Page 59 of Unexpected Adventures

“Well I could do more,” I hastily say. “I…”

“Abby, I know you could. But I’m not going to ask that of you.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re not meant for this.” She waves her hand in the air. “Taking care of an old lady.”

“Sylvia…”

“No, Abby, you’re not. As wonderful as you’ve been to and for me, you’re meant for so much more. And I have to be honest with myself, I’m not as spry as I used to be,” she says with a laugh. “God, how I hate to say those words. However, in talking with Millie, I’m going to start planning a move.”

I notice Shaun sitting back, quietly listening to our exchange.

“A move? To where?” I sit forward, flattening my hands on the table, my anxiety level climbing.

“Well, Millie has had concerns about living alone as well, and as much as I love my dear friend, I know our living together, either at her place or mine, isn’t going to work. She’s been checking into some independent living communities, and we’re scheduled for a tour at one.Tomorrow, in fact.”

I guess you could say I sat in stunned silence. I adore Sylvia, and the thought of not seeing her on a regular basis makes me sad. Not because losing a client meant losing hours and pay—Heather has plenty to distribute around. But Sylvia was special to me.Isspecial to me.

“You should be celebrating this, Abby. You’re finally going to be rid of my constant nagging.”

“Stop. Don’t do that, Sylvia.”

“Oh, dear, I know you’re upset.” She places her hand across mine. The difference is stark—her thin, frail hand with delicate, pale skin that’s speckled with brown spots rests across mine that is tan and nearly flawless. “I am as well,” she continues. “And I’m just trying to make this as easy as possible.”

“Nothing about this is easy.” I turn my hand over so our palms touch and instantly our hands grasp one another. “Yes, I know, nothing lasts forever, and yes, a part of me really understands your thinking, but it still makes me sad.”

“Me too, dear, me too. But that doesn’t mean you can’t come to visit me when I’m settled.”

“You say that as if it’s a done deal. As if you’re actually making the move tomorrow.”

“Well, in a way, I am. My mind is made up about this. Whether the place we look at tomorrow is the one, or whether it’s another, the move is going to happen.”

“And what about your condo? Are you selling? What about all your belongings?”

“Richard will be here before long, so I’ll talk to him about most of my belongings and who in the family wants what. Given I’ll be reduced in living space, I’m fine with taking only a few things to my new residence. As you know, I’m not one to tie myself up in material possessions. I’ve seen what scavengers your own family can turn into when it comes to distributing the so-called wealth.” She says the last part with disgust.

“I’ll help you in any way I can,” I say to her.

“Me too,” Shaun adds. “I have a pretty strong back and I’m not afraid of lifting.” He winks at me.

“Thank you,” I say.

“Yes, thank you, Shaun,” Sylvia adds. “So, Abby, depending on how soon I move, I hope you won’t mind helping me pack some things. A lot I’ll leave up to Richard to take care of, so I won’t overwork you.” With a quick squeeze of my hand, Sylvia releases it.

“Hey, I offered, so I’m willing.”

“As for my condo, again, I’ll leave that up to Richard to deal with. He’d know more about finding an agent and having it listed.”

“A great place like this, in its location,” Shaun says. “You shouldn’t have any problem in getting a great price for it. And fairly quickly too, I would think. Real estate around here has been on fire.”

“Well that’s good to know,” Sylvia says. “I’d rather the entire process be dealt with expeditiously.” She places her napkin on the table and begins to rise. I hurry to her side to assist.“I just need a little help in getting to my chair. If you don’t mind, Abby, would you and Shaun stay until Richard arrives? I’d like to go over some things with you when he’s here. Then you and Shaun can be on your way to something more enjoyable.”

I look to Shaun, raising my eyebrows, hoping he’s okay with that. And thankfully, he nods yes. “Not a problem, Sylvia. Would you like more tea?”

“Yes, thank you.”

As I get Sylvia comfortable, Shaun begins to clear the table, taking items into the kitchen.I grab a few things from the table myself and join him. Once we have everything put away and the tea is steeping, I brace myself against the counter, closing my eyes and rolling my head to stretch my neck. I’m startled by Shaun wrapping his arms around my center, pulling my back into his chest. I instinctively rest my head back against his shoulder as I cover his hands with mine. He leans his head down to place tender kisses on my neck.

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