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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
While the detectives were with Bo, Nora took the opportunity to run a few errands. First she dropped by her office to gather paperwork she could do at home, then she stopped at the Golden Wok to pick up Chinese for dinner.
When she arrived home, the detectives were gone but had been replaced by Matthew and Michelle who had stopped by to check on Bo.
“How’s the patient?” she asked them as she walked in.
“He’s behaving,” said Matthew.
“The patient is feeling better and is returning to work tomorrow,” Bo said obstinately.
“Well…” she replied giving him a look, “we’ll talk about that in the morning. Right now we’re having dinner. Michelle, do you like Chinese?”
Matthew jumped in, “Mom, you don’t have to feed us. We just stopped to check on Dad.”
“There’s plenty here. You know how they stuff the cartons full at the Golden Wok. Why don’t you stay? Give us the chance to spend some time together. Michelle, could you help me in the kitchen?”
Bo looked at Matthew as the ladies left. “No use arguing with her when her mind is made up, son. You know that by now.”
“I guess,” agreed Matthew. Matthew picked up Mr. Froggy from the coffee table and looked at him thoughtfully. “Reminds me of ‘Baby Asp’ said Matthew. I had a stuffed bear I slept with every night...I wore him out.”
“Yeah,your Mom showed me that bear. You were pretty rough on him.” Bo smiled.
“He was well-loved,” said Matthew. “Poor Drew. It’s obvious that he loves this frog. Hope he’s sleeping okay without him.”
Bo looked at Matthew. “You’ve just made a connection with your son, Matthew. You are relating to something Drew is going through because of something you experienced when you were young. That’s a start.”
* * * * * * *
Nora and Michelle were busy in the kitchen dishing up the Chinese food. Nora spoke first.
“I’m glad you’re with Matthew tonight. He’s going through a lot right now. I’ve been worried that he isn’t really opening up to anyone.”
“He cares more than he lets on or anyone gives him credit for,” Michelle responded.
“So, has he opened up to you...been able to talk with you about how he’s feeling?” Nora questioned further.
“Some,” was Michelle’s brief response.
“I know it’s been hard for you to be there for him too...he says you’re working two jobs now.” Nora grabbed four beers from the refrigerator.
“Yes.”
Nora noticed that Michelle never volunteered any information...just answered the direct question.
Nora continued, “So you’re working in a restaurant…?” she began, fishing for information.
“Yes, I’m cooking.”
“Where? Matthew said it was called ‘The Willows’ or something like that...isn’t that off Route 6? Maybe Bo and I will come in sometime and taste your cuisine.”
“Oh no,” Michelle acted embarrassed. “It would make me really nervous if I knew I was cooking for you. I’d rather you didn’t. I’m sorry...I don’t mean to be rude...I would just be nervous...it’s easier for me if I’m cooking for strangers…”
Nora gave her a reassuring smile. “Well, you must be a good cook or they wouldn’t have hired you. But, if you’d rather we didn’t, that’s fine. I understand...God knows I’m not confident about my cooking abilities either. That’s why I buy carry out. Okay...if you want to carry a plate for you and Matthew, I’ll get ours and come back for the beers.”
They returned to the living room with dinner in tow. Bo and Matthew were watching the news where they caught the latest on their own personal drama. Nora kept a discreet eye on Michelle noticing that she was quiet and barely touching her food. Michelle jumped, startled, when her phone rang.
“Are you sure you need me to come in? Is there anyone else you can call?” asked Michelle. “Okay then, I’ll be there as soon as possible.”
She looked at Matthew. “Let me guess,” he said. “They want you to come in to work.”
“Yes...I’m sorry, Matthew. I have to go to the restaurant.”
“I’ll take you,” Matthew said. “At least we will have the drive time together.”
“NO,” she said quickly. Then, “I mean, no Matthew. It’s way out of the way. Just take me to my car and I’ll drive it myself. I don’t want you to have to come way out there for me later...I’m really sorry…” she finished.
Matthew stood and tossed his napkin on his plate.. “Sorry we have to run, Mom,” he said looking disappointed. He helped Michelle with her jacket. “I’ll meet you in the car,” she told him grabbing her purse.
Nora started to get up.
“No, Mom. Just finish eating. I know the way out.” Then to Bo, “Keep me posted on everything, alright?”
“I will, son.” said Bo quietly.
Matthew headed toward the door.
Nora called after him, “Lovin’ you.”
He didn’t respond.
“Matthew,” she called again.
He stopped and turned.
“Lovin’ you,”she repeated, raising her brows.
“Feelin’ it,” he answered somberly.
* * * * * * *
Nora finished her shower and towel-dried her hair. When she entered the bedroom, she found Bo reading the latest edition of The Banner.
“I thought maybe you’d be asleep by now. Larry told you to get lots of rest, you know”
“I know...I tried. I just can’t sleep.”
“Hmmm...anything interesting in the paper?”
“No...Nothing that you and I don’t know already. Lots of speculation. But it’s just that...speculation. It sells newspapers.” He continued reading.
Nora laid down on her back reflecting on the day’s events and conversations. It was like dumping a puzzle out of a box. Right now all the pieces were scattered. But if she could just get the straight edge pieces in a frame, she would eventually be able to fill in the rest. She was so deep in thought that she didn’t realize Bo was talking to her.
“Penny for your thoughts,” he said. “You’ve been quiet since Matthew left. What’s on your mind, Red?” He laid the folded paper on the nightstand and turned off his light. Then he entwined her hand in his.
She pulled their entwined hands across her stomach. She sighed. “So much I don’t really know where to start...Drew, of course. I’m worried about him.” She turned to look at him. “And you…I’m worried about you too. How are you feeling?” she asked, stroking his fingers.
“I’m ok. No headaches now. I’m going back to work tomorrow.”
She started to object, “No headaches because you’re on medication, but…”
He interrupted her, “Don’t fret about it...and don’t argue with me. I’m feeling better.”
“You’d go back even if you weren’t. I know you, Bo Buchanan.”
“Yes, you do. So there’s no need to discuss it, is there? What else?” he asked. “There’s more on your mind than you’re telling me.”
She thought for a moment. “Matthew...Matthew and Michelle,” she said. She shook her head slowly. “There’s just something about her, Bo...something I don’t trust.
“I’ll admit she’s a little quiet and different…” Bo began.
Nora interrupted, “No...it’s more than that...I can’t quite put my finger on it...I just...don’t trust her...and, maybe I’m “speculating” too, but I wanted to talk to you about something…”
“Hold that thought, honey. I just realized I didn’t take my medication tonight. I suppose I should do what the doctor says even though I’m feeling better at the moment.”
“Do you want me to get it for you?” Nora asked.
“No, I’ll take care of it. Just stay here and stay warm.”
Bo crawled back into bed a few minutes later and snuggled closer to Nora. “I had forgotten how cold this house gets in the wintertime,” he shivered. “Now...what did you want to talk to me about?” he asked, stifling a yawn.
She glanced at him. “You seem to be getting tired. You look droopy.” she told him.
“Oh?...I was just ready to tell you how beautiful you look...and then you call me ‘droopy’.”
She smiled and rolled over to face him. He wrapped her in his arms.
“So, what do you want to talk to me about?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Nevermind. We’ll talk about it tomorrow. The last thing we need on our minds tonight is more speculation. It can wait until morning.”
“You sure?”
“I’m sure.” She snuggled closer. “Warm enough now?” she asked.
“No...but maybe if you came a little closer…” he said rubbing his leg against hers.
“I think you must be feeling better,” she said smiling.
“I am...and I miss you,” he said softly.
“I miss you too,” she responded. Fingering the mat of hair on his chest, she continued, “I can’t wait til you’re well and we have Drew back safe and sound and life returns to normal...and then...” She sighed and gazed into his eyes with longing.
“Hmm…” he breathed close to her lips. “Do we really have to wait for all that? I’m feeling better at the moment and... I think...with all we’re going through...we could use a little love right now. I know I could…” He pulled her closer and began kissing her neck.
She sighed again and drew closer to him. He was so warm and smelled faintly of that lime cologne she loved so well. His lips eagerly found hers, and she responded with a growing intensity, their tongues tangling in need and anticipation. They parted only for the time it took to help unclothe the other. Then they fell back into each others’ arms, loving each other, until both reached a crescendo. Gone were all the cares of their lives if just for the moment.
When the passion finally ceased, he lay on his back holding her tight in his arms, her head nuzzled close under his chin and her thigh draped over his under the covers.
He spoke first. “I love it when you’re in my arms like this...you fit perfectly in this spot, you know, close by my side and in the crook of my arm...”
“Well...I don’t think I fit there quite as perfectly as I did in our younger years…” she said, reflecting.
He smiled and ran his hand up through her tousled hair. “I’m serious,” he said quietly. “I think the fit is even better now. That spot was meant for you... in my arms and by my side.” He held her closer and planted a gentle kiss in her hair. “The fit is even better because... now we both know it’s forever,” he whispered in perfect contentment.
She smiled in the dark and cuddled closer. “Forever,” she murmured before they drifted off into a blissful slumber.
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