Page 2 of Shelter for Shay
“What?” Shay asked.
“Nothing.”
“It’s something,” Shay said. “Does me being single bother you that much?”
“It’s not that, though I would like to see you married.” Her mom dropped her fork. “It’s just that these last few years have been a struggle.” Her mom held up her hand. “I had to retire when my health took a turn a couple of years ago. And while those medications did help and the clinical study you got me into certainly prolonged the inevitable, they both cost a lot of money. I don’t want to strap you with a ton of bills when I’m gone.”
“Let’s not go down this road right now.”
“No, Shay. We need to talk about it. You heard the doctors. I’m going to need around-the-clock care and that will happen sooner rather than later,” her mom said. “I spoke to a friend who mentioned it might be a good idea if I refinanced the house. Took the equity from it to pay some of these medical bills. Then, when I’m gone, you can sell the house. I know you don’t want to keep it, and that’s okay. You’re not attached to things the same way I am. Doing that will help keep you from having to deal with the mess.”
Shay sighed, reaching for her glass of wine. Her mom had tried to broach the subject in the car earlier, and Shay hadn’t wanted to hear a single word. But she figured if she didn’t have the talk, her mother would never stop. “Why don’t we talk to Todd. See what he says.”
“I’d rather not bring your best friend’s husband into it. Let’s just do it. I’ve already discussed it with the bank. All we have to do is sign on the dotted line.”
“Seriously, Mother?”
“Come on, Shay. It’s not like we didn’t know this illness of mine was going to end my life early. Four years ago, the doctor told us this was where I was headed. We fought—I fought—but I’m losing this battle. Let’s be proactive about the finances.” Her mom arched a single brow. “Now, not another word about it. All right?”
Shay had long ago learned not to argue with her mom when she got like this, so all Shay did was nod in agreement and shift her gaze, trying not to cry.
The Blue Moon buzzed around them—waitstaff weaved between tables, the gentle murmur of conversations, and silverware clinked against ceramic. Outside the window beside them, the streetlights glowed against the wet pavement—a mixture of snow and rain—and just beyond the sidewalk, parked cars reflected the shine.
Then something caught her eye. She was grateful for the distraction.
Across the street, in the alley between Giordano’s Bakery and a row of darkened storefronts, a man stepped out of a black SUV. He looked expensive—pressed slacks, leather shoes, jacket tailored within an inch of its life. He stood stiffly, like he didn’t belong in this town.
Another man emerged from the shadows of the alley—taller, heavier build. Black hoodie pulled up, head low. They met nearthe edge of the curb, just past the glow of the streetlight. Their postures were tense. No handshake. No words Shay could see.
The man in the hoodie leaned in—too close, too fast.
Shay frowned slightly, her grip tightening on her water glass. Then the SUV’s back door swung open. The man in the hoodie got in. The door closed. The SUV pulled away, taillights casting a momentary red sheen across the wet street.
It was over in seconds.
“Shay?” her mother asked gently. “You okay?”
Shay blinked and turned back. “Yeah. Just zoned out.”
Margaret tilted her head. “Please stop thinking about earlier. Or about the money. Trust me, refinancing is the way to go.”
“It’s not that.” She shook her head with a faint smile. “Just thought I saw someone I recognized.”
“Anyone cute?” her mom asked, glancing over her shoulder. “Shall I do what I do best and go find out if they’re single?”
Shay laughed. “Mom, seriously. No.”
Margaret turned, her face even paler than before, and her smile faltered as she reached for her water, her hand trembling slightly.
Shay sat up straighter. “Let’s get you home,” she said, already signaling for the check.
“I’m fine,” Margaret insisted, but her voice was softer now. Faded.
“You will be,” Shay said, standing. “You’ve still got a lot of living to do.”
As they stepped out into the misty night, Shay cast one last glance across the street.
The alley was empty. The SUV was long gone. Only the sound of distant tires on wet pavement and the shimmer of reflected streetlight remained.
