“Hey,” Benny said. “Since the ladies are getting together for book club tonight, some of us are heading out for some bowling if you want tocome.”
Anthony tilted his head as he weighed the option. “Thanks. If Kira takes longer than she plans, I might just take you up onthat.”
He gave the two a nod before slipping out of the serving area and striding down the hall toward his office. He lowered himself onto the wheeled chair and stewed. Talking with Sheriff Lockheart and Benny Gains had triggered something: a spot of discomfort that was spreading dangerously fast.The flood.The fact that something as innocent and natural as melting snow could cause a lot of damage under the right (or wrong) circumstance. The very idea crawled into his brain like a tick. Sneaky at first. Hardly even recognized. But boy, could it cause a lot of trouble if it wasn’t snuffedout.
For Anthony, it was fear. Fear that having Kira’s sister in town might trigger those old feelings of inadequacy. That impulse to prove herself to her family. Which could result in her picking up andleaving.
The first spot of fear surfaced as Kira walked out of the diner that morning after kissing him goodbye. He couldn’t scratch the image. Suddenly it was his mom, then Ruth, then Elsie, each walking thoroughly out of his life. Never toreturn.
Anthony pounded a fist against his desk. “Enough,”hegrumbled, kicking the small trashcan by his feet. He told Kira he wouldn’t fear her. That hedidn’tfear her. Besides, this had more to do with Anthony than it did Kira Moretti. Perhaps what he needed was a good counseling session or two. Clear his head of the issues he’d faced since his motherleft.
He knew Kira was only gone for a few hours, but a sudden loneliness kicked in. He remembered the way his dad changed after his diagnoses. He’d tendered up real quick after that. And he made a habit of asking Anthony for something he needed in increased doses as he went through treatments: hugs. Wordlessly, the man would nod to him, lift his arms, and look at himexpectantly.
Anthony would respond gladly, needing the closeness as well. The longest embrace they shared was after they discovered he wasn’t responding to the treatments as they’d hoped. And that—at best—he had another two months to live. On that day Dad didn’t have to ask. He’d simply looked at Anthony after the doctor gave them time to discuss their limited options. The slightest nod and Anthony was there. Glad that the big, strong man had it in him to show that he needed it. He remembered wondering who’d be there to embrace him once Dad wasgone.
That’s when the book club stepped into action. Run by a couple ladies from the church on Steeple Street, one being the pastor’s wife, the collection of woman swooped in with casseroles, books on grieving, framed inspirational quotes, and plenty of hugs to go with each thoughtful delivery. The fine community of Cobble Creek at its best. Thank the good Lord for it. Anthony did just that everyday.
The more recent gratitude at his lips was centered around Kira. Daily he lifted thanks for her and vowed he’d do right by her the best he could. He put his mind in that mode and rolled his chair back enough to hoist his feet onto his desk. Hunkering deeper into the comfortable office chair, Anthony leaned his head back and closed his eyes, ready to catch up on some much-needed rest after the flood. And hoping to avoid disaster of a whole differentkind.
