“Cami Carmichael? She’s that pretty blonde girl, the one in all the romantic comedies, with the big smile?”

“Yes, that’s her.”

“I like her smile. She’s everywhere lately. I saw her picture on the cover of People magazine yesterday and they keep playing the commercial for some new movie she has coming out. I hope she’s not being bothered too much?”

“She’s kind of here incognito. Changed her hair. It’s short and dark brown now and she’s going by a different name. Bella, I think. Lucy checked her in and said she didn’t recognize her at all. The hair made her look so different.”

“Good. If she’s staying here for two months, she obviously needs to get away. I hope she has a relaxing and peaceful stay.”

When David arrived at the Nantucket hospital, he checked in at the emergency desk and they directed him to his mother’s room. She was propped up in bed, with one leg resting on a pillow. His father was sitting in a chair next to her, holding her hand.

“Hi, honey!” His mother seemed unusually cheerful, given the circumstances. His father looked nervous and exhausted.

David gave his mother a gentle hug and sat next to his father.

“What happened?”

“Your mother went out to get the mail. She forgot there was a step, and she went down hard. Luckily, I was home when it happened.”

“Did she break anything?”

“We’re not sure yet. The doctor should be back soon. They ran a bunch of tests and took x-rays.”

“How are you feeling, Mom?”

“Pretty silly. I can’t believe I missed that step. I just wasn’t paying attention. It doesn’t hurt too bad. Hopefully we can go home soon.” She sounded good, clear and upbeat.

“I think I’m going to go get a coffee. David, do you want to take a quick walk with me? Barbara, we’ll be right back. Would you like a coffee or anything?”

“No, thank you. I’m feeling kind of tired. I might just close my eyes for a minute.”

David followed his father out of the room, and they walked the short distance to the cafeteria. They both got a coffee, and on the way back, his father updated David on the search for an assistant. “I think we found someone. Her name is Meghan. She goes by Meg and she can start on Monday. She’ll work afternoons Monday through Friday and she said she could be flexible if we ever need her on a weekend.”

“That sounds good. What is she like?”

“She’s in her early sixties, a retired teacher looking to work part-time. I think your mother might like her company.”

“Good, then you can have a break. You look tired, Dad.”

“I’m fine. As long as someone is here with her, then I can relax a bit. I do miss being at the office.”