Here With Me (21 page)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

    “So, how was the shindig at Chez Hollins last night?” Kenna asked the next morning as she took a sip of her vanilla chai.  They’d agreed to meet up for breakfast before Kenna headed to New York for a few days to display some of her artwork in the gallery she’d been talking with. “I guess I should be offended Cole didn’t invite me.”

“Don’t be offended.  It was nice, but just not what we’re used to, I guess.  The
Bushes sat at our table,” Mallory said with a smile.

“George Senior and Barbara?”
Kenna gaped.

“Yep,” she grinned back.

“That’s insane!  So you actually talked to them?”

“Not really. 
Just a little.  It’s not that big of a deal.  You’ve talked to them, after all.”

“Yeah, to take their order, not as an equal!”

“They were nice, but it was a strange night,” Mallory said softly, leading into the inevitable conversation. 

“Why’s that?” Kenna asked looking at her friend curiously.

“Cole and I have decided to give it another shot.”

From the look on
Kenna’s face, Mallory was surprised she didn’t spit out the vanilla chai.  Instead she swallowed quickly.

“Excuse me?” she exclaimed quietly. “What the hell are you talking about?  What do you mean by another shot?”

“We’ve decided to start dating again and see how it goes.”

“You’re not
frickin’ serious, are you?  This is a joke.”

“No.  It’s not a joke.”

“So you and Cole were tanked then last night?”

“No.  I had one glass of wine.”

“Well, if you were, in fact, sober, would you please explain to me how the hell you and Cole decided to hook up again?”

“We’re not ‘hooking’ up, Kenna.  We’re dating.”

“Why?” Kenna asked simply.

“I don’t know.  I guess I want to see if it’ll work this time.  Like Cole said, we’re totally different people than we were the first time.  It could be really good,” Mallory said with a positive smile.

“Who are you trying to convince?  Me or you?”

“I’m not trying to convince anyone.  I just think this is the right thing for me in my life right now.”

“And what about Ryan?  It hasn’t been that long since you two broke up and you’re already moving on, with Cole no less?  Cole’s been after you since eighth grade and you’ve repeatedly said you didn’t have feelings for him.  That’s why you broke up in the first place.”

“Ryan is over, Kenna.  It never would’ve worked anyway.”
Kenna’s glare made her look away.  Kenna never was one to try and hide how she was feeling.

“I just don’t get you, Mal.  You and Ryan had something really good going.  I’ve never seen you so happy with someone and then you just dump him because you’re scared.  Then you jump right into your safety net?  You don’t love Cole.  You never have and you can’t force yourself to.”

“Kenna, please.  I need this right now.  I need Cole in my life.  I want this to work, because it’s exactly what I need.  It’s what my mom needs too and I’m going to try my best to make this work.  We went sailing last week and we kissed and it was an amazing kiss.  Once I felt that, I knew it might work.”

Kenna shook her head disapprovingly and sighed. 

“Well, it seems like you’ve already made up your mind then.  I hope you get what you want with Cole.” Kenna looked at her watch and then stood up. “I need to get running if I’m gonna catch my train.”

“Are you mad at me or something?” Mallory asked.

“No, of course I’m not mad at you.  I love you, Mallory.  You just seem all messed up right now.  I just want you to be happy.”

“This will make me ha
ppy.”

“Then if you’re happy, I’m happy,” Kenna said, leaning in for a hug.  Mallory knew her friend wasn’t happy, but Kenna had said her piece. 

“Good luck in New York.”

“Thanks.  See you in a few days,” Kenna said and then disappeared out of the café. 

Mallory sat at the table, picking at her breakfast, doing her best to push Kenna’s pessimism from her mind.  Kenna didn’t get it.  She’d never understand. 

Her phone rang and she
fumbled in her purse for a few seconds as she searched for it, finally finding it and flipping it open to the sound of Cole’s voice. 

“Good morning.” His voice was happy and she smiled, knowing she was the source of that happiness. 

“Hey, Cole.  What’s up?”

“Not much.  Are you going to visit your mom this morning?”

“Actually, yes.  I just finished breakfast with Kenna and I’ll be at the rehab center in about ten minutes.”

“Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all.  My mom will be happy to see you.”

“Alright then.
  I’ll see you in a bit.”

“Bye, Cole,” she said, hanging up the phone and putting it back in her purse. She quickly finished up and cleared the table off before heading outside to her car. 

Cole was waiting in the parking lot when she got there.  He was smiling and she couldn’t help but think he looked happier than she’d seem him in a long time.  He looked casual in his flip-flops, long khaki cargo shorts and a linen button up shirt.  His skin was tan and his hair was blowing in the wind.  He was gorgeous, there was no denying that. 

He walked over to her car and she smiled when he opened the door.  He reached down and took her hand, leadi
ng her out of the car.  A little something stirred inside when he touched her and she grinned to herself, thinking this might just work after all. 

“I’ve missed you,” Cole said, leaning down to give her a gentle kiss.  His lips felt nice against hers and she reached up and stroked his cheek, which was surprisingly soft.

“I’ve missed you too.” She reached up and kissed him again and he slid his hands around her waist, linking his fingers so she was trapped against him. 

“I didn’t know you were so into public displays of affection,” Cole said, kissing her again. 

“I’m not usually,” she grinned slyly. “But I couldn’t help myself.”

“Well, I’m not gonna complain.” He was beaming down at her with a content smile and she wrapped her arms around him. 

“Then don’t.” She kissed him again and then released her arms from his waist.  He did likewise and they headed inside.

When they walked into her mother’s room, sh
e was sitting up, watching TV and smiled widely when she saw them. 

“Hey, you two!”

“How’re you feeling, Mom?” Mallory asked, leaning in for a hug before sitting in the chair next to her bed.  Cole pulled a chair up from the other side of the room and sat down.

“I’m feeling much better.  Hopefully I’ll be outta this place soon.  I think I’m gonna go crazy if I’m stuck her much longer.”

“Has the doctor said anything new about when you might be able to come home?” Cole asked.

“Nope.  Same ol’, same ol’.”

“So, what’s on your agenda for today, Mom?” Mallory asked.

“Physical therapy in a half an hour,” her mother said with an eye roll. “I hate it.”

“I know you do, but it’s necessary and the harder you work, the sooner you get to come home.”

“I’ve been working my butt off, so I’d better be cleared to leave soon,” she groaned and then Cole stood up.

“I’m gonna run to the bathroom,” Cole said, resting his hand on Mallory’s back for a second.  She looked up at him and nodded.

“So, how was the party last night?” her mom asked once Cole was out of the room. “Was it as stuffy and indulgent as we always thought?”

“Yeah…pretty much,” Mallory laughed. “But, I had a good time.  I even had dinner with George Senior and Barbara.”

“Seriously?” her mother asked, her eyes wide.

“Yep.
  They were at the VIP table with us.”

“Oh my…my daughter, the VIP,” she laughed sarcastically.

“Tell me about it,” Mallory grinned back.

“So what’d you do besides eat?”

“Cole and I danced, but that’s about it.”

“So, that was it?  Anything else exciting happen?” she prie
d and Mallory grimaced inside.

“Well, there was a little excitement,” Mallory said with a grin.

“And what was that?” her mom asked anxiously.

“Well…” she began hesitantly as she thought about how to break the news to her mom.  She decided to just come out with it.  There didn’t need to be any fanfare.  She just needed to say it.  Her stomach jumbled with nerves as the words hovered at the base of her throat.  Once she said them aloud to her mother, it would mean it was true.  She and Cole would be an official couple. “Cole and I decided last night that we’d try dating again.”  There.  It was said.  Her mother knew and as she met her mom’s dark brown eyes, she could see elation beaming from them.

“If this is a joke, Mallory, I don’t think it’s funny.  You know how much I’ve wanted you two back together.”

“I assure you, it’s not a joke.”

“This is wonderful then!” she exclaimed. “If it didn’t hurt so damn bad, I’d reach over and hug you right now.”

“Then I’ll hug you instead.” Mallory stood up and leaned down, hugging her mother, whose arms squeezed her tightly.  Her mother was ecstatic and Mallory knew it was worth it.  Feeling her mother’s happiness reinforced she’d made the right decision. 

She heard the door open and knew Cole had returned from the bathroom.  Her mother released her and Mallory turned to look at her boyfriend.  She grinned at the word.  Boyfriend.  Cole hadn’t been her boyfriend in six years and as she watched him walk over to them, she knew he was the right man for her.

“Is everything okay in here?” he asked, returning to his seat.

“Mallory just told me that you two have started dating again,” her mother said, reaching for Cole’s hand and squeezing it. 

“The cat’s out of the bag then,” he said, grinning over to Mallory.

“I’m thrilled.  I’m glad you never gave up on her, Cole.”

“Me too,” he smiled at Mallory again and winked, causing her to blush.

“So what’d you have to do in order to finally change her mind?”

“Perhaps she finally realized how irresistible I am,” Cole laughed. “Whatever it was, I’m glad she finally came to her senses.”

“Well, I couldn’t be happier.  You two belong together,” her mother said as Mallory’s eyes met Cole’s.  They both smiled and she told herself her mother was right.

Just as Mallory expected, the news of her and Cole had been the last bit of encouragement her mother needed.  A week later, the doctor had given her clearance to go home.  Therapy would still be needed and a visiting nurse would come to check on her, but when Cole helped ease her mother into the front seat of the car, Mallory breathed a sigh of relief for the first time since the accident.  With the click of a seatbelt, Mallory could finally believe her mother was genuinely going to be alright.  She could begin to put the entire summer behind her and focus on her future, her future with Cole.  As he shut the door once her mother was settled in the front seat, he smiled and gave Mallory a quick kiss as he brushed by her.  He took her hand for a moment as he walked past her, holding it until he was forced to drop it, her arms floating back to her side.  She was beginning to like when Cole did things like that.  He was always doing little things to let her know he was thinking of her. 

Mallory sat in the back seat while
Cole drove towards the house and could see her mother’s reflection in the side mirror.  Her smile was wide and happy.

“I can’t wait to get home,” she said, still beaming. “I want to sit in my chair, read my book and watch the Red Sox game.  And I really can’t wait to get back to work.”

“You are not going back to work, Mom,” Mallory said sternly.

“Well, not right away, but I am going back,” her mother replied just as sternly.

“You haven’t even been home yet.  We’ll discuss work later.”

“Stop treating me
like a child, Mallory.”  Her mother’s abundant smile turned to a straight line.  Mallory folded her arms and frowned for a moment.  Then scenes from her mother’s accident flashed through her mind, causing the frown to transform to a smile.  There was a time when she didn’t know if her mother would survive, let alone banter again.  Mallory was happy to know that things were returning to normal and was grateful for her mother’s snarky remark.  It meant she was almost better. 

“I’m with Mal, Claire.  Don’t worry about work right now.  Focus on getting better,” Cole chimed in and Mallory watched the straight line on her mother’s face soften a little.

“I guess you’re right,” she agreed.

“I’m glad you’ll listen to someone, Mom, even if it’s not me,” Mallory said as Cole pulled the car into the driveway. 

Cole turned off the ignition and they both helped her mother out of the car.  The walk to the door was slow and the walk up the stairs, even slower.  When the door opened and they stepped inside, her mother sighed.

“I’ve never been so glad to be home,” she said
, breathing in deeply.  Cole placed the duffle bag on the couch and Mallory continued to lead her mother in. 

“I’ve had some work done to the house in order to make things a little easier for you to get around,” Mallory said excitedly.

“What kind of work?”

“There’s a chair lift to get up the stairs and a shower that’s easy to get in and out of with a seat and everything,” Mallory said
, guiding her mother towards the stairs.

“Sounds expensive,” her mother groaned as they walked.

“Insurance paid for most of it, so don’t worry about the cost.  Now, what do you think?”

They stopped at the bottom of the stairs and Mallory felt her mother’s body stiffen. 
Her stomach sank when saw the look on her mother’s face.  She looked terrified and sad and Mallory saw a layer of moisture in her eyes.  Blinking, she watched as tears streamed down her mother’s cheeks. 

“Mom, what’s wrong?” she asked gently, but her mom said nothing. “Mom, what is it?”

“So, it’s really come to this?” Her voice was low and deflated.

“What are you talking about?”

“I need a chair lift to get to my own bedroom.  I need a shower with a seat in it,” she said, her voice cracking. “I’m 50 years old, dammit!  This crap is for old ladies!  I’m not an old lady, but I need this stuff.  This is my life.  My damn life!”

Mallory gripped her mother’s
hand and squeezed tightly, turning to Cole for help.  He quickly crossed the room and put his arm around her mother.

“It’s going to be okay, Mom.”

“These things are going to make things easier for you, Claire,” Cole said, his voice low and soothing.

“You don’t get it. 
Either of you.  I don’t want these things to make my life easier because I don’t want climbing up the stairs or taking a shower to be hard!  I want my old life back,” she said, ripping her arm away and wiping her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Mallory whispered. 

Her mother didn’t say anything, but lifted her leg slowly onto the first step.  She tried easing herself up, her muscles straining and she quickly stepped back, losing her balance.  Cole stepped in to catch her. 

“I guess you’d better show me how to use this thing,” her mother said, defeated.

A moment later, she was sitting on the lift, slowly ascending the stairs.  Mallory walked behind and noticed her mother kept her gaze away from her and Cole.  When she reached the top, Mallory tried to help her out of the seat, but she was shooed away.  Her mother pushed herself out and began walking towards her room.

“Can I help you with anything, Mom?” Mallory asked as she watched her walk down the hall.

“No,” she said quietly. “I just want to be alone.”

“Are you sure?”

“I said I’d like to be alone,” she repeated, never turning around.  She walked into the bedroom and quietly shut the door. 

Mallory felt the sting of tears in her eyes and stared at the door for a few moments before turning and walking back down the stairs.  Cole met her with open arms and she went willingly into them.

“She seemed so happy on the way home,” she said into his chest.

“She was happy, Mal.”

“Then what happened?  I’ve never seen her like that.  Ever.  She looked like she’s totally given up.”

“I’m sure she’s just overwhelmed.  It’s a lot to take in.  She’ll be okay though.  Just give her some time.”

He stroked her hair and then kissed the top of her head.  Breathing in deeply, she hoped he was right.

****

Cole stayed all day, but her mother had stayed in her room.  They’d watched TV and talked and Cole had grilled up some bratwurst for dinner.  Mallory had convinced her mother to come and join them, but she’d been quiet as they ate on the small deck, enjoying the surprisingly mild evening. 

When Cole finally left during the seventh inning of the Red Sox game, Mallory and her mother sat in silence for an uncomfortable amount of time
on opposite ends of the couch. 

“Mallory,” her mother’s nervous voice
finally said.  Mallory turned to see her mother’s face looking at her, softer, and less scared than earlier, when she’d first seen the chair lift. “I want to apologize for my reaction when we first got home today.”

“
It’s okay, Mom.  I understand it’s a lot to take in.”

“No, honey.
  You don’t get it.  We’ve been dealing with this for a few years now, but it wasn’t until tonight that I really understood how different my life is going to be until the day I die.  Even with the stroke and the fall, it didn’t sink in…not till I saw that I can’t pretend anymore. I can’t pretend that I’m okay, because I’m not okay.  You’ve been trying to tell me, but I never listened.  I’ve treated you badly, Mal.  I’ve been ungrateful.  I’ve taken you for granted.  I’m sorry.”

Mallory felt her eyes brim with tears. 
Closing the gap on the couch, she hugged her mother tightly.

“I love you, Mom.  I’m glad you’re okay.”

“I love you too, Mal.  I appreciate everything you do for our family. I don’t say it enough, but thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she said simply, the weight she’d been bearing, lightening a little.  Her mom did notice her hard work and she did care.