Chapter 10

 

“Mama, what is it? Can you answer the door?” Bailey stopped to pick up her mom as a surprise to take her to the café for supper. When she got to the door, even before she knocked she heard a moaning sound from inside. She slipped her hand over the ledge of the door frame and found the spare key, opening the lock and going inside.

Holly was lying on the floor, holding her gut and moaning deeply. Bailey ran to her, then knelt down beside her. She laid the back of her hand over her bio mom’s forehead and pulled back. She was burning up. “Mama, wake up. Can you hear me?”

Holly’s eyes fluttered slightly but she wasn’t adjusting well to the light. They slammed shut as another groan came from her throat. “I’m calling 911.” Bailey’s hands shook as she pressed the numbers. After giving the address and answering a few questions, she shoved the phone in her pocket and ran to the sink, where she rummaged through the utility drawer and found a dish rag. Running some cold water, she soaked the rag, rang it out and went back to her mother. Placing the cool rag on her forehead, she waited nervously for the ambulance.

She knew her adopted mom was at the mansion with Joe so there was no sense calling her right now. The ambulance would get here quicker. Olivia was no longer at the café since she took the job at the mansion. She spent most of her nights with James and hardly stayed in her apartment any more.

Her bio mom moaned louder. “Mama?” Bailey flipped the cool rag over but it didn’t seem to be making a difference. She didn’t know what to do. Her phone rang and she dished it out from her pocket.

Thank God, it was her adopted mom! “Mom! It’s Holly! I found her on the floor and called the ambulance.” Right as she spoke the words, the sirens got louder. She got up and ran to the door, flinging it open and waving to the driver. She spoke into the phone. “Ambulance is here, I gotta go.”

She wasn’t even sure if her mom said anything. All she knew was there was something terribly wrong and it horrified her to find Holly lying on the floor in such a state.

Two first responders came in prepared to deal with a high fever and unconscious woman. One of the men pushed a litter inside while the other carried a bag and bottle of oxygen. They both knelt down and worked on Holly, checking her vitals and assessing her situation.

Bailey stayed back from the situation so they could work, pacing back and forth. The adrenaline was so high she didn’t know how to escape the horrible fear welling up inside of her. What if she lost her bio mom after just finding out who she was? She began to chew on her nails, a terrible habit that she always tried to control, but not today.

She watched from behind the scenes as one of the crew placed an oxygen mask over her face, then immediately lifted her onto the litter. “Can you hold open the door?”

Bailey did as she was asked, feeling as if she were in a trance, answering questions and standing outside the door while they lifted her and placed her inside the ambulance. One of the drivers asked if she was going to ride along but right when he asked, she saw her mom’s car pulling in. “I’ll be right behind.”

Bailey slammed her mama’s front door, and ran over to her adopted mom’s car, opening the door and leaning in. Her mom grabbed her hand. “It will be fine, Bailey. Get in, we’ll follow the ambulance.”

They drove carefully over the mountain since it was raining today. The temperature was so low that it was possible to hit some black ice if they weren’t careful. “I’m scared, Mom. I just didn’t know what to do.”

“Did the ambulance crew say anything?”

“Nothing. They came in, assessed her and got her in the ambulance. I saw the worried look on Deb’s face. I know she was concerned.”

“Let’s say a little prayer for her then. I’ll stay with you, Bailey.”

Bailey closed her eyes. “All she has is me. I’m not sure it’s enough. She was so pale and her fever was so high it scared me.”

“Let’s not allow fear to overtake you. Take a deep breath and slowly let it out. You have control over your fears.”

She followed Laura’s guidance and got herself under control. “I don’t know how you do that, Mom. You always know what to say. I love you.”

They pulled into the emergency room parking lot while the ambulance went to another door. Bailey knew it was going to be a long wait. “You can drop me off if you have things to do. I can go in alone.”

Her mom shook her head. “No way, Bailey. I love Holly, too, believe it or not. I’m not letting you go in there and sit alone.”

Her words brought Bailey to tears. “Thanks.” She gave Laura a hug and they hurried inside, letting the lady at the first desk know who they were here for. She guided them to a large area where several families were waiting for news of their own loved ones.

Her mom spotted a row of snack machines. “I’ll get us some coffee. What would you like?”

“Water. I’m so dry.”

“Okay, I’ll be right back,” her mom told her.

Bailey sat alone on the ugly orange vinyl cushioned chair with wooden armrests and legs. She tried to relax but was worried.

When her mom returned, she handed Bailey a bottle of water and sat down beside her. “I sent a message to Shar.”

“She won’t care. Holly is on her list, she told me the last time we spoke about bio mom. I wonder if a doctor saw her yet?”

“It’s okay, Bailey. She just got here. They are going to run tests and assess her and probably ask you some more questions.”

“I wish they’d hurry.”

“I know. This is when we learn patience.”

Bailey wasn’t like her adopted mom. “I’m not like you, Mom. Maybe because we aren’t really related.”

Laura looked shocked and gave Bailey a concerned look, then tried to hide the pain her words caused. She smiled at Bailey. “Well, you got me and that’s what counts.”

“I’m sorry, Mom. That was cruel. I’m not myself.”

“It’s fine, Bailey. Finding Holly like that is a traumatic experience.”

“You always know the right things to say even when someone says bad things to you. I wish I was perfect like you.”

Laura frowned. “I’m not perfect, Bailey. No one is. The older you get, it comes natural. I used to yell and scream when things didn’t go my way. Now, I choose my battles.”

“I never heard you do that. Not once.”

“I had no intention of you seeing me break down.”

“Sometimes I wish you would’ve. It would make me feel better for doing so.”

Laura gave her a hug. “I think you are brave, Bailey. Hang in there, the doctor will be out before you know it.”

After an hour and no response, Bailey went to the desk to ask about Holly.

“I’ll find out for you,” she told her, picking up the phone. The woman spoke to someone and hung up, giving Bailey a serious look. “Someone will be out soon. They are quite busy back there.”

“Okay, thanks.” Still nothing. This was hard waiting and not knowing. She went back to where her mother was sitting, scrolling through her texts.

Bailey felt a whoosh of air as the automatic doors opened and Shar came walking through like she owned the whole building. Her high heels clipped the floor, sounding so loud across the tile until she hit the carpet. “Hey,” Shar told her, giving Bailey a hug. She sat down beside Laura and pulled out a small flask. “I brought reinforcements.”

While the two passed the flask back and forth, trying to hide it from the staff, Bailey held her hand out several times but they both shook their heads. “I’m almost twenty-one,” she argued.

Shar lifted a brow. “Not good enough,” she warned her. “It’s the law.”

“I could use a drink right now.”

“No, you can’t, Bailey. A counselor does not turn to alcohol during a crisis.”

Bailey let out a sigh. “Mom, you are a terrible example. Look at the two of you and I’m sitting here taking the full force of this. One sip, please?”

Both ladies shook their heads. She shrugged, knowing she wouldn’t get anywhere with them. It was just as well, she learned in group therapy one drink may lead to something else. She had to channel her emotions during a crisis. This was definitely a crisis.

Twenty minutes later, a nurse came out. “Bailey Myer?”

Bailey stood. It had taken forever, it seemed. “Yes? I’m Bailey.”

“Would you follow me, please.”

Bailey pointed to her mom and Shar. “May they come along?”

“Are they family?”

Bailey nodded thinking if she didn’t say the word then it wouldn’t be a lie.

The nurse gave the older ladies a smile. “Come along, then.”

She went into a room and asked them to sit down. Bailey looked at her mom. Was this bad news?

Laura gave her a reassuring look that calmed Bailey down.

The nurse was rather young, maybe a few years older than Bailey. She waited until they were all settled. “The doctor will be right out,” she told them and then went through a door on the opposite side of the small room.

“You are kidding me? We are now waiting again?”

“It appears so,” Shar told her. “If I had the power to change something about a hospital it would be this waiting. It stirs up the worst fears.”

Laura chimed in. “I know it isn’t the hospital’s fault or the nurses, but it is a family’s worst nightmare.”

Bailey shook her head. “No, the worst nightmare is not knowing if your loved one is dead or alive.”

Laura squeezed her hand, and she leaned into her mom, needing the comfort she provided.

The door opened, bringing in a rush of air and a tall, older gentleman wearing a pair of navy blue scrubs and a stethoscope around his neck. He pushed the door closed and placed two hands together. “Hello.”

“Hello,” the three of them said back. “How is my mama?” Bailey’s words echoed in the small room. She didn’t realize she was speaking so loud.

The doctor nodded as if that were a topic of discussion. She was going crazy and needed to know. “Bailey, if I may call you that?”

She nodded.

“Bailey, your mother is in a medicinal coma for now. We sent her to ICU, our intensive care unit for the proper care. It looks like she has bacterial meningitis.”

Shar’s eyes widened. Bailey didn’t miss the look and became more worried. “Is that bad?”

The doctor nodded. “It’s very bad, Bailey. Her high fever is under control but I need to ask you a few questions if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t. What would you like to know?”

“Has she complained of a stiff neck or headache in the past day that you know of?”

Bailey wasn’t sure. “I think when I stopped by on Wednesday she did say she had to take something for a headache, but no mention of a stiff neck.”

“Has she been in contact with anyone who has been sick? I mean heavy coughing, sneezing, that sort of thing?”

Bailey shook her head. “Not that I know of. Oh, wait! She was on a date last week and complained that she’d never go out with him again. He went to kiss her goodnight and gave her the tongue on the first date.”

The doctor nodded as if that were the answer.

Shar interrupted. “Why did we need to know that?” she asked the doctor.

“That’s a fair question. She likely got this from someone’s saliva since it takes three to seven days for this type of infection to begin, it sounds likely that the man who kissed her had it or was a carrier. Would any of you know his name?”

Bailey wondered if she had it written down anywhere. “I can check her apartment to see if she wrote it down on her calendar or somewhere.”

“Very good. When you find out, can you please let my staff know. He’ll need to be checked and treated also.”

Shar gave the doctor one of her lawyer stares. “We don’t care about that man. What we do care about is Holly. How is she and what will it take for her to get better and will she get better?”

The doctor laid it out for them. “Meningitis has many forms. Bacterial is the most dangerous, and she has that type. However, that does not mean we can’t treat it. We can and most people walk away from it.”

“What kind of treatment is she getting?” Bailey was glad Shar was asking all these questions. All she heard from the doctor was this was very bad and her mind went to the worst place possible. She was about to hyperventilate, but her mom’s reassuring hand pressing into hers kept her calm.

“Right now she is on oxygen, IV fluids and antibiotics. We have a cooling pad on her to keep the fever under control. Most patients at this point become restless, so that is why we put her in a medicinal coma, to keep her relaxed and so her body heals.”

“Thank you, Doctor. What can we do to help?”

He gave them a look of gratitude for not freaking out. Bailey wanted to.

“Prayers always help. I’m a praying man and it helps, along with good medicine. What we don’t know is if the high fever and infection has done any damage to her brain and we won’t know that until we can get this under control. Are there any more questions?”

“When can we see her?”

“Two at a time, and for twenty minutes only. You can allocate one person to be her advocate and can stay in the room all the time. We will do our best.”

He left the room as quickly as he came in and the nurse waved to them, giving directions to the ICU. They walked hand in hand down the long hall, taking corners and finally after a few sharp turns came to the unit.

Bailey had to give her name as her mama’s advocate. She wanted to see her but told her mom and Shar to take their twenty minutes first. She didn’t plan on leaving her once she was there.

It seemed like a long time, but once they came out and hugged her good-bye Bailey rang the buzzer to be let in. “She’s a bit swollen and has been intubated, dear. Don’t let that scare you. It’s a necessary evil but it helps her. I just don’t want you to be shocked when you see her,” the nurse told her.

When Bailey went into the room, she understood exactly what the nurse was talking about. Holly was hardly recognizable. She stood by her bed, taking her hand, which was surprisingly warm and felt soft.

Please, Lord, let her live. We haven’t had enough time yet.

 

*****

 

Joe gave his partner an amusing grin. “I thought I’d find you down here. Are you going to let Olivia get her work done without you begging for food?” Joe waved to the other staff as well.

His partner was sitting at the counter in a high-backed chair surrounded by three chefs. Olivia was leaning on her elbows laughing as they all watched James test another plate of food.

James looked over when Joe spoke and gave him a nod, his mouth full.

“He’s a vulture, Joe. He was snatching food off the counter when I caught him so we all decided to make him our guinea pig.”

Joe shook his head. “As much as that man eats, I can’t understand how he stays so trim.”

James laughed, before stuffing another forkful of Lobster Thermidor in his mouth. He grinned at Joe, pointing to the plate and closing his eyes. “Heaven, I’m in pure heaven.”

“When you are finished, can we have a few words?”

James pushed the stool back and stood. He swallowed his food and took a small bow. “Forgive me, ladies and gentleman, but I must get back to work before my partner disowns me.”

Joe turned to Olivia. “Do you have some free time to come along?”

He watched as Olivia nodded, put her sous chef in charge and took off her apron, depositing it in a small bin by the kitchen counter. “I’ll be right there,” she told them, disappearing for a moment. She came back out with a set of keys in her hand. She handed them to the sous chef.

Joe knew the two were wondering why he pulled them out of there in such a dramatic way. He wanted them to be the first to see the new apartment. It was finally done and he had a surprise for them both.

They got on the elevator, heading to the top floor that needed a code to get to it. No one else was allowed up to the fifth floor. “Is the apartment finished?”

Joe nodded. “Yes, and I wanted the two of you to see it first.”

James frowned. “I saw the plans on paper. I have a pretty good idea what you have done, Joe.”

He turned to them both. “I wanted you both here to meet with the interior designer. She’s up there now and wants to go over whatever changes you make before you move in.”

“What?”

Olivia followed suit. “What? James has a huge suite he’s living in now.”

Joe smiled. “That’s hardly enough for two people. Besides, here you have a private entrance out back, as I had an elevator and stairs installed without ruining the integrity of the old building. I’ve had a veranda built in so you will have a beautiful view of the mountains on one side and a balcony out front with another view of the lake.”

The doors opened to a small vestibule. The lobby was rather small but there were only two large wooden doors to go through. Joe pushed them both open. He heard Olivia catch her breath. “Oh!”

“This is the length of the mansion. I’ve had the whole top floor converted to an apartment. Take a look around.”

“What are you doing, Joe?” James seemed flabbergasted.

“I’m giving you and Olivia the apartment. Laura and I don’t want to live here. She loves her Inn and so do I. Besides, you and Olivia will be working long, hard hours for the first year. This will be a sanctuary for you to get away and yet be right here if you are needed. It will be good for the both of you. I also had a relaxing hot tub installed on the back veranda.”

James came forward and held out his hand. “It’s a great gift, Joe. Much more room than a suite. Thank you.”

“My pleasure. Think of it as the benefits for keeping this place running. Especially now that Laura has plans after the wedding. She’s been saving to send us on a honeymoon.”

“That’s great, Joe. I do know where you are going but I’m not saying.”

“You are in on the plans, too?”

“Sure am. I had to pull a few strings to make it happen. No worries, you will be pleasantly surprised.”

“I can’t wait.”

“I’m sure next week can’t come soon enough.” James gave him a pat on the shoulder then went to find Olivia. She was speaking with two of the interior designers when James came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Joe watched, satisfied he did the right thing. They would get more enjoyment out of this place than he would.

Joe realized after having this floor renovated it would never be home for Laura. She needed a comfortable kitchen like the one she had at the Inn. And, a front porch she can sit and enjoy those passing by. He thought he needed all this, but quickly realized he was not the same man he was when he first came here. Laura had brought out the best in him.

He wouldn’t miss the little cottage, The Americana he had been staying at since Laura had rented it out to him. It was not quite as warm and welcoming as her Inn. Besides, he swore some nights he heard someone walking up the stairs. When he’d go to look no one was there. Once, he got up to take a shower and felt the presence of someone there. When he looked around, he saw nothing.

He was not one to believe in ghosts and spirits and all that, but maybe those little old ladies that keep visiting Laura’s Inn would want to stay there next time they came through. He’d have to remember to tell Laura so she could offer a haunted house to the mix. The Ladies of the Night they called themselves. He grinned. They’d be running out the door of the cottage before they knew what happens if the shadow happens to appear.

One night something woke him up out of a dead sleep. When he blinked his eyes open he saw a shadow of a woman in an old fashioned gown go right through the wall. After flipping on a light on the nightstand, he waited for it to come back. Even after he turned the light back off, he never saw the shadow again.

He told the shadow if she were going to occupy the place along with Joe, it would have to pay half the rent. Amused, Joe had turned over and went back to sleep never seeing that shadow again. He guessed it didn’t want to pay rent!

James and Olivia were smiling when they saw the private veranda. “It’s gorgeous and exactly what we need.”

Joe agreed. “I’ve modernized the mansion up here for my own tastes, but you can change it however you want.”

“Thank you, Joe.” Olivia stretched her arms around his shoulders and gave him a hug. “I know you will be so good for my mother.”

“She’ll be good for me too,” Joe told her. He was as excited as a little kid wanting to spend his hard earned dollar in the candy aisle. “I can’t wait until next Saturday.”

“Is it that soon? We have so much to do. I better get back to the kitchens.” Olivia headed towards the elevator, bypassing several workers who were doing last minute touch ups. She turned back and gave James an air kiss. “See you later?”

He nodded and waved. “I have a late zoom meeting at six.”

“No worries. I’m going to the café to check on Missy. See you then. Thanks, Joe!” She left then, and James stared after her.

Joe noticed a frown on his face. “What is it, James?”

“You won’t believe me if I told you.”

“Go on. I’m listening.”

James paced back and forth. He shoved his hands deep in his pockets. “I’m jealous.”

“What?”

“Do I have to say it again? I can’t believe I am. This is ridiculous.”

“What are you jealous of? That hardly sounds like you, James.” But Joe had a feeling he knew. Joe observed a lot more than others realized. It helped make him the kind of businessman he was today. He saw how the sous chef looked at Olivia at times when Joe stopped in. Once, he noticed Joe watching and quickly turned away. If Joe noticed, he was certain James did, too.

“Chef Robert came to her rescue when that loud mouth was giving her a hard time. I should’ve been the one to escort him out the door. Instead, the guy who has been eyeing her when he thinks no one is watching was her hero that day. It gets under my skin.”

Joe almost laughed. He tried hard not to. “James, I’m sure she appreciates Robert helping her get rid of that man. It had to be scary for her, and yet I’m sure she’s dealt with idiots like him before. If you were there, I have no doubt it would’ve been you who took care of business. You can’t be there twenty four hours a day.”

James shook his head. “In reality you are right, but when I think of those years she needed me and I wasn’t there for her, it gets to me.”

“I can’t help you there. Hopefully, someday you can move on from that. I think Olivia already has.”

He nodded. “You’re probably right. It kills me inside, but I do have to move on. I better get back to work. Thanks, Joe.”

Joe waved him off, then walked to the balcony that gave a gorgeous view of the lake. He was used to some luxury, and would’ve liked it here, but now that he had Laura, all this didn’t much matter.

The elevator dinged and the woman who had his heart came through. “Joe? Joe?” He hurried back into the apartment to find her stressed and highly upset, knowing she went to meet Bailey earlier. There had been some business with Holly and an ambulance, but he hadn’t known what happened.

“Please, sit down, Laura. What is it?”

Laura did as she was asked and sat on the white Buckingham traditional armchair. He sat in the other identical chair beside hers and leaned forward, taking her hands to reassure Laura that he was here for her. Today was quite an emotional day all over. Between James and his jealous mood and Laura’s friend’s ordeal, this was probably not the time to tell her about the other issue at hand. He looked into her eyes. No, that can wait until tomorrow.

“It’s Holly. She was placed in a coma. She has bacterial meningitis, which is potentially fatal if they can’t get the bacteria out of her system quickly enough. Shar looked it up after the doctor explained what happened.”

“I’m sorry, darling. What can I do?”

She shook her head. “Do you mind if we don’t make any plans tonight? I’d like to be home if Bailey needs me. I probably should take her something to eat at the hospital.”

Joe nodded. “I agree. We were supposed to meet with Olivia to go over the menu. I’ll cancel until tomorrow and move up my meeting for this evening. May I join you after my late meeting?”

“That would be wonderful. I’ll see if Shar wants to ride along with me. I don’t like driving that windy road right before the hospital by myself.”

“If she can’t, let me know. I’ll cancel my meeting.” Joe wasn’t sure why Julia wanted a zoom meeting this evening, but she said it was urgent. He wanted her to call him right away, but she explained that it had nothing to do with business. He finally got it out of her that it was a family matter and he could invite Laura as well. With everything going on in Laura’s life, he wasn’t going to bother her with this.

Julia didn’t get riled up often. However, these past few days there was something going on. He wanted to be at this meeting and get it out of her once and for all.