” How could anyone survive the battles she had faced and not come out stronger in the end?
I pressed my lips together to hold back a question that formed, not wanting to take the focus away from his mother or reveal my insecurities. Unfortunately, my mouth had other plans.
“Do you…” I started before I sighed. “Do you want me to stay in the car?”
