“A stroke… How could that happen? She just had a checkup, and they said everything was fine.”
“Sweetie sometimes they just happen; I don’t think they can predict them. Louise is here beside me now; I’m going to pass you to her. I’ll hold down the fort, be careful.”
The sound of Louise’s voice brought Claire to tears once again. “Honey I’m so sorry; I don’t know what happened to Evelyn. We were walking to the kitchen to have some breakfast, and she seemed just fine. Suddenly, she stopped and I looked back to see what was keeping her. She had a funny look on her face and when I reached out to take her arm, she just crumbled to the floor. I didn’t even have time to break her fall, it was so sudden. I tried to wake her up for a few minutes, and then I got my wits together and called 911. She never woke up Claire, why didn’t she wake up? I rode in the ambulance with her, and they said she still had a strong heartbeat, and that I should relax and let them do their job. I just want to see her to know she’s ok.”
Claire could hear the tears in her voice much as she could feel her own. She tried to compose herself, to be strong for Louise. “It’s going to be ok. I’m on my way and I’ll be there soon, and we will find out what’s going on. Please stay calm, I know you did everything you could. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”
“Oh honey, you don’t worry about that, you can’t plan things; it would have happened just as easily with you at your apartment or at work so don’t be thinking that. I love you, and I’ll see you when you get here.”
She softly clicked to end the call and handed the phone back to Jason. As she felt his hand return to hers, all the reasons she was mad at him seemed to pale. She knew that she would have to end what was between them soon; she would think of that later, right now she needed to feel loved even if it was all a lie.
~~~~
Jason clasped Claire’s hand again, trying to infuse some of his strength into her. She looked so pale and fragile. He knew from Claire that her mother had many health problems and even though he would never admit it to her, he was very much afraid that this was something serious.
This crisis had delayed what he was sure would have been another big blow up this morning between them. He wasn’t naive enough to believe that just because they had sex, mind blowing sex actually, that it was over. When she confronted him last night with that damn folder, he had suddenly been deadly afraid of losing her and whatever they had between them. It wasn’t that he didn’t want a serious relationship, there had just never been anyone with whom he felt the need to pursue one with; until now.
Claire, to put it mildly, had knocked him on his ass. He wanted to be with her, missed her when she wasn’t around and desired her like he had never desired another woman. The need for her hadn’t lessened; if anything it had intensified each time they were together. She was a constant ache that he never seemed to be able to rid himself of. He only truly felt at peace when she was lying in his arms. He couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment when he knew he loved her, it was just there.
With that love also came certain fears; fear of losing her, fear of not being loved in return, fear of uncharted territory. Jason spent his life making problems go away; he solved them in business, he solved them for his parents and for Ella. He couldn’t understand how he had so offended Claire. She couldn’t honestly want to shoulder the burden when he could make it all go away. He wanted to take care of her, wanted her to have no worries.
He would see that her mother got the best treatment available, and if she wanted to remain in her home, he would have it repaired and hire someone to live with her. Possibly, he had overstepped the bounds a bit by talking with Pam, but surely she would see that it was all for her. The realization that he loved her made him never want to see another tear in her eyes.
Chapter Twenty One
Claire was relieved to see they were now close to home. Jason had broken every speed limit, and they arrived at the hospital faster than Claire could have dared hope. She’d used the drive to compose herself; she needed to be strong for her mother and for Louise.
Jason led her to the emergency section of the hospital where they found Louise and Suzy sitting side by side with hands clasped. Claire rushed forward, and Suzy stood to greet her. “Hey guys, have you heard anything new?” She asked anxiously.
Louise rose and took her hand. “The doctor just talked to us. He’s certain now that Evelyn had a stroke. Her speech has been affected and there’s some facial drooping. He says she’s stable now, but it will be several days before they can really assess the extent of the damage.”
She felt Jason’s arm go around her for support and was grateful to lean into him. “When can I see her?”
“We don’t know yet; we haven’t been able to get a straight answer on that,” said Suzy.
Jason moved Claire to a chair and lowered her into it. “Let me see what I can find out, ladies; I’ll be right back.”
Claire, Louise and Suzy all sat close together; hands clasped. Suzy looked at Louise and then at Claire and said, “Claire, I’ve been trying to convince Louise to let me drop her at home for some rest. She’s been here for hours, and I know she’s tired.”
“No, you don’t worry about me; I’m not going anywhere until one of us gets to see Evelyn and knows she’s ok,” said Louise. Claire knew by the stubborn set of her mouth that trying to talk to her was pointless.
“Suz, thanks for calling and coming here, I felt so much better knowing Louise wasn’t alone.”
“It’s no problem; some of these doctors are complete studs. I might start hanging out here in my spare time. Can you see me as a doctor’s wife? Maybe a plastic surgeon so I can get some really big knockers, right?” Claire and Louise both burst out laughing.
Leave it to Suzy to find a way to lighten the mood. Jason walked down the hall at that exact moment and raised a brow as he looked at them. “Ok ladies, fess up; am I the cause of the laughter?” Still smiling Jason took the seat beside Claire and automatically linked his hand with hers. A move noticed by both Louise and Suzy.
“Nope, sorry, we can laugh at you later though if you don’t want to feel left out,” said Suzy.
Claire turned to him, “Did you find out anything?”
“Unless there’s a problem, they’re going to move her out to ICU from emergency in about an hour. After she’s moved, they’ll allow one person at a time to go back for no more than ten minutes until visiting hours end at eight.”
“Hey cool,” said Suzy. “That’s a good sign that they plan to move her. Why don’t we all go down and grab something to drink and maybe a bite for Ms. Louise here?” Despite Louise’s protests, they all went to the cafeteria and bought coffee and sandwiches.
Even though she was trying to put on a brave front, Claire was terrified inside. Would her mother be able to recover with all the other health problems she had in addition to the stroke? As if sensing how she was feeling, Jason lifted a hand to rub along her back, soothing her tight muscles. Suzy made an effort to keep everyone entertained as Claire kept a close check on her watch wanting to be back for her visit with her mother.
Louise took the time to quiz Jason on everything she could think of. She seemed to give him her unofficial seal of approval by the time they were finished. Jason rose a few moments later, and they emptied their tray and went to the ICU unit. After checking with the nurse’s station, Claire was given her mother’s room number and reminded again that she could only visit for ten minutes. With a squeeze of her hand for encouragement, Jason released her and escorted Suzy and Louise to the waiting room while she went down the hall to locate her mother’s room.
~~~
Claire came to a stop and her hand flew to her mouth when she saw her mother. She seemed to be covered with wires and tubes. She had a tube in her mouth and her arms and hands both had IVs taped into place. There were wires peeping from the top of her hospital gown as well. A nurse was standing beside of the bed, checking her pulse rate and recording her vitals.
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She walked slowly forward, trying to get her emotions under control. The nurse turned and gave her a warm smile. “Hi there, I’m just finishing up here. My name is Glenda, and I’ll be your mother’s nurse so you will see me a lot. Are you Ms. Walter’s daughter?”
“Yes… Yes, I am. I’m Claire Walters. How… How is she doing? Should there be this many things connected to her?”
“It’s pretty normal for a stroke victim. The doctor will assess her daily, and she’ll be gradually removed from some of the monitors as she improves. I know it looks really scary, but it’s normal at this point,” assured Glenda.
“Has she been awake recently?”
“Not since she’s been moved here. They have her sedated. It can be very confusing and upsetting for someone who suffered a stroke to be faced with any speech or movement issues so soon afterwards. The doctors want to make sure they’re on hand, and that they have a good idea of what they’re looking at before they risk the patient possibly doing further injury to themselves in a state of panic.”
“Do they believe then that she’ll have permanent damage as a result of the stroke?”
“Oh no, it’s really too soon to tell. Your mother may have problems that resolve themselves over time. Whatever point she’s at, it will improve to some level. It’s too soon to speculate though so I’m just going to finish my rounds and let you have your visit. Please ask for me at the nurse’s station if you have any problems, each of my patients becomes my family, and I believe in taking care of family.” Claire was really touched by the sincerity she heard in Glenda’s voice, and she thanked her as she quietly closed the door on her way out.
She tentatively walked to her mother’s side, her heart pounding as each step brought her closer. She gently touched her hand, careful of causing the IV to move. Oh mom, you didn’t deserve this. After all you have gone through in your life was it too much to ask for some happiness? I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you. I promise we will get you what you need. You will get better, God, please don’t let me lose my mommy.
Claire felt tears rolling down her cheeks and brushed them away, almost surprised to feel them. She placed her lips gently against her mother’s forehead and whispered “I love you.” Claire knew her ten minutes were long since over and that Louise would want to visit before visiting hours ended. When she had composed herself once again, Claire located the ICU waiting room and looked at the anxious faces there waiting for her.
Jason walked over to slide his arm around her shoulders as she relayed the information that Glenda had given her. Suzy offered to walk Louise down to her mother’s room. Jason led her to a chair and took the one beside her. “How are you? What can I do to help you right now?”
Gripping his hand, Claire turned to him, “She just looked so still and there were so many things connected to her. Is she going to be okay Jason, is she?”
“Shhhh, it’s going to be ok; we will get her everything she needs. If she’s anything like you, then she’s very strong and that will help her more than anything. You need to get some rest so you can be strong for her.”
"When Suzy and Louise come back, we all need to go home for the night. I want you to stay with me; I don’t think you should be alone.”
“No, I need to stay with Louise; she shouldn’t be by herself right now.”
“I meant for her to stay as well; I’ve plenty of room, and my house is closer to the hospital.”
When Suzy and Louise arrived, Claire talked to Louise about the overnight arrangements. “Oh no honey, my sister Janet is going to stay with me at the house. I hope you don’t mind, but I would just feel better being there to keep an eye on the place, and well; it’s my home. Suzy said she would drop me off on her way home.”
“That’s fine Louise, you know I don’t mind, and I understand.” Claire thanked Suzy and gave her a hug.
Chapter Twenty Two
Jason guided her out the door and settled her back into his car. A very short ride later, he turned into a long driveway surrounded by trees. Curious as to where he lived, Claire was surprised to see a beautiful two-story craftsman style home. Jason pulled into the garage and walked around to help her out. He pointed towards a door on the far wall and said, “I normally go in that door which leads into the kitchen. We will use the front entrance though so that your first view of the house isn’t my messy kitchen.” With a smile, Claire followed as Jason led her down a flagstone walkway that curved from the garage to the front of the house.
Lights illuminated the landscape and the stunning timber peaks that framed a huge glass door. Green plants in pots gleamed against the beautiful backdrop. Jason took her arm as he led her up the steps and inserted his key into the lock.
Jason opened the door and ushered her in before him. Claire blinked as light suddenly flooded the entryway and the living area beyond. She was immediately drawn to the tall soaring ceilings with exposed beams and recessed lighting. A large modern chandelier was suspended in the middle of the ceiling giving off a soft glow. The entire front of the room was a wall of windows with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean taking center stage.
A fireplace surrounded by built-in cabinets flanked one wall, giving the room two distinct focal points. A comfortable looking brown leather sofa and matching wingback chairs were placed on an area rug. Beautiful oak flooring gleamed brightly under the light. Jason looked strangely nervous as he waited for her reaction.
“Jason, it’s beautiful; I’ve never seen a house like this before, and I love it.”
A smile lit up his face as if she’d just praised his child. “I designed this house and had it built. I spent so long trying to decide exactly what I wanted in a home, somewhere I would want to live forever. I put every room together piece by piece."
With a sheepish look, he said, “This house has been home since the moment I stepped inside when it was finished. I’m so glad you like it. I used to live in the penthouse above our floor at the office but now that’s usually only for visitors unless I’m just too tired to drive here. Let me show you the rest and then I’ll fix a quick dinner.”
Jason led her towards an opening to the left, and Claire entered a large, airy kitchen in a pale taupe color. A huge island dominated the center of the room with the kitchen cabinets and granite countertops running the length of the back wall. A breakfast nook was situated at another wall of glass, the beautiful view from the ocean clearly visible here as well. The kitchen island held a loaf of bread, a plate and some fresh fruit. Claire found it endearing to imagine Jason actually fixing his own meals without a housekeeper to help.
A staircase leading to the second floor was just off the kitchen, and Jason gave her a quick tour of two bedrooms. One of the rooms was being used as an office and the other a guest bedroom. Each had a bath attached. The oak floors continued upstairs as well as the taupe color on the walls.
They returned downstairs where Jason showed her a formal dining room with seating for ten and a beautiful buffet piece on the wall behind it. A round window showed a view of the front yard of the house. Going back through the living area, Jason went down a hallway and opened a door to a guest bath before continuing to the master bedroom.
If she thought the living area was breathtaking, the bedroom made it pale in comparison. After entering through a large sitting area with pale blue walls Claire thought to herself, now this is the rich guy’s man cave. A huge flat-panel television was hung above a fireplace, and a wall of windows continued here as well. A comfortable sofa and armchairs created a seating area that just begged to be enjoyed. Bookcases covered the opposite wall and were filled completely.
The bedroom was located on the other side of the wall, and the double sided fireplace served both rooms. The bed was a huge four poster made of rich cherry with a comfortable looking lighter blue comforter and pillows adorning it. Claire was happy to see that Jason hadn’t made his bed; somehow that made him seem more human. Whereas the rest of the home had a casual elegance, the bedroom and the
sitting room décor were truly comfortable and homey feeling.
“You missed your calling, why aren’t you an architect? You could certainly be very successful because this house is amazing. It’s simply beautiful,” Claire enthused.
Jason looked very happy and relieved at her statement. “I’m so happy you like it; I want you to feel comfortable here."
Coming over to take her hand, Jason said, “Claire if you feel like you need some space, you’re more than welcome to use the guestroom. I would like you here with me in my bed but I’m not going to pressure you, it’s completely your decision, and I’ll respect it.”
Touched by the sincerity in his voice, Claire reached up and pulled his head down to hers, lowering her lips softly against his for a brief kiss. “I want to be with you; I need to be near you tonight.”
Jason pulled her tightly against him, her head resting on his shoulder. “I need it too. I just want to feel you in my arms, no pressure to make love. I’m going to get our suitcases out of the car. I wouldn’t mind having a quick shower before dinner, and you probably feel the same way. If you want to take the master bath, I’ll use the one upstairs.”
He gave her a kiss on the forehead then released her and pointed towards the bathroom door. The master bath was as beautiful as the rest of the house. A huge marble whirlpool tub dominated one corner of the room, with a separate shower stall and a double sink with a granite top vanity. Claire wrinkled her nose as she inspected her appearance. She looked pale, tired and rumpled. A hot shower was just what she needed to feel human again.
Claire stripped off and slid into the shower. She sighed in pleasure as the spray of the water eased some of the tension in her shoulder. She reached for Jason’s shampoo and lathered her hair and rinsed. Twenty minutes later, she felt like a different person. She located a hair dryer under the vanity and was soon looking for her suitcase. Claire found that Jason had left it right outside for her. The only nightgown she’d packed was a bit dressy, but she didn’t feel like changing back into clothes.