“No, I think I’m all set.” She reached for the covers, but her benefactor was faster.
“I got it. Move, Tabitha.” The feline protested but moved out of the way. Ronnie tucked the blanket around Rose’s body. “There you go.”
“Thanks.” The orange and white cat jumped back up and resumed her position on the bed.
“If you need anything, I’ll be out on the couch.”
“Oh Ronnie, you don’t have to do that. I’m sure your bed is much more comfortable.”
“No, really, the couch is fine. I’ll leave the door open in case fuzzball needs to get out.” She reached over and petted the purring feline. “Do you need anything else?”
“No, I think I’m all set.”
“Okay then, I guess it’s time to say good night.”
“Good night, Ronnie.”
“Good night, Rose.” She smoothed an imaginary wrinkle in the blanket before heading to the door. “Remember, if you need anything, just call out. I’m a light sleeper.”
“I will,” the young woman promised as the light was shut off and Ronnie left the room.
Swirling memories of Christmases past danced in the wealthy woman’s dreamscape; presents wished for and received, laughter and merriment, wrapping paper ripped apart in anticipation of the treasures hidden within. The sound of someone crying slowly broke through the fog, pulling Ronnie away from her childhood and back to the present. Her eyes opened to the darkness of night and it took her a moment to realize where she was and what she was hearing. “Rose,” she whispered to herself, shaking off the weight of sleep and getting up.
“Rose?” she called from the doorway.
“Did I wake you? I’m sorry,” the young woman choked, grateful the darkness kept her tears hidden from her friend’s gaze.
“I knew the stuff I had wouldn’t do any good,” Ronnie said as she entered the room and sat down on the bed. “You want me to run out now? I’m completely sober.”
Rose shook her head. “No, please don’t leave.” The pain was practically unbearable but the thought of suffering through it without Ronnie was even worse. “Please.” She reached out and gripped the larger hand with her own. “Can you…can you stay here with me?” There was a shift in weight as the taller woman slipped under the covers.
“I’m right here.” Ronnie moved as close as she dared, telling herself it was for Rose’s comfort and not her own. She was surprised when she felt the soft cheek press up against her shoulder.
“Is this all right?” the young woman whispered. Ronnie felt the tears soak through her cotton tee and realized Rose must have been crying for quite a while before she had been awakened.
“It’s fine,” Ronnie answered, moving a bit closer.
“It hurts,” Rose admitted, lifting her head to allow Ronnie’s arm to slip underneath. They shifted their bodies into more comfortable positions, at least as comfortable as they could considering the injured woman could not roll onto her side because of her broken legs. Ronnie managed to bury her face into the soft golden hair, breathing in the gentle scent. Rose found herself snuggled into the crook of the older woman’s shoulder, a place far more comfortable to her than the softest pillow could ever be. In Ronnie’s arms she felt safe, protected, cared for. The throbbing pain was still there, yet somehow it seemed bearable now. Within moments both women were fast asleep.
Rose awoke to throbbing pain in her legs and the sound of Ronnie clacking away on the computer. “Good morning,” she yawned, snuggling back into the warmth of her pillow.
“Morning. Your pills are there on the stand.” The executive stopped typing and turned around to face her. It was then that Rose noticed Ronnie was dressed for work, a tailored gray skirt and blazer combination accented by a cream colored blouse.
“You went out already?” The young woman sat up slowly, clearly surprised.
“I called the hospital as soon as I woke up and explained the situation to them.” She moved her chair closer and poured a glass of water from the pitcher. “Doctor Barnes was there and had another prescription in for you right away,” she said while handing the cup to Rose. “Then it was just a matter of running out and picking it up.” She watched the young woman take her pills before she turned and pressed a few more keys. “I’ve got to get going. Do you need anything before I leave?”
“No, I’m sure Karen will be here soon. Is Maria here?”
“Yeah, she got here about a half hour ago. I’ll let her know you’re awake.” Ronnie stood up and shut the computer off. “Are you sure I can’t get you anything?”
“No, really, I’m all set. You have a good day at work. Do you think Tommy will be there?”
“I doubt it. He said something last night about not being in the office today.” A flash of anger over last night’s events clouded her features. “He’d better not show up either.” She reached over and gave Tabitha a quick pet. “My office number is two on the speed dial if you want to give me a call.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to bother you or anything.” Rose silently wished Ronnie would give her a hug goodbye but could not bring herself to ask for one.
“If you feel like calling, you just do it. Don’t worry about bothering me because you won’t.” She hesitated for a moment. “It’s kinda nice to hear a friendly voice in the middle of the day.”
“Okay then. I’ll call you later.” She set the glass down and looked at her friend. “Ronnie?”
“Mmm?”
“Thank you for running out this morning. I really appreciate it.”
Ronnie smiled. “You’re welcome.” She reached out and gave Rose’s hand a squeeze. “Now I really do have to get to work. Call me later, okay?”
“Okay.”
It was late afternoon when the door to Ronnie’s office opened and Susan entered, carrying a manila folder. “I was right,” the redhead said triumphantly as she tossed the folder onto the desk.
“You were right about what?” Ronnie asked disinterestedly, not bothering to turn away from her computer.
“Your guest.” She picked up the folder and opened it, reviewing the information she had acquired. “Rose Grayson graduated from Albany High School. There is no record of her ever having attending college anywhere or owning a credit card. She doesn’t even have a driver’s license.”
Ronnie stood up quickly, sending her chair rolling back as she grabbed the folder out of Susan’s hands. “You investigated her?”
“I had to,” the younger sister protested. “You obviously believe everything she says.”
“And what does it matter to you?”
“Ronnie, she obviously has nothing and saw a good meal ticket.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” She slammed the folder down on her desk. “Rose is not using me.”
“No? Do you know where she was employed before you gave her a job?”