Chapter 35
All in the Family
“You’re up early,” Mike said, walking into the kitchen to find Roger at the table reading the morning paper. As he went to the coffee pot, he noticed Roger was looking at the want ads. He didn’t comment, but he did hope that Roger could hang around to help out with Celia.
“I couldn’t sleep - different bed and I’m used to being cold and sleeping under a pile of blankets. It’s kind of hard to get used to a change like that in one night.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard that complaint before.”
“That, and I have a lot on my mind. I lost my apartment and I’m looking for work. I need to pay off some bills and get settled somewhere, so I thought, ‘why not settle here?’”
“There’s a lot of job opportunities, if you want to work.”
“I don’t mind hard work, but I’ll be putting that off for a few days until Sis is ready to take care of herself. I’m not just here to sponge, I’m here to help.”
“That’s good to know because I need to head out to work. I’m not sure your mother is up to helping much when it comes to tugging and pushing on that wheelchair.”
“She’s tougher than she looks, but I’ll be here.”
“Great, and I know this isn’t my place, but make yourself at home. Martin wouldn’t want you going hungry.”
“Are you sure? He didn’t seem to care about Sis. And, what’s she doing here? Did I read things wrong? I was sure when I left that the two of them were no longer an item.”
Mike didn’t want to talk about Celia behind her back. He hesitated then set down. He had about twenty minutes before he had to go. “I suppose you know you should ask her about this?”
“I know, but I’d rather not bother her or bring it up. I just want the basics. Are they an item? Why is she here?”
Mike considered this, and it would be best if Celia didn’t have to talk about Martin, or Randi, or anything along those lines. He nodded. “Don’t dare tell her I told you, but she’s here because Martin is a stand up guy and he knew she needed a place to mend. He was out of line during the party and regrets it, but, no, they are not an ‘item’.”
“And, you? Why are you here?”
Mike shrugged. “Celia and I are flipping a house together. I thought it would be handy if I was close to work and to her.” He knew this sounded lame, but it was all he could think of.
Roger nodded and moved his attention back to the paper. “Do you need any help with the house? I’m pretty good with a hammer.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, but for now, it would be best for you to be here.”
“Well, yeah, but maybe I could get away for a few hours so just keep it in mind. I’ll work for free just to get out of the house. If I know my sister, I’ll be begging you to let me help - just to get away for a while.”
Mike laughed. He could see that being a very true statement. “I’ll keep that in mind. What do you do, or have you worked long enough to have a career plan?”
“Not really. Not unless you know a way I can make money fishing?”
Again, Mike laughed. “I haven’t figured that one out yet. I know there are tournaments, and they pay, but I never looked into it.”
“I think that would take all the fun out of it. Though I must say, I’ve never tried it. It might be something to think about, but then again, I’m really not good at catching fish, just sitting and waiting for them to bite.”
Around lunchtime, Mike was taking a break from working on a car. He was about to take a bite of his sandwich when his phone rang. It was Martin. “Hey there. What’s up?”
“Just checking in. I wanted to know if you were ready to send Celia back to the hospital. If I need to, I can get a nurse.”
“That might be handy but her mother is with her and her brother is here now, so I think among the three of us, we can handle her.”
“Roger? He and Celia always did seem close. She talked about him more than she did anyone besides her mother. I hope he does more than lay around the pool.”
“I think she’ll see to it that he does, and that reminds me, I need to pick up a bell for Celia.”
“Glutton for punishment?” Martin asked, laughingly.
“It’s for her and Roger, something about payback from years ago when he was the one sitting on the couch. I don’t plan on being the one to answer the bell.”
“Sure. Let me know how that works out.”
“Okay, oh, wise one. Is that why you called?”
“No. I wanted to see if you need anything - maybe someone to do some shopping or get some medical supplies.”
“A walker would be nice. For right now, I think she’ll be stuck in the wheelchair, or the bed. But I’ll keep that in mind. I can pick up a few things, too, since I’ll be staying.”
“So, you made up your mind?”
“I think it will be best. That way, if I have questions or if anyone needs help, I’ll be there from time to time.”
“Good. How is she doing? Is she in a lot of pain?”
“She’s in pain, but mostly she’s okay. Nothing that time won’t heal.” Mike thought about telling him how she hated having to be in the same room that Randi stayed in but decided it wasn’t necessary. Besides, if Celia found out she wouldn’t like that he was talking to Martin about her.
He also didn’t bother to mention that she wanted to start working at the dealership selling cars so she could buy the house. He did, on the other hand, ask about Randi. “How about the two of you? Is the dating still going okay?”
“It’s going real good. I’m supposed to see Randi tomorrow. We were planning to go to the Actor’s Guild Awards but since the accident and Celia being hurt, Bill thinks it’s best I keep a low profile. Randi’s been really supportive about all of this so I’m hoping she won’t be too disappointed.”
“It doesn’t sound like something she’d be crazy about, but who knows with women?”
“I know. I’m going to see about renting a car and going down to the apartment to get my bike. I know it’s not like getting all dressed up and going out, but right now it’s best for my career.”
“I don’t think she’ll care. Mom always said it was best to test the relationship beforehand, so consider this a test.”
Martin replied, remorsefully, “I really think I’ve tested Randi quite enough with this whole Celia ordeal.”
“I suppose you’re right, and if I didn’t say it, I think it was good of you to allow her to stay at your house. She’s in a bad spot. I guess you know she has no money and no real way to make any at this point.”
“I was afraid of that, but wasn’t sure how to find out without asking. If she needs anything let me know. I don’t want her hurting or doing without.”
“Thanks. I won’t let her know you said that because I think it’s best. But, if she needs anything, I’ll see you get the message.”