When the breakfast shift was over, though, Lily was assigned to folding sheets, blankets, and towels fresh from the laundry, which meant her mind was free to wander straight back to where her thoughts had been when she came into the hospital. Where they wandered most of the time, if she was being honest.

At least today she had some actual problems to solve in regards to Zivon. She knew he’d be working a half day on Saturday, as usual. But what could she offer as distraction during the afternoon that Daddy wouldn’t object to?

Maybe . . . maybe something with a group. He didn’t seem to mind those sorts of activities so much. It was a bit short notice to gather many guests, but she could see who wasn’t busy. If she got Mama on board, they might be able to get approval for a garden party—or a tea party, if the weather didn’t cooperate. She would invite Ara and Cam, and Clarke, of course, some other colleagues from OB40. She’d even see if Brook was available. And perhaps some of the Russians Zivon had mentioned meeting at church—the Suvorovs, the Smirnovs. Surely Zivon would like that.

It wasn’t a bad idea. Though the fact that Mama was the linchpin made her nervous. It was true that she’d championed Zivon . . . but Lily was fairly certain that was mostly to irritate Daddy.

She put the last folded sheet in the basket and glanced at her watch. An hour left in her shift here. She’d ask if she could borrow the telephone in Arabelle’s office and ring up Mama. Maybe it would be easier to carry on an actual conversation with her over the telephone.

It couldn’t possibly go worse than every other attempt she’d made. It seemed every time she found Mama alone and opened her mouth, prepared to bare her heart and say how much she missed their friendship, her mother would leave the room before she had a chance, or speak first about something so impersonal that Lily didn’t know how to build the bridge to what she really wanted to say.

She hurried up the stairs, repositioning the mask that she’d taken off while in the steamy laundry facilities, and deposited the fresh sheets in the closet. Then she turned toward her friend’s office.

Arabelle was coming out of it. “I was just going to come looking for you, Lily. Would you run a note to Cam for me when you go to the OB? I’m afraid I can’t get away for lunch with him today.”

“Of course.” Though she frowned at the thought of her friend taking no time away from the ward. No doubt she’d be missing that chance for a respite by the end of her shift.

“Perfect. I’ve left it on my desk. Just run in and grab it before you leave.”