Lessons From A Younger Lover. Zuri Day

she’s okay.”

      Just then, Miss Mary, who’d been sitting in the waiting room opposite the nurses’ station, walked up to Gwen. “Calm down, baby,” she said, even before reaching her. “The doctors are with her now and we can’t go in there.”

      Gwen hugged Miss Mary and tried to keep her composure. “What happened?”

      “We were in her house talking and watching TV. Then all of a sudden, Lo said she felt light-headed. I got up to get her a glass of water. When I came back, she was slumped over on the couch. I couldn’t wake her. I couldn’t get her to…” Miss Mary felt tears threatening and couldn’t go on. “She’s going to be all right,” she finished lamely, although at that moment neither woman believed that was true.

      Gwen looked helplessly at the nurse, whose tawny-colored eyes were full of compassion. “I do understand, Miss Smith. But your mother is being examined by two very capable doctors. Just try and stay calm…and maybe say a prayer or two?”

      When Gwen’s stormy yet worried facial expression remained unchanged, the nurse stood. “Tell you what. I’ll go in and take a quick peek myself so I can give you a personal update. How’s that?”

      Gwen nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Nothing could happen to her mother, not now. She could barely deal with the changes that had already taken place. Gwen turned toward the hall the nurse had gone down and ran a worried hand through her hair.

      “It’s okay,” Ransom said, coming up behind her and taking her gently in his arms. For once, she didn’t pull away, but rather turned into his comforting embrace. No words were spoken; none were necessary. At this moment she needed a shoulder to lean on and didn’t care whose. And she wouldn’t dare admit how glad she was that it belonged to the stranger named Ransom.

      “Mr. and Mrs. Smith?” The warm voice that interrupted the peaceful interlude with its mistaken salutation jerked Gwen back into both the reality of the moment and the inappropriateness of what had just happened. She didn’t want to lead this man on. But that was a matter for later.

      “Oh no, we’re not…I mean…yes, I’m Gwen Smith.”

      “Dr. Rolette here.”

      They shook hands. “How’s my mother?”

      “We’re going to have to conduct more tests before we have an answer. For now, her vitals are stabilized and she’s breathing on her own.”

      “On her own? You mean—”

      The doctor placed a comforting hand on Gwen’s arm. “Your mother wasn’t responsive when the paramedics arrived at her house. They had to use methods to help her breathe until she could do so on her own.”

      Gwen’s shoulders slumped and she fought to control the tears. As much as she wanted to fold herself into the hard body standing next to her, that was not an option. She needed to be strong.

      Miss Mary sensed Gwen’s vulnerability and took her hand. “What do we need to do?” Mary asked.

      “Nothing right now. You can go in to see her. She’s resting comfortably. What we want to do is transfer her to a larger hospital in the Los Angeles area, one with more sophisticated equipment than what’s available here. Have them do a more extensive physical, a CAT scan, and MRI.”

      Gwen looked down the hall. “What room is she in?”

      The doctor answered Gwen’s question. “But don’t stay too long,” he added. “Rest is what Mrs. Andrews needs right now. In fact, she may be sleeping. If so, don’t wake her. Just know she’s okay.”

      Gwen nodded, whispered a thank you, and began walking quickly down the hall. Ransom followed after her, and Miss Mary worked to catch up.

      “Ransom,” Gwen said, as she stopped and turned, “could you do me a favor and give Miss Mary a ride home? I’m sure she’s exhausted. I’m going to stay here with Mama until she wakes up, and then catch a cab when I’m ready to go home.”

      “I don’t like leaving you here alone,” he responded.

      “I can catch my own cab,” Mary added.

      “Please, I know you guys mean well, but I’m really okay to handle things from here. I’m going to call my brothers and I’m sure Robert will come right away. I’m okay, really.”

      Ransom pulled out his cell phone. “Give me your number.” He looked at her with determined eyes, and without the usual flirtatious smile that accompanied this request.

      Gwen complied. “Can you also write it on the board in Miss Mary’s kitchen when you get there? That way, she’ll have it right in front of her should she ever need to contact me again.”

      Ransom nodded, and after looking at Gwen intently, took her in his arms. This time Gwen was stiff, back on guard. After only seconds, she pushed away. “Thank you,” she said without emotion.

      She turned to Miss Mary and gave her a longer, more enveloping hug. “I’m in your debt,” she whispered to the slight, older lady. “Thank you so much.”

      As she hurried down the hall, Ransom called after her. “Hey, Gwen!”

      She stopped and turned around.

      “You’re in mine too.” The flirtatious, confident smile had returned.