Knit to Be Tied (9 page)

The younger woman spoke up. “Yes, as a matter of fact, you can. You're the owner of the shop, right?”

“Yes, I am,” Mimi said with her bright smile. “How can I help?”

“Well, I'm trying to choose a basic beginner's knitting instruction book for my mom,” the younger woman said, pointing to the woman beside her. “I've shown her the beginning stitches but she wants to have a book with pictures of the stitches because it helps her to learn them better.”

“Oh, it certainly does,” Mimi agreed with a nod, addressing the older woman. “I used an excellent instruction book with pictures when I first started out years and years ago.”
Mimi walked over to the bookshelves. “Now, let's see, we should have a copy of it here. I always try to keep a copy in stock,” she said, her finger trailing over the spines of the books on the shelves. “Ah, yes! Here it is.” She removed the book from between the others and spread it open on the table between the two women.

Kelly decided to use the busy conversation at the other end of the table as background noise, and she leaned forward toward Nancy. “Nancy, I read on a local online news site about the fatal hit-and-run in Old Town the same night Greg was hit. And the news site today had the name of the victim. Neil Smith. That sounded familiar. Was that your boyfriend, Nancy?”

Nancy lowered her head, her eyes seeking her lap where her hands were clasped. “Yes . . . yes, that was him. My Neil,” she said in a soft voice.

“I'm so very sorry to hear that, Nancy. I know you still cared for him.” Kelly paused. She hated to speak ill of the dead, even though she wanted to. So she changed the subject. “Tell me, have you checked into doctors yet? I think I mentioned our friend Megan Harrington. She did a thorough search on all the obstetricians in the city when she was pregnant. So let me give you her phone number. She'll be happy to tell you about her top five list.” Kelly deliberately gave Nancy a smile. She needed to focus on the future.

“Thank you, Kelly.” Nancy looked up, gratitude in her eyes. “I really appreciate that. I was hoping Lisa would be able to give me recommendations.”

Kelly decided to steer Nancy away from her dependence on Lisa, and this was a good time to start. “Lisa's got her
hands full with her boyfriend Greg's recovery and his eventual rehabilitation. Since she's a physical therapist, she'll be heavily involved in his rehab. Plus she's still working.”

“Oh, I was hoping she could talk, even on the phone,” Nancy said, clearly disappointed.

Kelly gave a dismissive wave. “She's not even taking our calls right now, Nancy,” Kelly deliberately fudged. “Besides, Lisa has never had a baby. She doesn't know about obstetricians. Megan's your girl. Believe me, Megan is thorough to a fault. Plus, she can give you advice about prenatal care. In fact, you should call her today and find out about obstetricians. You'll need to make an appointment. Here's Megan's phone number.” She scrolled down her directory then scribbled the number on a notepad at the table.

“I guess,” Nancy said, looking unsure.

“Oh, definitely,” Kelly said, resorting to an imitation of Megan in full advice-giving form. Then she relaxed into the chair and proceeded to repeat everything she remembered Megan saying about prenatal health. In detail.

Kelly
pulled out a wrought iron chair in the café's garden patio. A beautiful August morning that was more balmy than hot simply begged to be enjoyed. What better place to sort through complex client accounts? Her cell phone started to ring as she was about to settle into the chair.

Lisa's name flashed on her phone screen. Kelly quickly clicked on. “Hey there. Are you at the hospital? How's Greg doing today?”

“Yeah, I'm here. And Greg's fully awake now. All effects of anesthesia and the first heavy-duty painkillers have worn off. He's still getting some painkillers, but now he can really feel the extent of his injuries. Poor thing,” she added in a sad voice.

“Oh, brother. I hope they give Greg some of the same goofy drugs they gave me when my ankle was broken. I was loopy for a while.”

Lisa gave a little laugh. “Yeah, you sure were. I'm sure they'll be using some different painkillers for Greg. I noticed he would grimace when the nurses and orderlies came to put him on the gurney. They're transferring him to the rehab center this morning.”

“Oh, that's great! Now we can visit him, right? Or should we wait a little?”

“I'll check with his doctor when he comes in this morning. He should be here pretty soon. Dr. Madan always makes morning rounds for his hospital patients. He may limit Greg's visitors until he's comfortably settled in at the rehab center.”

“That makes sense.” Kelly waved at waitress Julie as she approached and handed over her empty coffee mug. Julie smiled and snagged the mug from Kelly's outstretched fingers then sped off to check on the other breakfast customers who were enjoying the beautiful summer morning. “Does Greg even feel like talking?”

“Not really. He mumbles a few words to me and his voice is scratchy and hard to hear. So I have to lean close to him to make sure I hear everything he's saying.”

“Oh, boy. It sounds like none of us should be visiting Greg anytime soon. We wouldn't want to put any stress on him when he's trying to heal from those injuries. It's too soon.”

“Yeah, I think he'll be doing better in another few days. Once he's transferred to the rehab center, he can get settled in. And the physical therapists are going to start working with him tomorrow.”

“Wow. That soon?” Kelly was surprised.

“Oh, yes. That's the usual routine after surgery, especially when the patient is strong and healthy and normally physically fit. Greg will have PT in the morning and occupational therapy in the afternoon. Every day. Seven days a week.”

“Wow. What's occupational therapy? I thought everything was physical therapy.”

“Occupational therapy helps patients learn how to do the ordinary daily routines like brushing their hair, brushing teeth, moving around, getting dressed. Stuff like that.”

Kelly pictured all the daily routines and movements and motions that she did as a part of getting showered and dressed every morning. “How in the world can Greg do any of that? He's got a broken arm and a leg in a cast!”

“Well, they won't start on getting dressed right away. Both physical therapist and occupational therapist will probably start with simple movements with his good arm. Nothing strenuous, of course. They'll be careful, don't worry.”

“Okay. I'll take your word for it. Boy, I forgot about all that routine stuff. Good thing Greg is a guy.”

Lisa gave a short laugh. “Why's that?”

“He won't have to put on makeup,” Kelly said as she accepted the refilled coffee mug from Julie. The sound of her friend's laughter drifted over the phone.

•   •   •

“Saying
good-bye to summer, Kelly?” Mimi called as she walked through the patio garden to the small classroom cottage.

Kelly looked up. “Bite your tongue, Mimi,” she called, then beckoned Mimi over to her outdoor table in the shade.

“This is a great place to work on your accounts,” Mimi said, glancing about the garden as she joined Kelly. “Even I wouldn't mind paying the shop's bills out here in the summer shade.”

“Pull up a chair, and I'll update you on Lisa's phone call a few minutes ago.”

“Oh, yes, please do,” Mimi said, her smile vanishing as she settled into a wrought iron chair across the table from Kelly.

“Lisa said Greg's fully awake now. All effects of anesthesia and the first heavy-duty painkillers have worn off. Unfortunately, she said that also means he can really feel all of his injuries.” Kelly made a face.

“Ohhhhh, poor dear,” Mimi said sorrowfully, her face reflecting her concern.

“I know. I feel the same. Lisa also said that Greg will be transferred from the hospital to the rehab center over there on the west side of town.”

“So soon after surgery?” Mimi's eyes went wide in surprise.

“Apparently patients don't stay in hospitals as long as they used to years ago. Doctors get the severely injured ones like Greg transferred to rehab centers. I remember Steve and I went to see a friend of his over in one of the assisted-living facilities in town. That guy only had a broken arm and shoulder, but he lived alone so he couldn't really do a lot for himself at first. He was over at assisted living for about three weeks as I recall.”

“You're right,” Mimi said, glancing off into the garden. “I've heard others speak about the shorter hospital stays. Even new mothers are sent home the next day.”

Kelly had to smile. “Well, if they're not sick, they're probably anxious to return home, especially with a new baby. Anyway, physical therapists are going to start working with Greg tomorrow.”

“Goodness. So soon?”

“That's exactly what I said, Mimi.” Kelly smiled. “Lisa reassured me that's the usual routine after surgery, especially when the patient is strong and healthy and normally physically fit. Greg will have PT in the morning and occupational therapy in the afternoon. Every day. Seven days a week.”

“Oh, yes. Occupational therapy. That's the normal everyday things we do without thinking.”

“Well, you're smarter than I am, Mimi. I had to ask Lisa. Things like brushing your hair, brushing teeth, moving around, getting dressed. Things like that.”

“Oh, my, it sounds like Greg will be there a long time. Several weeks. Over a month.”

Just then, Lisa's voice floated out into the garden. “Hey there, you two. Mind if I join you?”

Kelly swiveled in her chair and smiled at her friend standing in the driveway beside her car. “Absolutely,” Kelly called, beckoning her over. “I was just updating Mimi with what little I knew about Greg. You can give her all the details.”

Lisa hastened through the café garden patio without a glance to the surrounding greenery. “I'm so glad I found the
two of you together,” she said, depositing her tapestry bag on the table.

Julie approached them. “Hey, Lisa, do you want something cold to drink? It's starting to get hot outside.”

“Actually, I do. Bring me a huge iced tea, would you please? Thanks.”

“Sure thing,” Julie replied as she continued walking through the garden, ever-present coffeepot in hand.

Lisa sank into a chair across from Kelly and Mimi. “Boy, I can really use that iced tea about now.”

“You do look frazzled, dear,” Mimi said in a solicitous voice.

Lisa gave a short laugh. “Frazzled, huh? That just about sums it up, Mimi.”

“Has Greg been transferred to the rehab center yet?” Kelly asked, taking a sip of her iced coffee. Thankfully, their table was still nicely shaded by the overarching cottonwood trees and smaller maple trees. The August sun may not have been as intense as July's, but it was pretty close. Kelly figured her dermatologist would be pleased she was in the shade.

“He's being transferred now. That's why I thought this would be the perfect time to come over here and see you guys.” Lisa released a long sigh. “And catch a breath. I've missed classes for two days, but my friends have e-mailed me their notes and stuff. So I've been studying while I've been sitting in chairs at the hospital. Most of the time, Greg is sleeping. Thankfully. That way he can't feel how uncomfortable he is.”

“You poor thing. Have you had anything to eat? You
look more than frazzled to me.” Mimi reached over and placed her hand on Lisa's forearm.

“I agree, Lisa. I'll bet you can't remember the last time you ate something,” Kelly commented.

Lisa gave a wan little smile. “I had some soup at the hospital cafeteria last night. Ohhhh, and I had a doughnut this morning as I drove over to the hospital.”

“That's it?” Kelly stared, astounded. Lisa was always so sensible.

Lisa shrugged. “That and coffee.”

“Oh, my goodness, Lisa. That's not enough—” Mimi said before her cell phone's ring cut her short. She slipped the phone from her pocket and glanced at the screen. “Oh, my, this is another vendor I've been trying to contact.” She swiftly rose from the chair. “Kelly, you make sure Lisa gets some real food, will you? She needs sustenance with all the stress that she's under right now.”

“Consider it done, Mimi,” Kelly said as Mimi hastened from the table. Catching Julie's eye, Kelly beckoned her over to the table. “You need nourishment. And not just the eighth food group, coffee.”

At that, Lisa gave a short laugh. “Spoken by the queen of caffeine.”

“Believe me, I know whereof I speak,” Kelly lectured with a raised brow. “I'm ordering you one of Eduardo's Wicked Burgers, and you're going to eat it right now. There's no way you can continue going back and forth to the hospital and keeping up with your grad courses without food.”

“There's no way I could eat one of those!” Lisa stared at Kelly, clearly astonished by the suggestion.

“Then you'll eat what you can. And I'm going to sit right here with you while you do,” Kelly declared, deliberately using her best schoolmarm voice. Glancing at the ground beside Lisa's chair, Kelly reached over and snatched Lisa's tapestry bag and dropped it on the other side of her own chair. Out of Lisa's reach.

“Hey, I need that,” Lisa protested mildly, waving her hand.

“Not right now. Right now, you're going to eat,” Kelly ordered. Julie walked up then with a tall glass of iced tea. “Julie, Lisa needs food immediately. Tell Eduardo to look out the window into the patio and see how weak and puny Lisa looks and ask him to serve up one of his Wicked Burgers, please. The faster the better. Lisa's wasting away even as we speak.”

Julie grinned. “Oh, we can't have that. She is looking tired and pale.” Julie peered at Lisa as she handed her the glass. “Yep. You need some of Eduardo's good food to revive you. I'll tell him to get on that burger right away.” With that, she sped off.

Lisa wagged her head. “You two are impossible, you know that? You also know how I hate to waste food.”

“Believe me, it won't be wasted. Frankly, I think your innate good sense brought you over here so you could obtain nourishment.” Kelly gave her a big grin.

“Ahhh, the queen of justification strikes again,” Lisa said with a chuckle.

“I thought you said I was the queen of caffeine. Do I get two crowns?”

“Neither of those queens has a crown. Caffeine girl has a
coffee cup. And justification . . . well, I'll have to think on that.” Lisa leaned back in the chair with a sigh. “You know, now that I'm sitting down, I realize that I really am tired.”

Kelly took another deep drink of iced coffee and noticed Jennifer heading their way with a plate totally filled with a large burger.

“I heard there was a starving physical therapist outside who was in desperate need of sustenance,” Jennifer said with a smile. “And you're in luck. Eduardo had just finished grilling some burgers. So voilà! Eduardo's famous Wicked Burger.” She set the plate in front of Lisa with a flourish.

“Oh, my Lord,” Lisa exclaimed. “I forgot how big they are. I can't eat this.”

“Don't worry about it. Eat what you can,” Jennifer said, placing the empty tray under her arm. “We don't want you fainting over a PT client in the midst of a session.”

Lisa gave a little snort. “I gave all my appointments to one of the other therapists. So I won't be falling over anyone.”

“Except yourself if you don't eat,” Kelly admonished. “Now, take a bite. Those things are beyond yummy. Eduardo puts grilled onions on there, too.”

“Enjoy!” Jennifer said as she headed toward other customer tables.

“Okaaaaaay,” Lisa said, carefully lifting the huge burger with both hands. Juice dripped down onto the plate. She took a bite. Then closed her eyes. “Ummmmmm,” she hummed in obvious enjoyment.

“Told you,” Kelly teased. “Take a bigger bite next time because those grilled onions are in the middle.”

Lisa did as instructed, and this bite elicited a louder hum of enjoyment. Kelly sipped her iced coffee and smiled as Lisa continued to savor the Wicked Burger. After several minutes, she heard a voice call from the driveway.

“Hey, Lisa, do you have a moment?”

Kelly recognized Lisa's classmate fellow grad student Nancy Marsted waving at them from the sidewalk leading to the shop.

Lisa glanced over. “Oh, my. There's Nancy. She's left several messages on my cell phone and I just haven't had time to call her back.”

“You've been kind of preoccupied, Lisa. I already told Nancy you were at the hospital and what happened to Greg.” Nancy started walking toward the gate that led into the café patio garden.

“Oh, Lord, I don't have the energy to counsel her now,” Lisa said with a worried expression.

“Counsel her? I thought she was a fellow psychology student.”

“She is, but I've become like a big sister to her. Nancy's kind of needy. And she comes to me with all the dramas in her life. I've heard everything about that boyfriend of hers in great detail. The one who was hit by a car.”