When the doctor arrived, Gary stepped aside. The doctor directed the men to bring a stretcher and take Owen to the little company hospital. Owen insisted he could walk, but when he got to his feet, he wasn’t at all steady and gave up the fight.
“You did a good job, Gary. You took charge and got things organized. I’m impressed with you a little more each day,” Mr. Payne declared.
Gary wasn’t used to anyone’s praise. He felt his face flush. “Thank you, sir.” He wasn’t sure what else he could say.
“Keep up the good work, son. I believe you’re going to go far.”
A swell of pride caused Gary to straighten his stance. He watched Mr. Payne walk away. The supervisor couldn’t possibly know how much his words had meant to Gary, but sometimes a person just needed to hear that they were of value—that they were serving a purpose.
Susanna had never been to Owen’s house before. It was a small place in a row of connected houses for company workers. They varied in size but weren’t much to look at. The renters relied on the outdoor pump for water and privies in the back.
She found his home and knocked on the door. LeRoy had already told her what happened. He’d come to her directly after work. Susanna had been horrified to hear the news and wanted to go immediately to see Owen, but LeRoy suggested, since Owen was back from the hospital, that she wait until Gary could accompany her for the sake of her reputation. Most of the company places housed only men, but there were a few families here and there. Still, LeRoy thought it better for her to have an escort. He had to return home to Lia and the boys but offered to take her the next day. Susanna didn’t want to wait that long.
She got directions to the place, telling LeRoy she wasn’t sure Gary had ever been there. Then, once LeRoy had gone, she pulled on her shawl and told her father she’d be back as soon as possible. She wasn’t concerned with what people thought. She needed to see Owen for herself.
She knocked on Owen’s door and wasn’t surprised when he opened it himself. His head was bandaged, but his eyes were clear.
She gave a nod. “I heard you were in an accident and decided to come see for myself.”
“I’m fine. Not to worry.”
“I’m not worried, I just needed to see for myself that you were all right.” She remained outside on the top step. “Does it hurt?”
“Some. The doctor gave me something for the pain, but I didn’t like the way it made me light-headed, so I stopped taking it.”
“It could be you’re light-headed from getting knocked to the ground. LeRoy said not only were you hit in the head by some piece of iron, but you also hit your head on the concrete floor.”
“Yeah. I always have to do it big when I do something. I have stitches in the front and the back.” He grinned. “You wanna come in?”
“Want to? Yes. Will I? No. I don’t want to get folks talking.” She glanced down the row of houses. A bunch of children were playing in the sandy dirt in front of the house three doors down. One was pouring sand over the top of another, who squealed in protest. She smiled as they scattered and ran from the angry child. It reminded her of Emilio and John playing with their cousins.
“I’m sure Father would allow you to take Gary’s old room at the house. I could take care of you there.”
“I’m fine. Really. Doc said I couldn’t work for a couple of days, but otherwise I should be fine.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “Thank you for caring.”
She frowned. “We really should get married.”
He laughed. “Yes, we really should.”
23
You look so much better, Mother.” Susanna placed a lunch tray on her mother’s lap. “In just a week’s time you look more like yourself.”
“I feel better. My lungs are finally free of that heavy feeling.” Mother drew the napkin across her body and glanced at the choices. “This looks good.”
“It’s roasted pig that has been shredded into smaller pieces and mixed with seasonings and a special sauce that Lia’s father created. I have to admit, I ate a large helping. If it’s too spicy, I can get you something else, but I think you’re going to like it. There’s a piece of fresh bread and butter to eat with it. And for dessert, a nice egg custard that Mrs. Lewis dropped off.”
“Those women from the church have been so generous to us. I honestly don’t know what to say. I’ve never met people like these.”
“That’s because you only knew higher society folks. I find that people who don’t have to worry about having the best of things are content to have things that matter. These folks are that way. I’ve come to really enjoy them, and I know you will too.” Susanna sat down and picked up the quilt square she was working on. “And they’ve taught me to quilt. I never knew I’d enjoy it so much.”
“I’m impressed,” Mother said, noting the piece. “It will make a beautiful quilt.”
“You could learn too,” Susanna encouraged. “I find it peaceful to do when nothing else is going on. I can sew and talk at the same time. When we get together on quilt day, we have such lively conversations, and I learn so much about the area and how to do things. I’m learning how to make a concoction that will help rid us of spiders at the hotel.”
“I would like to know that as well. One for the spiders, as well as the other pests that tend to come into the house, would be wonderful.”
Susanna nodded and refocused on her square. They sat in silence while her mother ate and Susanna sewed. It was so different from the past that Susanna couldn’t help but ponder what the future would hold for them. Could they somehow have a close relationship? Could she trust her mother’s change to include a love like Lia and her mother shared?
