Page 37 of Lone Star Longing
“So how did you get into this? Home health care?”
“Well, as you said, we don't have a hospital or doctor, and we needed some kind of health care. I like having a job that makes a difference. I like that people depend on me. I mean, yeah, sometimes it’s overwhelming, knowing that people are waiting for me, especially when I’m having trouble getting going in the morning.” A lot lately when she was having morning sickness. “And there aren’t that many more options. I mean, the diner hires kids from high school in the evening, and only has Ginny and Darla waiting in the daytime. And I could never be a teacher like Poppy. At least with my patients, I only have to deal with one at a time. And while your mom has enough attitude for a whole high school full of teenagers, at least she’s just one person, and it’s only three times a week.”
“And we appreciate your patience with her, more than you know.”
“Well, I’m not always patient.”
“But she keeps you around, so you have to be doing something right. You think you want to keep doing that when Austin gets back?”
“Oh, yeah, and actually, it will be easier, you know, because if something’s wrong, like someone’s blood pressure is up or their blood sugar, it’s going to be easier to get them to see Austin than to get them to go to San Angelo.”
“That’s true. And what about your dad? What’s he doing these days? Since he retired from the Air Force?”
“He’s doing work with the power company, or at least that’s what he’s getting ready to go back to. He’s been on medical leave for a couple of months. Honestly, when I was a kid, I thought we were just counting down to the days he retired, but he really loves it here, really loves the community. I kind of always thought he’d go back with Mom, but then she met Andrew, and well, that was the end of that idea.”
“You like him? Your stepdad?”
“He’s all right. I don't really know him. I don't get over to Houston much, and they don't come here, for obvious reasons. But Mom likes him, my brothers and sister like him, so he has to be a decent guy. I mean, Mom was miserable here, and not really happy being a military wife, so I’m glad she’s happy now. Though there was a time when I wanted my parents back together, I see they’re better off apart.”
“And your dad? You think he’ll remarry?”
“Probably not. Hard to meet someone when your daughter lives under your roof. And soon your grandchild as well.”
“Not to say there’s a lot of women to choose from.”
“He could always do a mail-order bride thing,” she said with a grin. “‘Wanted: one bride for a middle-aged man. Must be fine with living in the middle of nowhere, miles away from restaurants and grocery stores, in the same house with his grown daughter and his grandchild.’ I can see them lining up out the door now.”
“You never know. Some women might be feeling grandmotherly, or want to get away from the world.”
“Most likely she would be desperate. I don't want my dad with someone desperate.”
“You don't want him to be lonely, you know, like my mom.”
“I don't think it will happen. He’s really involved in town.”
“It’s not the same.”
“No, I know, but it makes him feel needed and wanted. It’s important. And I think your mom likes being alone.”
“I used to think she was mad because she was alone, because she wasn't included and that people had forgotten about her. But now that I’m spending time with her, I’m starting to wonder if she’s agoraphobic. I was thinking about selling the land because it’s just a lot for her, out there on her own. But now I’m wondering if that’s the best thing for her. Getting her out of that house will be torture for her.”
“How long has that land been in your family?”
“I don't know. My mom’s grandparents built it, I think. Moving her will be a fight. But it will be best for her to be closer to town, not so isolated, physically, if not socially.”
She blew out a whistle and turned to face the windshield. “I do not envy you that task.”
“Ah, no, I’m not going to do it. You are.”
“What?” Her shriek echoed in the cab, and he started to laugh.
*****
SHE WAS ALMOST RELAXEDby the time they reached the city limits. She hadn’t thought she could be so relaxed around Beck. But now, as they got closer to the reason for the trip, she tensed again.
“Are you sure you just want me to drop you off? You don't want me to go in? I mean, this is kind of a big deal for you to go through on your own.”
Which was why she’d wanted Poppy, her oldest friend, with her. She didn't want Beck.
