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“Nothing. That fire was massive and wild. There’s nothing left,” I admit and hold in my tears. If I cry, Shae will absolutely fall apart.
“God. What are they going to do for real? God, Enani, this is a mess. They’re going to need clothes and shit! What about their medicines? They are going to need all of that.”
“One thing at a time. I can grab a few clothes from the mall. I told the hospital their meds when they checked in. They will be able to get refills.”
“Okay, good. I can get foods they like from the store, Papa’s pecans and Nana’s tea.”
“That’ll be good. Don’t forget the cinnamon bread for breakfast.”
“Oh yeah. That’s right. Maybe we should get lunch or something and talk this all out. Somewhere with liquor though. My anxiety is through the damn roof.”
Because I see she really needs this, I say, “We can do that just to make sure we think of everything. Best Brunch is two blocks from here and they have drinks.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you over there. Where are you parked? I valeted.”
“I’m in the garage. If you beat me there, get a booth. When it’s only two people, they like to put you at those little ass tables.”
“I got it.”
We part and she walks toward valet. I head to the right, following the signs to the garage. When I reach my Jeep, the tears I held in while talking to Shae fall. My heart really hurts for my beloved grandparents. Starting over in their seventies isn’t going to be an easy feat.
It takes me a minute but I manage to reel my tears in and calm down enough to drive. Shae definitely beat me to Best Brunch because I spot her white Camry as I scan the parking lot for a space. I finally find one on the last row and park. Before getting out, I check my face to make sure there’s no evidence of my tears. Satisfied, I get out and walk to the entrance. Shae’s in a booth along the left side of the restaurant so I journey to her and sit.
“You got a drink that fast,” I comment. Best Brunch’s signature Tipsy Trio is on the table and she’s drinking the mini espresso martini.
“I ordered it before the hostess gave me the menus.”
“Can I have one or are they all for you?” I ask and she slides the wooden plank over to me. I grab the mini mimosa martini. After my first, much-needed sip, I pull my cell from my pocket and place it on the table. I don’t want to miss the hospital if the nurse calls. When I flip it over, I see a text message.
107-686-5600: My offer stands. Anything you need.
Me: Actually, I need the investigator’s report from today for insurance. Can you see if it’s ready?
107-686-5600: It is. Give me 5.
Just that easily, he already checks one major item off my list. I can’t help but smile; he’s actually responsible for all my smiles today.
Me: Thank you!
“Who’s that?” Shae asks as soon as I place my cell on the table.
“Noab,” I say and she smiles.
“The hero of the day.”
“Truly.”
For a beat, we sit and drink in silence. Both caught up in our own thoughts and emotions. Heavy on mine is getting them out of the hospital and just making sure they’re good. I just don’t know what good looks like.
The server asking to take our orders breaks the silence and I order a brunch burger. Shae orders the same with hash browns. When our food arrives, we spend the next hour plotting out the rest of our day. I even made her a grocery list for them. Shae leaves Best Brunch more focused and less anxious and I leave on a mission.
Noab came through and sent the report. I keep it from Shae and wait to read it once I’m in my ride. The cause is accidental. The report states the fire originated in the living room from a heater. Nana’s small space heater must have been left on overnight and it was too close to the sofa. I will keep the precise cause of the accident from them. Knowing it was Nana’s heater will only add guilt to their anguish and devastation. They are hurting enough. Simply knowing it was an electrical accident will suffice.
All of my important documents and copies of theirs are in a file box in my guest room, so I head to the condo. I’ll have a few hours of peace to decompress and make my calls before Langston gets home.
As soon as I’m inside, I strip out of my clothes, take a long shower and wash my hair, dress in comfy yoga pants and a tee, then handle business as my hair air-dries. By four, I’ve filed their insurance claim and looked into possible options for temporary housing. Nana and Papa have a routine, and the sooner they can get back into it, the better.
Since Langston typically gets home around six, I get dressed and leave. My first stop is the mall and I grab toiletries, pajamas, shoes, and a few outfits for my grandparents. It’s just a start and should hold them for the next few days. Their favorite restaurant, the Hollow Grove Diner, is my next stop. Hospital food isn’t the best and they definitely deserve something good this evening.
