Reckless

Reckless by Ruth Wind

Book: Reckless by Ruth Wind Read Free Book Online
Authors: Ruth Wind
Ads: Link
at him now, she noted with concern the blue shadows under his eyes, the grimness of an expression held in check to hide everything going on inside.
    She pressed her palm to the sick place at the top of her stomach. “Jake, I’m sorry for buttin’ into your life, but you can’t expect me to sit back and watch you waste away into nothing.”
    His hands tightened around the steering wheel, but he stared straight ahead. “I’m fine, Mama.”
    â€œFine, my foot! When was the last time you ate a real meal? When was the last time you slept all night? Can you even remember the last time you enjoyed yourself at anything?”
    â€œAs a matter of fact, I had a great meal at Lance’s reception, and I really enjoyed myself, too. Does that make you feel better?”
    â€œThat was almost a week ago!” she protested, thinking of the food.
    Jake gave her a half smile. “Mama, this may come as a great surprise to you, but a good many single men and women don’t eat full-course meals three times a day.”
    â€œJust because they don’t, doesn’t mean it’s healthy.”
    He gave an exasperated sigh. “What do you want, Mama? You want me to be back in the army? You want me married and goo-goo-eyed like Lance? You want me to cut my hair and wear clean shirts like old Harry? What? Just tell me.”
    â€œI just want my Jake back,” she said quietly. “I want to see that spark in your eye again. I want to see you really living instead of just drifting like this.”
    He pulled up in front of her house and put the car in Neutral, but didn’t turn off the ignition. He stared at the house with a singular lack of expression. “The old Jake is gone, Mama. I’m sorry, but he’s not coming back.”
    Louise opened her mouth to protest, then thought of Ramona’s warning. Jake had to be ready. “All right, son. I’ll try to accept that.” She opened the car door. “You’re welcome to come eat anytime. You know I can’t stop cooking.”
    He caught her arm. “Ramona gave me a prescription for sleeping pills. I’ll try them, all right?” He kissed her cheek quickly. “Just mind your own your business, will ya?”
    â€œI’ll try.” She patted his cheek and winked. “I’ll try real hard.”
    Â 
    And in fact, it was nearly miraculous what those pills did for him. Jake didn’t know if he was simply just too exhausted to think or even ache anymore, but the pills put him to sleep in minutes. For the next few weeks, he didn’t exactly sleep blissfully through the night and wake up refreshed—his nightmares were a little too energetic for that kind of rest—but he at least got enough rest that he could function again. He went back to work and started experimenting with a low-fat sauce for artichoke hearts. When his cook broke both legs and a wrist in a climbing accident, Jake cheerfully took his place, playing rock and roll on the radio as he juggled orders.
    Because of his pinch-hitting, he was late going to see Harry one Saturday evening. He’d called to leave a message, but it still bothered him—Harry counted on Jake. It was almost dark when he got to the hospital, but Jake found Harry in his usual place, looking out the windows toward Mount Gordon.
    â€œHey, Harry,” Jake said, “sorry I’m late. Did you get my message?”
    Harry nodded. “I did. You know you don’t have to wait on me, son. I got by without you before you came home. I’d get by without you again. You got something to do, you go on and do it. Don’t put anything on hold for me, you hear?”
    Jake chuckled and grabbed the handles of the wheelchair. “You want a sweater or anything? It’s cool tonight.”
    â€œI guess I do. There’s a jacket in my room if you want to go and fetch it for me.”
    â€œWill do. Don’t go anywhere.”
    Harry

Similar Books

Consumed

Matt Shaw

Fright Wave

Franklin W. Dixon

The Wandering Knight

Jonathan Moeller