He heard the raised voices up ahead, and looked into the room. A man was lying on the floor, and the two women were kneeling beside him.
“Let me lift him back onto the bed, Macy.” She shot him a surprised look as he approached. She’d obviously expected him to leave.
“I-I… yes please, Brad, if you could.”
She regained her feet, as did the woman he guessed was her mother. They didn’t go to each other for support or a hug, instead standing a few feet apart.
“Who it this?”
“A friend, and Ethan Gelderman’s brother, Brad, Mother.”
“Very well, you may lift my husband and put him back into his bed.”
Brad had already bent over Mr. Reynolds. The man had his eyes open and Brad could see he was in pain. He wore green pajamas and his face was the color of the gray band around the collar.
“Sir, I’m going to help you back to bed.”
“I’d be grateful.”
His voice was weak, obviously the effort of getting out of bed had cost him a great deal. Slipping his hands under his back and legs, Brad lifted him with ease. Walking to the bed, he lowered him onto it, and it was Macy who rushed to fuss with the covers.
“What were you doing out of bed, Harvey?”
Brad stepped back as Mrs. Reynolds moved to stand beside Macy.
“I needed to go to the bathroom, Delany, and after calling for you several times, I gave up.”
The words hadn’t been delivered in an accusatory tone, but Delany Reynolds grabbed her chest in a dramatic gesture and gasped.
“I merely stepped outside. I cannot believe you are censuring me!”
“Mother, you care for him alone for half a day only, surely you could have been available when he needed you.” Anger clipped Macy’s voice.
“How dare you speak to me that way!”
Brad thought about leaving, but one look at Macy’s rigid shoulders and the anger in her mother’s eyes as she glared at her daughter had his feet staying exactly where they were.
“Delany.” Mr. Reynolds’ words sounded weary. “Please don’t make a fuss.”
“You’ve just accused me of neglect!”
“He never said that, Mother, I did.”
“I don’t have to put up with this, and in front of a stranger!”
Brad stood to one side as Delany Reynolds stormed from the room.
“She’ll calm down, Macy, don’t worry. It’s just her way of dealing with the situation. She worries for me, and what will happen when she is alone.”
“Dad—”
“Now, introduce me to your young man, Macy.”
She blushed at her father’s words.
“Oh no, we’re not together. Just friends, Dad.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Reynolds, my name is Brad Gelderman.” Brad stepped closer and took the hand Macy’s father held out to him. “Friend to your daughter.”
