“Has she had breakfast?”
“Yes.”
“Were you able to get her she dressed?”
“Yes! Where are you? You didn’t answer your cel . We cal ed the bookstore; they didn’t know where you were. No one was answering at the club. We were scared to death.” It then occurred to me where I was and my head snapped up and I looked at Eddie. He was standing; shoulders leaned against the wal , arms crossed on his chest, watching me.
Shit.
I looked back at my knees. “I’m at Eddie’s.” Silence.
“Trixie?”
I heard her say, not into the mouthpiece, “She’s at Eddie’s.”
The phone was moved around again and Mom said,
“You’re at Eddie’s?”
Her tone was both hopeful and snoopy. Neither of these were good things.
“It’s a long story. I’l tel you later. Listen, Mom, I’l be home as soon as I can.”
“No, no, don’t rush. We’re okay. Ada’s coming over and Trixie’s managed to rearrange her appointments. Take your time.”
I closed my eyes and prayed for divine intervention.
I waited a beat and nothing happened.
Guess God was busy with war and famine and the like.
“Mom, I’l be home as soon as I can get there. Okay?”
“Is Eddie bringing you home?”
“I don’t know.”
“Am I going to meet him?”
“I don’t know. Listen, Mom, I’ve got to go.”
“Okay, dol face,” she said, her voice total y changed from pissed off mother on the edge to sweet as pie. “See you.”
I pushed the on/off button and looked up at Eddie. “I’ve got to cal Indy.”
“I cal ed her before I came home. She’s not worried. Her people come and go as they please,” he said.
Not me, I worked mornings. She needed me for the rush hours and that’s when I worked for her. I’d never been late for Indy.
I got off the couch, put the phone in its receiver and walked across the room, passed Eddie, to the bedroom. I nabbed my slut shoes and sat on the side of the bed.
“Your Mom okay?” I looked to the side and Eddie was leaning in the doorway.
I bent double and started to slip on my shoes.
“Yeah. Trixie’s there and Ada’s coming over.” The next thing I knew, Eddie was crouched in front of me and he took my shoes away.
My head jerked up.