Free to Love by Sydell Voeller

“Sorry it took so long, but what with the paperwork and—”
    “How is she?” Joanna interrupted.
    “Complaining of a headache, but otherwise all right—for now at least. Your aunt told me while we were waiting to be seen that she tripped on the area rug in her dining room, and that’s what caused her fall.”
    “Oh, dear. I warned her about that.”
    “The ER doctor agreed there’s danger of a possible concussion,” Austin hurried on . “Marcella shouldn’t be alone. The only way I could keep him from admitting her was to assure him she wouldn’t be. I’m going to stay with her tonight and maybe part of tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes. That’ll also give me a chance to remove that rug before she trips on it again.”
    “Why don’t we put her up in the guest room? Like I said I’m almost as good as new, so I should be able to help take care of her. Besides, the new dusty rose comforter I put on the bed is just begging for someone to use it.”
    “I’m not sure that would be a good idea. Regardless of what you say, you’re still pretty sick. At Marcella’s age, catching the flu could prove serious.”
    “But I am better. A lot better. Aunty will never hear of your playing nursemaid to her. She’s too proud. She’ll insist she can manage by herself.”
    “Proud?” His voice hinted at his amusement.
    “All right. Stubborn, then.” She coughed. “You might say it runs in the family.”
    “I know, Jo.” He chuckled good-naturedly. “How well I know.”
    Ignoring his remark, Joanna continued. “One more thing, Austin.”
    “Yes?”
    “Don’t forget Marcella’s next-door neighbor, the one who checks in twice a day. Lucille Shores, I think her name is. She needs to be notified as soon as possible. I’m afraid, though, I don’t have her number. If Auntie isn’t hurting too badly, maybe she can remember.”
    “Lucille’s gone,” he said.
    “What?”
    “I said Lucille’s gone.”
    “What do you mean, gone ?” Joanna’s voice rose with controlled panic. “I talked to Auntie only a few hours ago. She assured me that Lucille was close at hand.”
    “According to Marcella, soon after you phoned her, Lucille stopped by. She had just learned that her daughter in St. Louis was undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. She’s a single mom with four little kids all under the age of seven. Lucille is planning to stay with them till everything’s back under control.”
    He lowered his voice. Joanna could almost see him tossing a wary glance over his shoulder to see whether Auntie was eavesdropping. “Marcella figured that wouldn’t be a problem. She thought by the time she’d be needing groceries or a ride to the doctor’s, you’d be well again. Meanwhile she wasn’t going to let on about Lucille’s leaving till it was absolutely necessary.”
    “That sounds like Aunt Marcella. Well, at any rate, we know now.” Joanna sighed deeply. “Drive safely, Austin. The weather forecast predicts heavy fog tonight. And please give my love to Auntie.”
    “I will.”
    Back at Marcella’s home, she and Austin stood talking in the narrow hallway next to her bedroom. Penlight in hand, he reminded her he would be coming in very hour to check her pupils and determine her level of consciousness. Though at first she protested vehemently, now the gratitude was written clearly on her face.
    “Such a fuss over an old lady like me,” she said as she held an ice pack to her head. “But what a gentleman you are.” She smiled and patted his cheek with her other hand. “Just think, my own private doctor—an animal doctor, at that. My hubby always said if his life was ever at stake, he’d choose an animal doctor over a people doctor every time.”
    “At your beck and call, Aunt Marcella.” He smiled back and gave her a mock salute. Then his expression sobered. “Seriously, though, I’m glad I can help. It’s given us an excuse to get to know each other better. Besides, I never had an aunt. Jo’s