Standing Too Soon by Jeffrey W Massey

Author:Jeffrey W Massey [Massey, Jeffrey W]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781481775052
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Published: 2013-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Sunday June 25

1 Grayton Beach

We live, as we dream—alone.

Joseph Conrad

The Wednesday afternoon following Josh’s midnight surgery - the day that had begun in the wee hours of the morning, and had included a surprising kiss - found me driving back to Florida. Having neglected my business affairs for an entire week and with the Fourth of July holiday crouched like a hungry tiger on the horizon, I made the decision that the best thing I could do for Josh was to go back to work. After several hours of sleep, and a late lunch, I began to gather up my clothes and plan one more trip back to the medical center. Before saying goodbyes to my Dad and Laura, I made a call to Anna. She was just pulling into the hospital parking lot when she answered her phone. We talked for a moment, and it seemed that all the daily reports had been positive. There was a slight tingle in my stomach as I listened to her voice, and I tried hard to avoid the subject of the kiss, or any of the emotions that simple act of tenderness had born inside me. She must have felt the same way because it did not come up, but I knew in my heart she was thinking about that moment as much as I was, maybe more.

More than twelve hours had elapsed since Josh had been brought out of surgery and everyone was elated with the doctor’s latest report. Seems the medical team had been giving the Mackintosh family detailed updates every few hours and the most recent was all positive. Katherine and Anna were standing with their mother, Joyce, when I arrived on the fourth floor. I was slightly embarrassed seeing their mother after the memories that Anna had drudged up concerning the wedding reception, and my not so appropriate date for that evening. Joyce Russo was beautiful, quite gracious, and her features more resembled Katherine’s than Anna’s. There seemed to be nothing but joy on her face as I said hello and hugged her neck. Possibly the incident from years earlier had faded from memory, or more likely the dire matter at hand was all she could focus on for the moment.

Naturally Mrs. Camellia and Miss May were there in the waiting room, as well, and there was an extremely palpable sense of optimism among the family, especially with Mrs. Camellia, that had been missing during all my previous visits. Her eyes were bright and her voice seemed stronger. Were we finally heading for a positive change?

-Brook, you just missed Bill, but he wanted me to tell you thanks for all your support. You’ve been a great friend to Josh for a long time.

-It works both ways Mrs. Camellia.

There was conversation and banter concerning daily life and the other news being discussed was Anna’s decision to briefly leave in order to tie up some loose ends. After consulting with Katherine and receiving her blessings, Anna and Joyce had made the decision to return to North Carolina the following day.

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