“Thank God.” He’d thought he’d have a fight on his hands.
“But I’m not the only one who needs to make some changes. You’re working too hard too. You always have, lately more than ever.” Tears spilled out of the corners of her eyes. “I’m worried about you. Do you want to end up like me, in a hospital bed? You might not have a heart attack now, but you could have one in the future when you’re older. Or an ulcer, or—”
“Mamá.” He hadn’t called her that since he was a child. He took her hand again. “I’ll cut back on work, I promise.” Guilt bit at him. “I’m sorry I made you worry.” Had he contributed to her heart condition? The answer had to be yes.He’d been angry that she wouldn’t listen to him, but he was just as pigheaded.
Her eyes drifted closed. “It’s okay. Promise me something.”
“Anything.” He squeezed her hand.
“Work things out... with... Anita.”
He shook his head as she fell asleep. Even in the hospital she was thinking about him and Anita.
The door opened and Dr.Bedford walked in. “Good,” he whispered. “She’s sleeping.” He crooked a finger, and Tanner followed him into the hallway.
Once they were outside of the room Dr.Bedford said, “We’ll do a few more tests tomorrow, just to make sure there isn’t any serious damage to her heart.”
Alarm jolted through Tanner. “I thought you said she was going to be okay.”
“She is, but I like to double-check everything.”
Tanner appreciated that he was thorough. “Thanks.”
“I want her to get as much rest as she can tonight, so I encourage you to go home. I’ll be here to keep an eye on her.”
It didn’t feel right to leave her there by herself. “Are you sure I shouldn’t stay?”
“Positive. I’ll call you in the morning and give you an update.”
“Thanks, Dr.Bedford. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. I’ve always thought a lot of your family. Your father and I used to get a beer together every once in a while, before he passed away.” He cleared his throat. “He would be proud of the way you take care of your family.”
Tanner swallowed, unable to respond. He’d had no idea Anita’s dad and his father had been friends.
“Anita should be back any minute. I’ve got to check on another patient, but I’ll talk to you in the morning.” Dr. Bedford smiled and walked down the hallway.
Tanner leaned against the wall as he waited for Anita, the tension that had gripped him for the past few hours finally easing. His mother was going to be okay. That was all that mattered.
When he heard footsteps coming toward him, he turned to see Anita. Rather than feel awkward, he was relieved. Everything that had happened between them since the meeting last month seemed inconsequential.
“Are you okay?” she asked, standing in front of him.
“Yes. Your dad ordered me to go home so Mom can get some rest.”
“Then you’d better follow his orders.”
“I will.” He held her gaze. “I don’t know how I would have handled this without you.”
“I’m glad I was here.”
They stood in silence in the hallway. Then she said, “I’d better get back home. I’ve got to meet the painter at #3 early in the morning.”
He nodded. “Yeah, I’ve got an early shift too.”
She hesitated, as though she wasn’t sure what to do. Then, with a quick wave, she left.
Tanner almost called out after her but held back. His mother didn’t have to make him promise to work things out with Anita. He should have done that long ago. Now he wondered if it was too late.
