Page 4 of Resurrect Me

Every day I wake up and am reminded of Sol’s absence. The bed next to me is empty. Our black cat, Boo, is sleeping in Sol’s spot. Which is funny, because he always hated Sol. Now he seems to miss him.

The cops claim they’re doing everything they can to find Solomon, but I don’t think their definition ofeverything they canmatches mine. They should be out scouring the streets, the city, the state, day and night in search of a missing Governor. Shouldn’t they? They found Sol’s phone, but his car is missing too. His cell was discovered in a trashcan three miles from his office at a city park. It had fallen to the bottom of the can. What’s strange is Sol never goes to that park, unless he is with his family. We used to take the kids to the playground there, before Sol started working for the state. Before his personal time was overrun with work.

The news stations reported on Sol’s disappearance for about a week, then seemed to forget that he was missing. I called three stations and begged them to air his case again, and they swore they would, but haven’t yet.

It feels like me and the kids are the only ones who care that he’s gone. Which is odd…you would think his coworkers, partners,and colleagues would be in just as big of a panic as we are. They cared for about two weeks. Declan is the only one who’s still searching. He’s been a lifesaver. Sol’s Dad, who lives in a nursing home, swore he was going to break out of the facility to look for his son. Unfortunately, he has dementia and can’t help. Giving him updates, nearly every other day, kills me inside. Not just because I must tell him his only son is still missing, but because heremembers. That’s how deeply Sol’s absence hurts him.

I’m at work. I can hear the call bells dinging from down the hall. Three or four are ringing, sounding like some sort of annoying holiday carol. I’m a charge nurse on a neuro-spine surgical unit. It’s how I met Solomon. Ten years ago, before Solomon was a politician, he was an MMA fighter. One night, he had gotten into a particularly brutal fight, suffered a concussion and multiple contusions, and was held overnight for testing and monitoring. Because of concern for his brain, he was admitted to my unit. And I was lucky enough to have him as my patient. Sort of. Solomon is a great man, but he is a pain in the ass to care for. Mainly because he’s stubborn and doesn’t want to take help from anyone…let alone an attractive, headstrong woman like me. The moment he was discharged, he slid me his number. And, while you’re not supposed to get involved with patients for obvious reasons, I was eager to call him. He was sexy as hell: muscular, tan, with dark wavy hair and green and gold speckled eyes. Tattoos of snakes and roses up one arm. How could I resist? We were married within a year and had our daughter, Cammy, within two.

I blink back the tears as the best memories of the past decade float around my consciousness. I shrug them off. I don’t have time to think about Sol. Now I have to focus on my job and providing for my kids.

A new nurse named Cecilia approaches me in the hallway. “Tacy, I have a problem in room four-A. Mr. Parish is refusing his blood pressure medication. But his blood pressure is one-ninety over one hundred.”

“Did you explain to him that he’s here because of his blood pressure in the first place? That if he refuses the medication, he’s welcoming a second stroke. Educate him on the consequences and be stern but gentle. Show him that you care,” I instruct her. “And if he still refuses, I’ll talk to him.”

“No, I didn’t think to explain it like that. I’ll give it a shot,” she says and rushes back down the hallway.

The phone in my pocket rings again. I sigh and answer it.

“Tacy?” It’s Declan.

“Yeah, hey Dee. What’s going on? Why are you calling me at work?” I know something’s off if Declan’s calling me at work. He only called me at work once before – to let me know when Sol had been in a car accident downtown two years ago. My heart skip, and I brace myself for the worst.

“I have news,” he says.

I can feel my pulse in my throat. “Okay…what? What is it? Did they find Sol?”

“Are you sitting down?”

“No, but I will,” I say and hurry into the nurses’ lounge. I grab the only chair that’s in there and sit. The world is already spinning, and I feel unsteady. Everything seems like a dream. Fuzzy and impermanent. “I’m sitting.”

He gulps. “Yes, they found Solomon.”

“Where is he? Is he okay?”

A long pause then, “No. I’m so sorry, Tacy. He’s dead.”

Chapter 4

Tacy

One year later

“Tacy, go easy on yourself. I know you still love Solomon. No one’s trying to take that away from you. But you should allow yourself some happiness, you know?” Declan says in a soft tone. He’s wearing a football t-shirt and jeans and his absurdly white teeth gleam in the porch light. “Come on. I’ve got your favorite. Kane’s spicy tuna rolls.”

The kids are asleep, and Declan shows up with take-out and a movie. I mean, sure, he’s a long-time friend, but lately it seems he has other intentions. This surprise visit confirms it. Yeah, he’s kind of attractive and sweet. But I’m not over Solomon. I don’t think I ever will be. And even if I’m lonely, and extremely horny, I don’t want anyone except Sol. Ever again.

I gulp, open the door wider, and quietly usher him inside.

He takes off his shoes by the door and sets the bag on the coffee table. His blue eyes meet mine and he grins. “We’re friends, right?”

I nod. “Of course. Why do you ask?”

“I just get the feeling you’re not completely comfortable with me being here. If that’s the case, I can leave.”

“No, don’t leave. Of course we’re friends,” I clear my throat and sit down on the loveseat cattycorner to the couch. Hoping Declan sits on the sofa and gives me some space.

“Mind if I grab some plates and stuff for us?”

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