She laughs. “How are you feeling?”
“Getting better every day.” I was taught that when someone inquires about your health, a lady always gives a positive response. I’m not at all sure my health is improving, but at least I still have good manners.
“That’s wonderful to hear.”
“Thank you, dear.” I smile at her. “Forgive me if I’m being rude, but have we met before?”
“No. I was in Seattle when you fell.”
“Seattle!”
“Yes. I was house hunting. Zack and I are moving there in a month or so.”
“You’re moving to Seattle?” I look at Zack. “I don’t remember you telling me that, either.”
“I’m, uh, staying in New Orleans for a while longer.”
“Oh?”
“Just for a few weeks,” Jessica adds, giving him the kind of disapproving look married people sometimes use on each other. Thank heavens Henry never tried that with me.
“While he finishes up a couple of cases at his law firm,” she adds.
“I see.” I hadn’t considered the possibility of Zack moving so far away, just as I hadn’t considered that he might be married. That makes this woman Lily’s stepmother. My stomach drops, but I keep my polite face on. My experience with stepmothers is not good—not good at all.
I look from her to Zack and continue smiling. He’s the child’s father, I remind myself—her blood relative. “Lily’s coming to the hospital today. Quinn has arranged a little birthday party for me.” I’m pleased I remember this. A nurse’s aide told me just before I dozed off for that little nap. “They should be here any minute. You’re welcome to stay and meet them.”
“Oh, that’s very kind of you, but I don’t want to crash your party,” Jessica says.
“You won’t be crashing, dear. I’d love to have you.” It will give me more time to assess her and see what she’s like.
“Well, then—I’d be delighted.” She steps forward and lifts up the vase of flowers. “I brought you these.”
“How thoughtful! They’re gorgeous.”
“I’ll put fresh water in them, then set them down.” She moves to the sink in the bathroom. I hear the faucet turn on, then the door connecting the room to the hallway bursts open again.
“Grams—look what I brought you!” Lily skips into the room, holding a big bouquet of shiny balloons anchored onto a weight.She’s wearing a pink-and-white dress. Her hair is pulled back from her face and fastened on top with an enormous pink bow.
My heart leaps at the sight of her. “How wonderful to see you, sweetie! Oh, I’ve missed you!”
“I missed you, too, Grams. I was very, very worried that you’d die ’cause you’re in a hospital.”
“Oh, sweetheart!” I say.
Quinn is right behind her. She’s wearing a blue dress and sandals, and she’s carrying two large gift-wrapped packages. “I’m so glad they moved you to a room where Lily can visit.”
“Me, too,” I say.
Lily studies me. “Do you hurt?”
“No,” I lie.
“Can I give you a hug?”
“Of course.”
Zack takes the balloons from Lily, and Quinn picks her up.
