“I’m driving,” Ronnie said firmly, snatching the keys from her sister. The change in her tone caused Rose to look at her. Where soft curves accented the strong jaw, taut muscles clenched just beneath the surface. Ronnie’s back was straight, her stance commanding. Gone was the soft, sensitive woman Rose was privy to. In her stead was the executive, the leader of a multi-million dollar company and head of a powerful family. Although she understood the need for the two identities, Rose still wished desperately that Ronnie did not have to be the caretaker all the time. She hated the way the pressure and strain drained the energy out of her beloved. Watching them leave, Rose could only pray that everything would be all right.
The chime of the clock woke the dozing woman. Rose reached for her crutches and stood up. A quick rubbing of her eyes helped her see that it was three o’clock. There had been no phone call yet, not a word. She went out to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. No doubt when Ronnie returned she would want some. Soon Rose was smiling at the peaceful sound of the coffee maker. Ricky and Timmy had decided to continue their fight, forcing Rose at one point to send them to separate corners to cool off. That action earned her a colorful string of words from Ricky. Only the threat of repeating them to his Aunt Ronnie managed to quiet him down. At bedtime she took the easy way out and let each boy pick his own room to sleep in. Her arms still ached from working her way up the stairs twice before Ronnie’s nephews finally fell asleep.
Rose passed the time by drinking coffee at the kitchen table and rereading the daily paper. Tabitha popped in from time to time, demanded attention, then left. Three days worth of newsprint and half the pot of coffee slipped by before Ronnie’s Jeep pulled into the driveway. She got up on her crutches and went to the door, opening it in time to see Jack helping his wife and mother-in-law out of the vehicle. “Oh Lord,” she whispered, knowing the worst had happened. Ronnie took over for her brother-in-law and helped Beatrice inside. “What rooms did you put the boys in?” she asked as she passed.
“The rooms on either side of yours and the one at the end of the hall,” Rose said, choking back a lump in her own throat. Until she saw the crushed look on their faces, she had been holding on to the hope that Tommy had somehow survived the accident. Ronnie nodded and looked at Jack.
“The room on the left near the end of the hall is empty. Put her there. I’ll put Mother in my room.” She took the matriarch’s pocketbook and set it on the counter. “Mother? Come on, I think you need to lie down for a little while.”
“But I have to call…”
“I’ll take care of letting everyone know. You need to lie down.” She saw Jack leading his wife out of the room. “Come on, we’re going upstairs now.”
“Horrible…it’s just so horrible…” Beatrice cried.
“I know, Mother. Come on now.” Ronnie led the grieving woman away.
Fifteen minutes later she returned to the kitchen. “Rose, do you think you can make a pot of coffee?”
“I already did. Your cup is on the table.” Ronnie looked at the familiar mug, then at her companion. “I figured you’d need some coffee,” Rose said with a shrug. “I’ve had a bit myself.” They both looked over at the nearly empty pot.
“That was good thinking.” She rubbed her eyes. “What time is it anyway?”
“Almost six-thirty.”
“I guess I should wait an hour or so before I start calling everyone.” Ronnie wrapped her hands around her mug and stared at the beige liquid. Uncertain what to say, Rose remained silent, giving her companion the time she needed. Blue eyes shone with unshed tears but remained focused on the coffee. After an extended silence, Ronnie began to speak. “The witnesses said he turned into the off ramp instead of the on ramp.” Her lower lip quivered and she blinked rapidly.
“He was picking up speed and hit a dump truck just before the entrance to the highway.”
“Ronnie, I’m so sorry.” She put her hand on the strong forearm.
“They um…” The blinking increased as she battled to keep the tears in. “They have to do an autopsy.” Her voice hitched. “They think he might…the drugs…” A sob escaped her lips and Ronnie found herself being pulled into Rose’s arms.
“Okay, I’ve got you,” the young woman cooed. The chairs scraped across the kitchen floor as they moved closer, neither wanting to break the contact. The caretaker needed comfort and Rose was the only one who could provide it.
“I-it isn’t fair. He’s too young,” Ronnie choked. “The drugs…”
“I know.” She kissed the dark forehead. “I know.” She began rocking as hot tears soaked her shirt. Sobs racked the tall frame but Rose held on, murmuring comforting words and gently rubbing Ronnie’s back. “I’ve got you…that’s right, let it go.”
“It was those damn drugs,” she cried.
“I know.” Rose continued rocking and holding her beloved until finally the tears subsided and the sobs reduced themselves to sniffles. She felt Ronnie pull back and released her embrace.
“Better?” She received a shaky nod. “Come here.” She took a linen napkin off the table and wiped the wet face. “Blow…that’s better.”
“Thanks, I just needed…well, that.” Ronnie wearily sank back into her chair and shook her head.
“This is just so hard to believe.” There was nothing Rose could say so she scooted her chair over until their knees were touching. Ronnie laid her hand atop the smaller one and squeezed. “The next few days are going to be rough.”
“You don’t have to go through this alone.” Rose brought her free hand up and cupped her love’s cheek. “I’ll be right here with you, I promise.” She looked at the clock. “It’s still too early to call everyone and you really need some rest. You’ve been up all night.”
“What about you?” For the first time Ronnie noticed the dark circles under the beautiful green eyes. “Did you sleep at all?”
“I dropped off sometime around two but I was up by three.”
“We both need some sleep.” She stood up, then frowned. “I have to take the couch. If someone wakes up…” There was no need to finish the sentence.
“Why don’t I take the couch? You need the comfortable bed more than I do.”
“I’m too tired to argue with you Rose. ”
“Then don’t,” the young woman said firmly. Ronnie looked at her and wondered if anyone else would be able to speak to her in that manner and get away with it. She suspected not, except perhaps Maria. Her eyes saddened at the thought of breaking the news to the housekeeper who had known Tommy since he was a baby.
“There is so much to do. I have to call the cousins…”
“You can do all that after you’ve had a couple hours rest.” Rose forced herself up on her crutches.
“Come on now, I’ll lie with you until you fall asleep.” Ronnie nodded wearily. She needed to rest and there was no doubt that with her blonde friend by her side she would be able to do just that.