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Imani

Around two the following day, Imani entered the Holden General Hospital parking lot. Dylan sat next to her, eager to show Suzanne his morning sketch inside. It was a gorgeous sunset at Holden Creek with Suzanne and his mom.

"Do you think Susie will like it, Mom?" Dylan brushed his black hair out of his face while glancing at Imani. Her heart ached whenever she saw him. She thought she couldn't handle it sometimes when her chest was so full.

"Suzanne will love it." Her voice trembled slightly when she spoke. They adored Suzanne, the Paradise Lounge owner.

After Imani returned to town, the older woman immediately hired her as a cashier. On days when she worked at the animal shelter, Suzanne supervised Dylan. She looked younger than her actual age, which was just over sixty. She and Imani became close in their short time together. Since they trusted one another, they could talk about everything.

"I hope Susie likes it. I drew the picture since she likes sunsets. It looks pretty badass."

"Dylan, mind your language!"

"What? Suzanne loves that word. Every time she talks about the women who come to the bar, she says it all the time." Dylan looked away from Imani and focused on the window. "It's not a bad word, Mom. Kids today say more offensive words than that."

After parking, Imani sighed and they headed toward the building's foyer. The foyer was one of the few dark spots in the structure. As gloomy as hospitals may appear, it wasn't too hideous. They entered through the main entrance and took the elevators. She listened to Dylan avidly discuss new video games he played with Billy and Sebastian over the weekend. He was looking forward to Suzanne's participation once she got out of the hospital if she felt like playing video games.

Imani's heart tightened again thinking of Suzanne's challenges. Her friend's prognosis was not good. Her cancer had spread from her liver to her kidneys. Imani was unsure how to tell Dylan. A seven-year-old might not comprehend the meaning of having a terminal illness.

They arrived at the third floor, and she paused, noticing Zoe Sinclair standing near the drink machines. "Go on to Susie's room. She's waiting for you. I'll be there soon."

"Okay, Mom."

Dylan walked away, taking the familiar route to Suzanne's corridor. His curly hair bounced as he skipped, making Imani smile. Most kids wouldn't visit a sick woman, especially during the festival with fair rides and concerts. Imani knew she had a good kid. It was quite an achievement considering the toxic environment he was trapped in for the first half of the year.

She quickly turned toward Zoe, who casually threw her purse over her shoulder.

"You on-call today?" Imani asked, approaching her friend. A stunning yellow dress and high heels were seen under the white coat.

Zoe grinned as she looked up from her Sweet Tea. "Not exactly. I stopped by to help with registration. A new patient arrived at our facility this morning. Once I finish up, I'll be joining Brian and Ellie for lunch."

"That sounds like a lot of fun."

"It's been ages since the three of us last ate out together. We are going to try the downtown bistro." Zoe spun the top of her bottle and took a sip of her drink. She turned her attention back to Imani. "Are you here to see Suzanne?"

"Yeah, I thought I'd come by and check on her." Imani gulped as she saw an open door down the corridor.

She noticed Eugene Beaumont on a hospital bed. He had been admitted to the nursing home thirty miles southwest of the hospital the last time she visited. If he was hospitalized, his condition had deteriorated. Garrett may choose to visit his grandfather upon finding out about his health.

Oh great.

"What is it?" Zoe asked, and her eyes turned to Imani.

She gasped for air and found it hard to say the words. "I know you can't exactly break patient confidentiality, but did I just see an orderly bringing Mr. Beaumont into a patient room?" Imani took a moment to calm down while she waited for Zoe to answer.

"Since you saw a patient who may resemble him, I can neither answer nor deny your question."

"Thanks for nothing."

That made Zoe laugh. "But if you want to go see him for yourself, I won't stop you. If there is any doubt that I abuse my patient's confidence, I can't prove anything."

"Hmm. Okay. I get what you're saying."

"Do you have anything on you that could harm yourself or others around you?" As her friend asked that question, Imani felt Zoe's intense gaze.

She couldn't even speak because the thought made her sick. "What? No. I only have a nail clipper in my purse. I have no idea why you would ask me that."

"It's just a safety precaution. Right now, you're going to check out a patient who might be someone you know. I'm not allowed to talk about the patient in any way."

Imani shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh, I see. I'm not a threat, though. I don't have weapons on me."

"I trust you. If Mr. Beaumont were in that room, what would you say to him?" Zoe raised an eyebrow and looked right at Imani.

She thought about what to say and then shrugged. "I'm not sure. Maybe read a book to him or talk about the weather. As long as he wants to talk to me, of course."

Imani hoped her cheeks weren't as flushed as they felt since embarrassment would follow if she stumbled over her words. She was twenty-six years old but behaved like she was sixteen and wished to spy on strangers. It wasn't important to her to see Garrett right now, but if that was Mr. Beaumont, his grandson was probably nearby.

Zoe's eyes changed in a way. With understanding, they grew softer. "I think you'll be okay. Not a soul to worry about."

How easy was it to read her? "You knew I was wondering if Garrett was there." As Imani took a long breath, she pursed her lips into a narrow line. She noted, "Thanks for your help," before starting to move away.

Zoe paused and pressed her lips together, saying, "Not so fast. What did I hear about you and Andrew Fisher dancing at the festival and possibly leaving together?"

Imani laughed. "That is nothing but small-town gossip."

"I know how this community works." Zoe let out a laugh. "Still, I want the details."

Imani said, "Of course you do," and she stepped back an inch. "Maybe I'll talk about it another time. I need to take care of some business."

"All right, Imani. Remember, I didn't tell you anything. You are walking to that door on your own."

"I know." Imani smiled as she turned around. "Catch you later."

"See ya."

She walked toward the private wing, where she saw the patient being wheeled into a room, and grinned to herself. Standing before what might have been Garrett's grandfather's door, Imani stopped to gather her thoughts.

She stepped closer and peeped through the crack, careful not to disturb whoever it was inside the room. She would have some peace of mind knowing that Mr. Beaumont had checked into the hospital instead of the nursing home if it had been him.

To avoid giving the impression that she was acting suspiciously, Imani silently straightened herself. A second passed, and the older patient locked eyes on her. Mr. Beaumont waved her into the room, so she went.

Surprisingly, he was sitting up, and she couldn't help but smile as he looked up at her.

"There you are," he said gruffly. "It's been a while since we last saw one other, Imani. How have you been?"

"Good." She walked to the bed and noticed the food tray. It was only partially filled. Another surprise. "What are you in here for? Not eating?"

"I wish. Since I was such an outstanding tenant at the nursing home, my doctor recommended that I be moved here."

A delighted Imani chuckled at his humor. Eugene Beaumont ran his hand through his wavy white hair. Even though the action was effortless, it made her think of Garrett so much that she had to turn away. The man couldn't stop hacking up snot. His coughing stopped when she pointed to the oxygen mask.

"I'm glad it was you being rolled in here," she said, looking around the room. "I'd be so embarrassed if it wasn't you."

He chuckled. "Thank you for stopping by."

"Of course. I honestly didn't know you were here. Dylan and I came to check on Suzanne."

"Dylan..." Eugene murmured, resting his head against his pillows. "He's here?"

She nodded and smiled. "Yes, sir. He's right down the hall."

Eugene coughed a little as he adjusted in his bed. "I bet he's a handful."

"Dylan can be sometimes, but he's pretty chill. I'll bring him for a visit."

"Thank you, dear."

Imani made herself comfortable in a chair by the bed. She took a big breath as soon as their eyes connected.

"Garrett's back." In typical fashion, Eugene brought up the sensitive topic.

She poured him a glass of water and handed it over. "Tell me something I don't know."

While dating Garrett, Imani never became close to his grandfather. Eugene had been the disconnected parental figure, his expression stern and judgmental. He disapproved of her being with Garrett due to her African American heritage. He was prejudiced and open about it. Despite his authenticity, he stayed cold. After Garrett left Alabama, she stopped talking to Mr. Beaumont. The two reunited by chance shortly after years apart. Eugene took a cat to the shelter one afternoon. The half-starved, flea-infested animal with kittens crossed the man's property.

He began visiting the shelter often after his run-in with Imani. The initial purpose was to check on the cat's babies. She eventually realized that was just his excuse to talk. He brought her breakfast every Friday for a week before getting sick.

They never talked about her relationship with Garrett in the past or how Eugene stopped being prejudiced toward her, but eight years later, she met a different man. He appeared empty and lonely. She sympathized with his grief, and they became friends.

He took the water glass. "So, you already know my grandson is back?"

"I do," she replied, her head bobbing slightly.

"It surprises me that you aren't sharing more information with me."

"Well, Eugene, maybe another time. Not now."

There wasn't much to discuss because their relationship was still in limbo. She was eager to put the other night with her ex-fiancé in the past. Avoid repeating the obvious.

Eugene lingered over her face for a moment, taking a sip from his glass in the process. "Did I ever tell you how Stella and I met?"

Imani answered, "I don't believe so," expressing her relief that he had chosen to talk about something else.

Eugene frowned as if he was thinking. He slumped back onto the pillow while Imani approached to take the water glass. She gently squeezed his shaking hands.

"I stood in my yard, gazing up at the evening sky. The crescent moon and stars were everywhere. I was bored to death on military leave." He grinned wryly. "What else could a twenty-one-year-old man do? Nobody was worth getting close to. No desire to settle, much to my parents' dismay. So I met Stella running on the gravel road behind my house that night. Lost. Alone. Running from her abusive boyfriend."

"Wow. I'm sorry to hear that," Imani said, feeling compassion for his late wife. She saw how far domestic abuse victims traveled. She understood it was hard to leave because some people cling to their partners.

After clearing his throat, Eugene continued. "I fell in love at first sight, which I never thought possible. I've always called her 'Star' because she helped me overcome depression and insecurity. I helped her in tackling her hardships. Fate brought us together." He smiled, perhaps remembering the first sight of his soulmate. "I had been instructed to return to active duty the next morning. Daffodils emerged from the soil around the pier around the end of February. Holden Creek was cold and foggy when I jogged."

He closed his eyes and sighed. "There is no better way to get your thoughts straight than to breathe in the air that has a wintery scent but a springy sensation. I nearly ran across the stream and into town. A small café had recently opened in the center of the square, across from the clock tower, so I made plans to eat lunch there. When I walked in, there she was. Star. Her smile lit up the room."

His nostalgic voice made Imani feel something in her chest. She couldn't figure out what it was.

"She took someone's order. Nathaniel Hawthorne, I believe. Star greeted customers with a smile. She had beautiful Caribbean-blue eyes and slender fingers. Her hair was shiny like warm chocolate. It was down and almost to her butt this time. She came over to thank me for calling her aunt. I'd never met anyone like her. After she brought my food and said it was on the house, my feelings for her grew. Just facing her took all of my courage. After going home, I told my parents I had found my wife."

Imani responded, "Beautiful," with a warm smile. "It seems like it worked out for you to take that path."

He nodded. "Sure did. But Star made things challenging. I managed to find the apartment her aunt lived in, but the woman said her niece wasn't home. That scumbag Hawthorne was with her at the drive-in."

Once again, Eugene rejected Imani's attempts to give him oxygen when he began coughing.

"I raced to find them on my bike. It was impossible to miss Hawthorne's red Corvette. I threw open the door and embraced Stella, telling her I loved her. I told her that after my time in the army ended, I would be spending the winter at home. I could never keep up without telling her how I feel."

Then Eugene fell silent as if he were completely worn out. His voice lowered as he spoke. "Star waited on me." He tried to laugh. "I loved her like I've never loved anyone."

"I can tell," Imani observed him intently.

"We married right away once I got home. Had two boys." He paused, his jaw clenching. "I neglected my family. Left when things were great. I deeply regret ruining the relationship we had." He sighed heavily. "If only I could do things better." The last statement was low, and she barely heard him.

There was such sadness in his voice, such shame, that Imani felt her eyes water.

"It baffles me that those with integrity would do anything like that. Blame a family member for their flaws."

"The kind of person who is hurting."

He drew in a breath as he looked at her. "That's no reason. My actions have no sense behind them. I have no reason not to like you or other minorities. I'm sorry. If I've treated you badly over the years, please accept my sincere apologies."

"It's fine," Imani said. "As a person of color in the United States, I've learned that being who you are is scary but we can overcome it. We have to face racial diversity with courage."

"That is a wise perspective on life, Imani. You and other minorities don't deserve the hate directed at you. I cannot speak for other people's prejudices, but I battle mine every day."

Imani smiled, looking into his eyes. "Mr. Beaumont, you are making progress in becoming a better person. That is something no one can ever take away from you. All right?"

Eugene nodded. While filling his glass with water, Imani extended a tiny gesture.

"I need to get going. Dylan is talking with Suzanne."

"How is she doing?" He grabbed the oxygen mask since he had problems breathing.

"Her progress has been better than we thought it would be. For whatever reason, Suzanne has a long way to go. If the cancer has spread even further, none of the existing treatments are optional. She takes it day by day."

After removing his mask, Eugene inhaled deeply. "Send Suzanne my best. I may walk down the hallway to see her later if I feel like it. For best friends, the most important thing is to always support one another."

Imani nodded in response. "I agree, Mr. Beaumont. I wish you a speedy recovery."

The old man smiled but didn't say anything, so he made it clear that he was tired. As Imani neared the bed, she smiled and kissed his forehead goodbye.

Garrett talking to Zoe in front of the nurse's station made her heart flutter.

Still, Imani continued to head toward the double doors that led to Suzanne's room. He observed in silence for a few more seconds with a dark gaze on her before walking to his grandfather's room.

Seeing Eugene Beaumont was enough for the day, but talking to Garrett would have been stressful. Staying away from him as much as possible didn't seem to help her. Not by a long shot.

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