Page 85 of Meet Me on Greenwood

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My heart pounded as I met Houston’s gaze. Even sleep-deprived—this man did something to me. I didn’t have a word for it, or at least it would be mortifying if said aloud. I had never felt this way for anyone, and I certainly hadn’t expected to feel this way about a white man in the Jim Crow South.

I’d known the conversation with Camille and C.J. would be awkward, and though they disapproved of me coming to live on Houston’s property, when C.J. asked, "Do you think Houston is worthy of your life, because you are putting it at risk," I’d been able to say yes without hesitation.

I believed Houston to be a kind and brilliant man who would do anything for anyone. He didn’t always let on that he was wired that way, but when you looked closer, it was very apparent, especially in the way he cared for Paul.

"He broke off his engagement with Sarah," I’d said.

They’d looked at each other, and Camille shrugged. "I had to chase off C.J.’s fiancé too."

C.J. wrapped an arm around his wife. "You didn’t have to do anything. I was smitten the moment I laid eyes on you."

C.J. had driven me after I spent a tearful goodbye with Rita, and promising to continue attending church services so we could see each other and practice our dance steps for the upcoming ball.

"They’re calling it the Cosmopolitan Ball," she said, wiping her eyes. "It sounds pretentious, but that’s rather the point."

I laughed despite myself and held on a moment longer before letting go.

It had taken a lot of nerve to walk up to Houston’s door. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if he turned me away. During the drive, I had irrational thoughts of him telling me that he’d changed his mind—that he and Sarah were back together—but when he opened the door and I took him in, I knew I could never look back. Who knew Gema Cross would be willing to risk it all for a pair of blue eyes?

"With Paul. His case is advanced, and I think I can help him."

Houston stared at me for another moment. Our gazes broke when Lettie called, "Are you going to let her in, Houston, or does she have to live on your porch?"

Houston crossed his arms and nodded. "I’ll show you to your room."

He insisted I take his room once more, promising that the contractors were about done renovating two more for him and Paul. They would be ready by the end of the week.

Lettie was cheery, and if I was reading her correctly, she seemed even relieved that I was there. I worked with her on writing out a menu for Paul that we could post around the house so he would stop asking about meals.

"We need to keep the meals the same, and he needs to eat at the same time every day. Soon he will get to a point where he will forget to ask, and his moods will get worse, but we can prevent that from happening if we can get him used to a schedule."

Houston didn’t argue, although I imagined it went against what he’d been taught. He made sure Lettie kept on her chocolate cake for Fridays, since that was his favorite treat.

After a couple of days of just the four of us, Houston announced that he was going into work. "I need to refer most of my patients and get everything moved out."

"Do you need any help moving?" I asked.

He smiled and put his hand over mine. "You are doing enough, but thank you." His hand lingered, making my insides tingle.

I spent the time Houston was away keeping Paul busy. We worked on puzzles to keep his mind and dexterity sharp, and walked the property. The land was truly glorious, though it did not seem like Houston spent a lot of time enjoying it. I pointed out some deer running in the distance and wild turkeys. Even the pond was crystal clear enough to see the catfish swimming below.

I made a mental note to ask Houston where his fishing poles were. I’d checked the barn, and all I found were boxes labeled medical supplies. What kind of supplies could he possibly be storing that he’d keep in a barn?

During the day, Paul was much more lucid, especially when he was coming off the sedatives. He talked about his wife a lot. Part of me wanted to ask who he’d called out for before, but something told me not to. It felt like something painful.

"You’ve lived here all your life, then?" I asked.

"I’ve never left the state, except with Beth for our honeymoon. We went to Hot Springs in Arkansas. The mineral water made her break out in hives." He laughed. "She was covered in them and our honeymoon was ruined, but she still got up every morning to make me breakfast. The most important meal of the day." His voice broke on the last word.

"Do you have children?" I asked, trying to shift the conversation.

He was quiet for a moment before answering. "Beth couldn’t have children. It was her biggest regret. I never minded. It just meant more time with her." Paul threw a rock in the pond, and I watched it skip by. "I really appreciate the both of you looking after me. I don’t know how much longer I could have endured that hospital."

I reached out to him. "It is my pleasure,"

He shook his head. "You are young. You should be traveling the world, or spending time with a beau. I feel guilty that you’re spending that time with me."