Page 73 of Country Charm

Sauntering up to the table I see that our food has been delivered, but my appetite seems to be subdued. It is imperative I get some food in me before we head to our nextdestination because after this, only booze will be served. Something in my gut will have to soak some of it up, and the afternoon coffee with measly pastry will not be enough.

After a quick recap with the girls regarding my phone call they all share their sympathy for Jake and his mother, and then we shift right back into party mode.

The night is young and I’m hoping my light conversation with the Hunter was the hardest part of it.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Hunter

Hospitals have a very specific smell, it’s not a particularly clean one. I imagined it would be more bleachy, but it’s not. It’s an in-between smell. I figure this is what waiting would smell like. Waiting for an answer, waiting for what’s next. Just waiting. It smells like it wants to appear clean, but can’t entirely. There is a small hint of bleach, but it smells like it’s still doing its job cleaning, not that it’s done and settled.

Jake’s mom was admitted for a nasty case of pneumonia. From what I understand, she’s just about running on one lung right now. They started IV antibiotics and have her set up on some running oxygen. Jake has been setting up his bed in the room, which is a sofa attached to the wall. Honestly, a pile of dry hay looks more inviting.

Once I see Jake’s done messing with his bed, I rise from my chair and walk over to him. He’s made, unmade, and remade this bed more times than I can count. Just busying his hands, I guess, because it’s something he can do at this time. I put my hand on his shoulder and give him a reassuring squeeze.

“She’s going to be alright, kiddo.”

He looks up to me and shrugs. “We sure the docs at this place know what they’re doing, Sir?”

“I don’t think Cassidy would steer us in the wrong direction,” I reassure him.

All through the ER and admittance process I’ve stuck with Jake, to help him understand and try to help navigate things. Sharon has been in and out of it, mostly tired.

She keeps telling everyone not to make a fuss over her, but she can’t say more than three words before her oxygen drops and she fights for some good air.

“I can sleep right here in this chair if you need me,” I offer.

“I’ll be good here. I think we might be here for a little bit, so if you could grab me a change of clothes or two that would be nice. You can come by tomorrow or the day after. I know you have a farm to run, sir.” Jake pulls out his house key and hands it over to me. I take it and nod.

“I’ll grab some for your mom, too. Anything else?”

Jake’s quiet for a few moments and then just shakes his head slowly.

“No, sir. I can’t thank you enough for bringing us here. For coming right away. For staying when the doc was talkin’.”

I just nod once. “Of course, Jake, we’re family.” He is. He’s part of the Hill Family Farm, and that’s a deep enough bond for me.

I sit with him for a few more beats before I can tell it’s time for me to take my leave. The kid is beat, and the hospital is quiet. The nurse pops in to check Sharon’s temp, her IV, the oxygen tube at her nose, and listens to her lungs before I leave. She gives me a reassuring smile as I slip out the door.

Me: Sharon was admitted for pneumonia, she’ll be alright. Jake is at the hospital with her.

Looking at the itinerary I see that she and the girls have just recently finished their entertainment and should be at one of the bars for the evening. I can’t believe how much these women have crammed into one weekend. They really know how to go all out.

After searching the bar up, I see it’s less than twenty minutes from where I am, whereas home is a little more than an hour away.

Getting a kiss from Cassidy and just reminding her that I’m not something she needs to run from sounds like a good idea. I’m tired from our fight, the market, the run-in with Franny, and Sharon’s admittance to the hospital, but a kiss from that woman will help push that all away. It could give me the energy to drive home and then some. Putting the car in drive, I head her way.

I’m outside the bar where Cassidy is; it’s loud and busy. People are filing in and out. There’s a group of young women outside, one of whom is smoking, and the other girls laugh with each other.

The night seems young for all of them. Not a care in the world for tomorrow, for early mornings, for the upcoming Monday or work week. Everyone just seems so in the moment and carefree. Two men walk up to the group of girls and easily join in their conversation, and just like that, their circle has grown.

I’m in a pair of dark jeans, a grey crewneck with my farm’s name on the back, and my boots. To say I feel like I’m underdressed would be an understatement. I almost think better of going in and looking for my girl, but in the group Iwas watching I see one of the men slide his arm around a girl’s waist and I realize they may have known each other all along. I’d like to wrap my arms around Cass for one minute before I head back.

Cassidy: I’m so glad you guys brought her in. She’s in good hands. Let’s hope for a quick recovery for both her and Jake’s sake. Let me know if you or Jake need anything.

Before I can think better of it, I type my response.

Me: A kiss would be everything.

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