"Wise, old Helen strikes again," she joked.
"You're not old at all," I said. "You said you son is only a few years older than me."
She sighed. "And I still think he's growing up too fast."
"Isn't that what all parents say?"
"Maybe I should invite him to come to this News Year's in July party," she said. "I think you two would get along well."
"Helen, are you trying to set me up with your son?" I asked, mocking a scandalized tone.
She winked, the laughed. "No, he's never been the type to settle down. Too much of a wild child. Still, you two would make a good match, I think." She straightened her back. I helped fluff her pillows so she could sit up. "Are you going to need any help for the party?" she asked. "I'd be more than happy to help."
"Are you any good at arts and crafts?" I asked wryly.
"I've been known to make a scrapbook or two," she said. "Plus, it will give me something to do so I don't die of boredom."
"I get that," I told her. "I'd love the help. I'll tell Tracey we've got one more hand on deck."
Helen and I spent the rest of her visit talking about the party and deciding what needed to be done.
But deep down, I was still thinking about what she said.
Maybe I'd been too harsh with Nathan, getting upset with him and storming off like that. He really had been looking out for me, and he had put a lot of effort into understanding my illness. Despite all the fussing and smothering, it had all come from a place of love.
Love.
That was a word I hadn't thought to apply to me and Nathan before. I cared about him, yes, and I knew he cared about me.
Butlove?
I'd never been in love before, and I had no idea what it felt like. The idea of it was too intense. Too real.
I quickly shoved the thought away and returned my attention back to Helen.
But in the back of my mind, I couldn't help thinking.
If ever I was going to fall in love with someone, Nathan Walker would have been it.
