Helene? Oh, that’s Eli’s mom. And wow, is she ever beautiful. Petite with shoulder-length hair the color of night. She’s very elegant.
As she approaches us, she smiles at me, then she scowls at Jack. I feel him back away from me right after that look’s directed at him. I’m adding another word to my description of her: intimidating. To Jack. Not to me. Because if I had to guess, I’d say the man was a little frightened of his wife. A snicker escapes my lips before I can stop it.
“Hello.” Helene reaches her hand out for me to shake. So, I do.
“Hi.”
“You must be Emma.”
Okay, how does she know my name?
“I ran into Cody on the way in. He told me all about you. You’re Eli’s girlfriend?”
Jack makes an angry scoffing sound again. When he does, Helene’s head rotates toward him so slowly, I have to hold my breath in anticipation of what she’s about to say to him.
I think I love this woman.
“How is he?” she asks Jack.
“He’ll be fine.”
“You always say that.” Mrs. Baxter is now frowning at her husband.
“And I’m always right,” Mr. Baxter replies angrily.
She’s still glaring, which causes Mr. Baxter. to sigh, adding, “Doc said it’s a concussion. He’ll need a little time off, but he’ll be back in no time.”
“Did the doctor say that or is that just Jack Baxter’s opinion?”
“Helene.”
“Jack.”
“He’ll be fine after some time at home.” Jack gives me side-eye, then quickly returns his gaze to his wife.
“I’m going to go see him.” She turns to me. “It was nice to meet you, Emma. We’ll have to go to lunch so we can get to know each other a little better.”
I’ve no words so I merely nod.
* * *
Apparently “home”meant his parents’ house, because once Eli was released from the hospital, his parents packed him a bag and drove him back to Chicago. I learned all this from Cody who, for some reason, still had Eli’s phone. When I asked when he’d be back, Cody didn’t have an answer. “They didn’t say. They just grabbed Eli’s school stuff, some clothes, and they were gone.”
I researched concussions. According to the internet, it may take a week or two to get back to daily activities. He could have headaches afterwards, and sports are not a good idea for a while. I’m sure that’s a fact his dad is worried about.
“Will you call me if you hear from him?”
“I sure will, Emma.”
