Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers

Author:Amy Rivers [Rivers, Amy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781734516074
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 27

KATE

Kate went to work, knowing that Tilly would be gone when she got home. Taking a cue from her sister, Kate decided that she needed to stop sulking and get back to normal. She'd spent the time that Roman had been gone feeling a mixture of loneliness and frustration that had begun to turn toxic in her system. Then Jim died, and Kate realized how ridiculous she'd been. Roman would come home. Their relationship was good, and if Kate didn't completely sabotage it he would come home for good and they would resume their life together.

The same could not be said for Tilly and Jim.

She thought about her parents. For the first few weeks after her mother died, Kate’s father had wandered the house like a ghost. Tilly’s behavior was so similar it had pulled Kate back into that sad time. She hoped Tilly would be able to find her way past the grief.

Kate headed to her luncheon with a sense of purpose. She was relieved to see Ruth already sitting at their usual table.

"Hey, stranger," Ruth said, standing to give Kate a quick hug.

"How was last week's meeting?" Kate asked, taking a seat across from her.

"Interesting. The owner of the new fitness center gave a presentation on women's health." Ruth took a sip of her coffee. "Of course, she wanted us all to join. I saved you one of the free vouchers she gave out." Ruth rummaged around in her massive purse, her rings knocking against the metal clasps with a soft ding. She found what she was looking for and handed it to Kate. "So, where were you last week?"

Kate sighed. "My sister's boyfriend died suddenly. He had a heart condition. I spent most of last week in Las Cruces and then we drove up to Colorado for the memorial. That's where most of his friends are."

"That's terrible, Kate. Is your sister doing all right?"

"As well as can be expected, I suppose."

"Your family has been through so much," Ruth said. She put a hand on Kate's "I'm so sorry for your loss. Please give my condolences to your sister."

"Thank you," Kate said. She liberated her hand from Ruth's to pick up her coffee cup. Part of getting back normal was not thinking or talking about Jim’s death all the time. Kate wanted to be present. "What's today's program about?"

Before Ruth could answer, several women approached their table, greeting Ruth. Kate was thankful for the interruption. She shook hands with each woman as Ruth introduced them, making mental notes about any details they shared. One woman hung back, introducing herself to Kate since Ruth was deep in conversation with her colleagues. Kathleen was an administrator at the hospital. She handed Kate her business card.

"Mind if I join you?" Kathleen asked.

"Not at all," Kate replied as Kathleen took the seat beside her. Ruth was still engaged in conversation with another of the women who'd approached, so Kate focused on Kathleen. "How long have you been with the hospital?"

"Only a few years," Kathleen said.

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