Olly
“You made that look easy.” I set my fork down and grabbed my napkin. “Oh, and adding a bechamel sauce was new for me.”
“And?” Jules put the last piece on her plate, in her mouth.
“You may have spoiled me.” I reached my hand across the table and placed it over hers. “It’s next level.”
“Eric—” I paused for a beat. Then cleared my throat— “taught me how to make the sauce. It gives another layer of flavor to an already delicious dish.”
“Did either of you go to culinary school?” I grabbed my glass of wine and took a drink.
“No. Self-taught.” She smiled, grabbed her plate and mine, and headed into the kitchen.
My phone buzzed. I almost ignored it because I was busy. Almost.
Dad: Son, I’m sorry to bother you, but your mom fell. I’m taking her to the hospital now.
Me: Do you need me to drive? Are you okay?
Dad: Yeah, fine. I’m worried she broke her hip.
Me: I’ll meet you at the hospital.
“Everything okay.” Jules was standing in the doorway. Her shoulder was leaning against the wooden frame, and the light was hitting her face perfectly. The woman took my breath away.
“No, I need to go.” I stepped in front of her. “I’m sorry to eat and run.” I placed the palm of my hand on the side of her face. “My mom fell. Dad is taking her to the hospital now.”
“Oh, shit.” She straightened. “Do you need me to go with you?”
“No, no, thank you, though.” I slid my hands down and intertwined them with hers. “It could be a long night. One of us should get a good night’s sleep.”
“Will you keep me posted?” She took a step forward and wrapped her arms around my waist. “If you need me to bring anything, I’m there.”
“Thank you, Jules. That means a lot.” I kissed her temple and stepped around her to leave.
***
“Olly.” My dad stood from a chair and hugged me. The waiting area was empty at the moment.
“Dad.” I sat down next to him. “What happened?”
“She needed something on a top shelf and used that damn step stool.” He dropped his head and let out a heavy sigh. “You know, the one I told her to throw out months ago.” He placed his hand on my thigh. “The store, “ he whispered.
“Will be fine.” I squeezed his hand. “Your focus needs to be on mom right now.” I noticed someone walking into the waiting area from the corner of my eye. “Jules.” I stood and grabbed her hand.
“I felt bad sitting at home.” Her arms were crossed, and she was rubbing her hands up and down her biceps. “Mr. Martin.” She stepped around me. “How are you doing?”
While they were hugging, my sister, Lola, ran into the room. “Olly. What happened?”
I proceeded to tell her the details.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Jules sit down next to my dad. She had her fingers laced together and her hands pushed down in between her thighs. Her shoulders were slumped, and her head was bent.
Jules had this confidence about her. Sometimes a flash of shyness would appear, like when she visited me at the produce stand a few days after meeting each other. Generally, though, she knew what she wanted, and she went for it. So why did she look so out of sorts?
“Is Jules okay?” Lola placed her hand on my forearm.
“Great question. I was just wondering the same thing.” I glanced at my sister and back at Jules. “You okay if I go talk to her?”
“Of course. Go.” She leaned in and hugged me.
I sat down on the other side of Jules and turned to face her. “Hey.”
She straightened. “Hi.” Her eyes seemed distant.
“What is it?” I reached for her hand.
“What is what?” She quickly looked off in another direction.
Was she trying to evade my question? I didn’t press any further. Our relationship was too new.
I heard loud beeping down the hall and noticed Jules jump. It had to be the hospital that was making her uncomfortable. I thought about her late boyfriend.
“Jules.” I grabbed her hand. “My dad would understand if you left. It’s okay.” She dropped her head. “Hey.” I put my finger under her chin and moved her head up. “It’s okay.”
A tear fell from the corner of her eye. “I…”
“Will see you later when I stop by.” I brushed the tear away. “If that’s okay?” I still had a hold of her hand and stood up. “Let me walk you to your car.”
AUTHOR NOTE:
I’ve been meaning to add what my husband calls “My famous lasagna” to my website. Now I need to make Jules’ bechamel sauce and take my recipe to the next level.
I hope Olly’s mom is okay. I’m trying to decide if we make it intense and she has a broken hip, or less intense but still a broken bone. What do you think?
We needed some push and pull with Jules and Olly. This discovery about Jules in hospitals is going to be perfect.