I woke up the next morning in my new room, slightly disoriented but still lost in the afterglow of our lovemaking from the night before. I looked over to my left and then to my right - the bed was that big. It was empty too, other than me, void of a gorgeous, dark eyed man.
I sat up, stretched and reached for my phone. There were no missed calls, so Mom must have done okay during the night. I needed to start working on finding a facility for her to rehab in before she was ready for discharge. I had the day off today so I decided now was as good a time as any. First, I called the unit where she was admitted and asked to talk to her nurse.
“This is RN Bennett,” the pleasant female voice said.
“Hi, this is Holly Valentine. I was calling to check on my mother, Betty.”
“Yes, hello Holly. Mrs. Valentine’s medical condition is very much improved since her admission. The doctor ordered lab work on her last night and it came back much better than the first day she was here. Her blood glucose is back to normal and her vital signs are all good.”
“Is she giving you a hard time?” I asked.
The nurse laughed and said, “She’s a bit…obstinate.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “That she is. Do you have any idea when she may be ready for discharge?”
“So far, the plan is for tomorrow,” the nurse told me. That meant I better get busy. If she went home before rehab, chances are she would go on a bender and she’d refuse to go…until the next time.
I thanked the nurse and told her I’d be by later but I was available by phone. Then I called the social worker, Bridgette.
“Hi Bridgette, this is Holly Valentine.”
“Yes, hello, Holly. I just came from seeing your mother a bit ago.”
“Her nurse says that physically she’s doing well. How is her mental health holding up?”
“Well, you know that the first couple of days sober are the hardest. She’s not happy, with any of us.”
I laughed and said, “Yes, I’m sure I’ll get an earful when I come down to see her in a bit. I was wondering if you may have a list of rehab facilities that I could pick up today.”
“Yes, absolutely. I’ll leave it with her nurse for you.” I thanked her and hung up. Now, I needed to search my new digs for some coffee. I made my way out to the kitchen and found a fresh-brewed pot. Aiden had scratched out a little note that said:
“My driver is available if you need to go anywhere or would like to get started moving your things over. I have meetings all day but will be home in time to have dinner. Think of what you might like and we’ll have it delivered in. Have a good day. P.S. the check is for your first week’s pay.”
I picked up the check. It had a lot of numbers on it. It was definitely more than I made at the cafe in a week, even if you counted my tips. I read the note again. The truth be told, I read it three times, looking for a sign that he enjoyed our night together as much as I did. It wasn’t there, and I told myself to stop looking for it. I was only going to make this harder on myself if I didn’t stop. I took my coffee and went out onto the expansive balcony. There were beautiful lounge chairs and two little bistro tables, but I stood against the wrought-iron railing instead and looked out over the city. I was on top of the world. I looked down towards the sidewalk and wondered how painful it was going to be to fall.