Mamaw sighed in exasperation. “You act like we’d never see each other anymore. Your Rafael is as rich as a man can get. If he can’t afford to fly you to see me, then what good is he? You should ask for a jet as a wedding present. Then you can go where you want and when you want.”

Bryony shook her head. “You’re such a mess. But you’re right. I’m just being difficult because I hate change.”

Mamaw squeezed her hand. “Change is good for all of us. Never think it isn’t. It’s what keeps us young and vibrant. Change is exciting. It keeps life from getting stale and predictable.”

“I suppose I should call Rafael and tell him to go ahead with the resort. It’ll be such a load off him I’m sure.”

“Better yet, why don’t you get on a plane and go see him,” Mamaw said gently. “Some things are better said in person.”

“I can’t leave you. I promised the doctor—”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. I’ll be fine. I’ll call Silas over to drive you to the airport. If it makes you feel any better, I’ll have Gladys come over and stay with me until Silas comes back.”

“Promise?”

“I promise,” Mamaw said in exasperation. “Now get on the internet and figure out when the first available flight is to New York.”

CHAPTER 20

Bryony got into the cab and read off the address to the driver. She was nervous. More nervous than she’d ever been in her life. How ridiculous was it that she had to get Rafael’s address from the papers from the sale of the land. She hadn’t known. It hadn’t been covered in ordinary conversation.

She was truly flying solo because Rafael hadn’t answered his cell phone or his apartment phone. A dreaded sense of déjà vu had taken hold but she forced herself not to descend into paranoia. He had every reason the first time not to answer her calls given that he was in the hospital recovering from serious injuries.

Still, old feelings of helplessness and abandonment were hard to get rid of and the more times she tried to call with no response, the more anxious she became.

The ride was long and streetlights blinked on in the deepening of dusk. The city took on a whole different look at night. It seemed so ordinary and horribly busy during the day. People everywhere. Cars everywhere. Not that there wasn’t an abundance of both at night, but the twinkling lights on every building lit up the sky and gave the skyline a beautiful look.