“I’ll stand. Before you came in, Dad said he had some news that I’m probably going to think is bad.”
“For Christ’s sake, sit down, Jude.”
I exhaled and took a seat next to Claudia.
“I’ve been doing well. Finally. Seemed to take forever, but other than not being able to drive anymore, I’m getting around fine, or as fine as I’ll get. Jolene is down to three mornings a week, and I really don’t even think that’s necessary. Nice girl, but she’s more needed elsewhere.”
“Do you want to let her go?” I asked. “I’d honestly rather someone be able to take you to the doctor or food shop when I’m working, but if you feel that strongly—”
“No, I agree with that. And I don’t want you to have to take off for that kind of thing,” Dad said. “I asked Dr. Mullens last month if moving into my own place would be possible, and he said yes. I put my name on the waiting list for the assisted-living complex, and an apartment became available this week. It’s furnished and ready. All I need to do is pack.”
“All you need to do is pack?” I fell back in my chair and shook my head. “The last time I spoke to Dr. Mullens, he was still monitoring your kidneys. Dialysis may still be a reality down the road.”
“Then I’ll worry about it down the road. And if that happens, the dialysis center is right there. You wouldn’t have to sort out transportation. For now, I could maybe get out and go for a walk without having to plan it so far in advance. I have a few friends who live there, and they all love it.”
“I heard it’s amazing,” Claudia said, flashing me a hopeful smile. “I know Leo’s aunt and uncle stayed there for a while. Kristina said the apartments are pretty sweet.”
“They are,” Dad said. “There’s a nice common area and theme nights, just like at the bar.”
“Does that mean you won’t come to my trivia night again?” Claudia pressed her hand against her chest. “Dumped me already?”
“No,” Dad said with a chuckle and patted her hand. “I always have time for you—”
“This isn’t a joke,” I snapped. “And you put yourself on the waiting list without telling me?”
“Yes, and the way you’re reacting is proving my point why I didn’t. You have a nice life now.” He jerked his head toward Claudia. “What’s the big deal about me having one too?”
“Well, he worries about you.” Claudia turned to me, running her hand up and down my forearm. The sympathy in her smile only made me tense up more. “But with assisted living, if, God forbid, something happens, you have someone to call, right?”
“Exactly. I’m by myself but not alone.”
“And when your blood pressure drops and you get dizzy and fall, you’ll just wait for someone to find you?”
“That happened once and months ago. You finally have better things to do than babysit me. Why are you fighting this so damn hard?”
“Okay,” Claudia sighed, stretching out her arms as if she was holding the both of us back. “Before we start bickering, let’s talk about this like—”
“We?You didn’t see him at his worst and don’t realize all that could still happen. This isn’t your problem, so you don’t get it.”
Claudia flinched as if I’d just slapped her.
“Jude, enough!” Dad bellowed, narrowing his eyes. “You’re acting like a—”
“It’s fine. I should get to work,” she said, throwing me a glare over her shoulder as she stood. “It’s the night before Thanksgiving, so we may have a bigger crowd with the college kids home.” She kissed Dad’s cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Remorse hit me hard when she started for the door.
“Claudia—”
“Maybe I don’t know everything about his health,” she said after she swiveled her head to me. “And maybe I didn’t see how bad it was. But I believe in your father, and I want him to be happy. And if he ever went down that road again, it’s not onlyyourproblem. I’m not Maggie, and I wouldn’t let you deal with it alone, despite what a stubborn moron you are.”
My feet were glued to the carpet as I watched her leave. Things had been so great lately, I’d forgotten what it was like before. All the late hospital nights and endless calls with insurance companies. Sure, things were fine and fun now, but that could all change on a dime.
Claudia wasn’t Maggie, and I never doubted that she loved me, but I’d never shake the fear I’d end up disappointing her.
“I really thought you were past being an idiot,” Dad said, groaning as he shook his head at me. “Old habits die hard, I suppose.”
“Look, Dad—”
