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A Trip To Remember

By Gail Gaymer Martin

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Chapter 1

Sky lifted her spoon and drizzled honey across the most delicious dessert she’d had in years. Like a puffy pastry pillow, the sopapilla melted in her mouth. Treasuring the last bite, she sat a moment gazing with a grin at the old west decor on the walls and tucked into corners. Tucumcari proved to be one of her best stops on old Rte 66.
When she caught the waitress’s eye, she raised a finger and beckoned. Yet today she didn’t need to hurry since she planned to spend the night in the well-known town.
The waitress placed the bill on the table. “Did you enjoy the sopapilla?” Her grin let Sky know she had already discerned the answer.
She pointed to her empty dish except for the pool of honey. “One of the best desserts I’ve ever had.”
The woman chuckled. “I’ve heard that before. You’re a tourist?”
“I suppose I am. I’m from Ohio and traveling across country.”
“You’re alone?” Her eyebrows knitted.
“Sometimes, we have no choice.” She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I’m on my way to visit my sister in California and I’ve heard so much about this town I decided to stop for the night.”
A smile replaced the waitress’s knitted brows. “I’m glad you did.” She gestured toward the wall of windows. Take time to view some of the murals we have around town. They’re everywhere.”
“Murals? I will. I’d like to spend a couple days here.” Sky gave her a wink. “Then I could stop in for more of this dessert.”
The woman winked back and drew closer to Sky’s’ ear. “Let me sneak you a free sopapilla and some honey. You might enjoy it tonight before bedtime.”
Her eyes flew open. “You’d do that for me? And free?”
“I certainly will. You wait a minute.” She lifted her finger and hurried off.
Sky glanced at the bill. One thing she’d learn, this town seemed full of history and generosity.
“Here you go.” The woman slipped a bag onto the table while Sky dug out her wallet. “Where do you recommend I stay? I noticed lots of hotels along I-40, but I’d prefer something in town. You know, with a little—”
“History?”
She nodded. “I suppose that’s another comment you’ve heard before.”
“Yes, but I’m glad you asked.” She pointed toward the wide front window. “You’ll find a couple of the historic ones along the street here. When you step outside, just look in both directions and take your pick.”
“Thanks.” She picked up the bill and headed for the cashier. As she gazed around the room again, the gift shop tempted her, but first she needed to get settled for the night.
After signing the receipt, she put away her credit card, grabbed her sack and headed for the door, motels on her mind. As she pushed open the door, she looked to the right and stepped out.
“Careful.”
A booming voice struck her ear as her legs tangled in a lasso connected to a huge black and white dog pulling her sideways. She spun around, her ankle trapped like a noose and unable to keep her balance. In a blink of an eye, her ankle twisted as she spiraled off the sidewalk and landed between two parked cars. Pain shot up her leg and she closed her eyes to force back a shriek.
When she opened them, a black nose sniffed her face and a long red tongue swept across her cheek.
“Duffy, don’t kiss a pretty lady without asking.”
The dog’s ears perked when he heard the voice and so did hers. Her eyes latched on to a mass of reddish-brown wavy hair and a smile that dazed her.
“You and your dog need to be more—”
“Careful.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m sorry we’ll be more cautious next time. It’s difficult to anticipate someone stepping through a doorway without notice, but I’ll try.”
She muzzled her comment as a sharp pain knifed through her leg.
The man reigned in the dog and stepped closer. “Are you okay?” He eyed her ankle as he leaned over her and shook his head. “I don’t think you are.”
Wrapped in guilt and agony, she didn’t respond. And she couldn’t argue the truth. She had been careless. “I’m fine. Really.” She rolled onto her back to hoist her body to a sitting position, but when she moved her ankle, the sharp pain turned to a pulsating throb.
He grasped her shoulder and pushed her back. “Don’t try to stand. Your ankle looks bad. I’m sure it’s fractured.”
“Fractured?” She tried to raise her shoulders but fell back. “Who do you think you are? A doctor?”
He ignored her sarcasm and arched his brows. “I’m Dr. Douglas Elliot. Doug to most people.”
“You’re kidding?” I suppose you’re a vet.”
He gave her a rolling-his-eyes look. “I’m a medical doctor. Many doctors have pets without being a vet.” A grin crept to his mouth.
If the deep throb in her ankle would have stopped, she might have had energy to control her mortification. Her mind spun with her stupidity. “But what am I going to do?”
“I’ll get you into my car and drive you to emergency, but first I need to see if Yvonne has something I can use as a splint.” He spun away before she could comment.
She lay on the dirty concrete alone except for Duffy, who sat on the sidewalk, looking at her with sad eyes.
Her heart melted watching the dog while each throb of her ankle drew her back to reality.
In moments, the so-called doctor flew through the restaurant door, followed by a man and woman. The man carried something while the woman hugged a stack of towels. She started at them with no power to protect herself and demanded to know what they were doing.
The woman crouched beside her and gave her a pitiful look. “The doctor’s putting ice on your ankle to control the swelling, and he’ll splint it with these towels and some cord we had in the kitchen.” With another sad look, the woman patted her shoulder. “You’re in good hands with the Doc. He’s the best.”
Sky questioned the woman’s glaring accolades since she wasn’t sure if she should blame Duffy or the Doc for her predicament. Air drained from her lungs.
While Duffy panted at his side, his soft eyes on her, the doctor bound her lower leg with wads of towels as a splint. When he rose, he swept her into his arms. Her breath faltered as she was pressed against his muscular chest, his strong arms holding her close while the other man followed him to open the back door of his car.
“Thanks, Cory, and tell Yvonne thanks too.” He bent his back and eased her into the back seat.
As he supported her ankle, she scooted back while Duffy tried to squeeze in beneath his arms.
“Hold on, Duff. Today, you get the front seat.” He patted the dog’s head and pushed him out of the way.
The sopapilla fell into her mind despite the pain throbbing up her leg. “I dropped a bag when I fell. Do you see it?”
He slipped out and returned holding the sack. “This?
She nodded. “It’s my sopapilla and honey for tonight.”
“Tonight?” He handed her the bag and shook his head. “Are you comfortable?” He glanced at her makeshift splint. “Let me rephrase that. Are you okay? The hospital is quite close.”
She nodded, biting her lip to control the groans that rose to her throat.
He closed the door and opened the passenger door as Duffy jumped in and turned to face her, the sad look still on his face. Her heart softened again. As the doctor settled behind the steering wheel, Duffy lowered his chin to the headrest and moaned, the same kind of moan that now caught in her throat.
“She’s okay, Duffy.” He reached over and patted the dog’s head. “Anyone who is worried about her sopapilla more than her broken ankle will live.”
She gazed at the dog and the doctor from behind. How could she dislike a man who loved his dog? And she had to admit he’d treated her kindly too, but then doctors did that. She leaned her head against the seat back as the facts struck her. Fracture meant broken. Broken meant a support or cast. It meant delay. And it meant money. She had insurance, but if she couldn’t leave town for a few days, that meant more motels and meals out and…
“Are you okay back there?”
“As good as I can be. Thank you.”
“It’s the least I could do. I am sorry I couldn’t stop you fast enough to avoid your tangle in Duffy’s leash.”
She noticed him glancing at her through the rearview mirror. His deep blue eyes glinted at her, not in humor but in concern.
“I heard you, but my momentum was on high. I stepped out without a thought except to find a motel for the night.”
“I was afraid of that.”
Question knitted her face. “Afraid of what?”
“You’re an out-of-towner and you appear to be alone. And that’s a problem.”
She nodded before it dawned on her he couldn’t hear a nod. “I suppose I’ll have to stay a day or two, but I can handle that. I’d thought about staying a couple of days anyway.”
He didn’t respond, and she tried to catch his look in the mirror. Duffy continued to stare at her with his same mournful expression punctuated by an occasional deep whimper.
“I wouldn’t make plans if I were you…” He glanced at her and back to the road. “By the way, I assume you have a name.”
“Skylar Littleton. I’m called Sky.” Another knife shot through her foot, and this time she hadn’t geared herself for it. A groan rolled from the depth of her lungs.
“Hang on, Skylar. We’re almost there.”
His formality caught her attention. “I’m grateful, Doctor Elliot.” She returned his reserve.
“That ankle is bad, and you need to be prepared. They’ll do X-rays and then you’ll know for sure, but I’m confident this is more serious than you anticipate.”
“Serious?” Her shriek scared Duffy who nearly fell off the seat. “How serious? It’s my right ankle and I need to drive to California. I don’t have a fortune to recuperate in a town where I don’t know a soul.”
“Sky, please. I’m sorry I frightened you. The specialist will tell you what needs to be done, and I know you’re away from family and friends, but this town is like one big family. We help each other.”
A town like a family. She couldn’t image. As his words hung in her mind, she grinned. He’d called her Sky.
After he made a turn, he announced they’d arrived. In a flash she was in a wheelchair her leg extended on the footrest. As the doctor and Duffy pulled away, she tried to turn her head to follow his, but it was too late. Her stomach lurched as she swallowed her loneliness.
♥
Doug hung around the staff lounge, keeping his eye on the clock. He’d left Duffy in the car, and he hated to keep him locked inside. He eyed the clock again. Calculating the X-rays had to be ready, he headed down the hall and looked at the results with his colleague, but he didn’t need to ask. He could see the fracture in both the tibia and the fibula. Thankfully, the tibia appeared only a hairline crack. But surgery would be necessary for the tibia break.
His mind sorted through the details of Sky’s situation. He wanted to ease her mind and help her through the lengthy delay she was facing.
He turned to Jake. “Do you mind if I come along when you speak to her?”
“Not at all.” Jake grinned and patted him on the shoulder. “You have an interest?”
“Duffy’s leash and she had a tug of war. The leash won.”
“Ah.” Jake gave him a wink. “That’s a good enough excuse for now.”
Doug shook his head, aware of the innuendo. “If you’re looking for a romance, you’ll be disappointed. Sure, she’s a pretty woman, but—”
“Pretty? Are you blind?” He pulled out the X-rays and tucked them under his arm. “When you see her this time, take a good long look.” He chuckled and strode through the doorway.
Doug followed him into Sky’s room. She rested on the bed, propped to a seated position. Tension darkened her face.
“Skylar, I’m Doctor Bonham, the orthopedist, and I’ll be—”
“I hope this is good news.” She leaned forward and motioned to her ankle. Her tense expression deepened with worry.
Doug stood back as his colleague broke the news. “Your tibia has a hairline fracture which is good news, but the fibula is not only fractured, it’s dislocated from the talus and you have torn ligaments. You will need surgery, and—”
“No.” Her eyes widened and he could almost see them pleading, as if he could do something about it. “Please, don’t tell me that. Can’t you do something else? I’m traveling through—”
Doug lifted his hand. “Sky, listen to the doctor. He’s a specialist. He knows what has to be done.”
Tears welled in her eyes and his stomach knotted.
Jake glanced his way and shrugged. “We’re making arrangements now for your surgery. It’ll be over before you know it, and once we get a good look, I hope the news won’t be too bad.”
“But I’m stuck here, right?” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I don’t know what—”
“Sky.” Doug shifted closer and rested his hand on her shoulder. “I told you. In small towns, everyone’s your friend. Everything will work out. We’ll help you.” He drew in a breath. “Trust me, please.”
She opened her mouth as if to speak but inched it closed.
He gave Jake a head nod toward the door. “I’ll leave you two and see what I can arrange.” He took a step and then stopped. “Sky, do you have your car key handy? If you tell me what make and where you parked, I’ll find a place to store it so you don’t have to worry.”
She waved her hand toward a shoulder bag sitting on a chair near her. He handed it to her and watched while she dug out the key and answered his questions. Without prolonging his exit, he gave a wave and hurried through the doorway.
Outside he stood a moment in the fresh air as evening settled around the town. Why did he feel as if his best friend had fallen down a well? He slipped into his sedan, gave Duffy a hug and dropped the poor dog home before he headed toward Del’s Restaurant to see what he could arrange for Sky’s electric blue Lexus. He grinned at her description.
At Del’s, he spotted the car—a flashy sports model—and though it looked in good shape it appeared to be a 2006 model, making it ten years old, and she was driving it alone cross-country. He prayed it was in good condition.
He sat a moment working out a plan before calling his grandmother. It rang four times before she picked up. “Grams, how are you doing?”
“Great. And what’s up? You need something?”
Grams was too alert for her age. He explained Sky’s situation and her car needs, and as he’d hoped, Grams offered a positive solution. She had a knack for coming to everyone’s rescue. “Thanks. I’ll be there shortly.”
He maneuvered his long legs into her car, slipped the key into the ignition and turned. Nothing. He waited a moment and turned the key again. Third try did it, and though concerned, he backed out and proceeded to his grandmother’s. He parked the car on a concrete slab his granddad had poured for his truck. The truck was sold when his granddad died, and sometimes he wished he’d bought it for no reason except gramps loved it.
When he opened the door, Gram’s voice floated on the air. “I’m in the kitchen. Sit and I’ll be there.”
After settling on the sofa, he prayed the Lord bless his grandmother with a long life.
She ambled in carrying a plate of homemade cookies and a glass of milk.
He shook his head and chuckled. “Grams, I drink coffee now.”
“But milk’s better for you, and you know it. I thought you were a doctor.”
“So did I.” He grasped the tumbler and took a swig. “Not bad. Maybe you’re right.”
“Maybe?” She swiped her hand past him with a chuckle. “You’re not too big for a lickin’” She moved to the sofa and sat.
He couldn’t contain his laugh, loving the old-fashioned word. “Let’s get serious. This lady I told you about is having surgery as we speak, and she’s in a mess.” He explained her accident and his guilt even though he was guiltless. “I know she should have looked, but if you meet her, you’ll understand what—”
“What’s this if I meet her?” She shook her head. “I already guessed that not only does she need a place for her car but she needs a place to stay.”
“Right. She’ll be on crutches for a while and then in a boot or cast. I pictured her trying to live in a motel and watching her money fly out the door—”
“And you want to know if I’ve let out that extra room yet.”
“That’s the question.” His grandmother’s perception often startled him. She’d always read his mind when he was a kid, and he’d decided she had an uncanny connection to the Lord. “How much do you need for that room…and, I suppose, kitchen privileges when she can get around?”
“Rent? The Bible says to be kind to strangers. You never know when you’re entertaining an angel unaware.”
“I can guarantee this woman isn’t an angel, Grams. She had dinner at Del’s.”
She gave him another swipe of her hand. “Jesus walked the earth and ate. Don’t judge others.” She added a grin. “Really, Doug, I would enjoy the company, especially a young woman’s. It’s not a hardship for me. She can stay as long as she needs, and you stop by often, so you can help her with groceries and whatever she needs until she can drive. Or I can drive her where—”
“I want her to get well, Grams.” He gave her a wink. “I don’t want to endanger her life.”
“My boy, you forget who you’re talking to. I am your grandmother and am due respect, even if I did almost get a speeding ticket a while back. But that sweet officer changed his mind and I only got a warning.”
“He told me, Grams. You tried to sweet talk him with one of your pecan pies.”
She shrugged. “He looked skinny, like he needed a few pounds.”
Doug grabbed a cookie and swilled down the milk. “I’m heading back to the hospital, and when she’s up to it, I’ll tell her the arrangements. I know she’ll be relieved.”
His grandmother rose when he did. “I’ll get the room ready. Dust up and things.”
He stood and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Grams.”
“Love you, too, Dougy.” Her grin stretched a mile.
He didn’t bother to remind her that he was thirty-two and not ten.
* * *
When she heard a noise, Sky opened her eyes and through the blur, she saw a man standing in the doorway. Seconds passed before the haze lifted from her mind. “Can I leave now?” She winced as she shifted her leg to sit up.
“Take it easy.” He moved toward her and stood at the end of her bed. “You’ll have pain for a while but if it gets too bad, ring for a nurse. They can give more pain medication and you’ll sleep.”
“Sleep? I want to get out of here.” She tried to sit up but weight seemed bound to her foot.
“Slow down, Sky.” He walked around to the side of the bed and stood over her. “You’re staying here overnight to make sure everything’s fine and then they’ll release you tomorrow.”
“My car?” Her mind floated in and out of a haze. “What did you do with it? I have to leave. My sister is—”
“You’ll have to call her and explain. You’re going nowhere for a while.”
A while? Her memory tangled in her mind. She’d hurt her ankle. Something had broken. The doctor’s explanation wrapped in a knot and made no sense. “Can you tell me what the ortho… The other doctor said, but say it in English.”
A faint grin flickered on his face. If he hadn’t been so kind, she would have demanded he take her serious. It might be funny to him, but not to her.
He turned sideways, pulled a chair alongside her bed, and placed a paper bag on the bed tray. “When you fell, your ankle rolled over to such a degree that it snapped some ligaments and broke a couple of bones. The tibia is the main bone, what you call your shin bone. That’s the largest, thickest bone, and it only has a hairline fracture. That’s good because it will heal faster if you follow the doctor’s orders. The fibula is the smaller bone that you call the calf bone. It’s in the lower leg and parallels the shin bone. That bone has a bad break and slipped from the talus which is the third part of the ankle bone.”
He gazed at her as she struggled to make sense of what he’d said. “I understand better than I did.”
“I can draw you a picture.”
“A picture? It’s not necessary. I have a broken ankle and that’s it.” She rolled her head to the side and eyed the sack on the tray. The contents struck her. “Is that my sopa—”
“Sure is. Honey and all. I thought you might need a snack later tonight.”
“A snack. Are you kidding I’m getting out of here?”
“They’ll want you to stay tonight, I’m sure. That’s how we do things” He lifted both eyebrows as if emphasizing that he knew the facts.
The look and his comment curled her stomach. “Do you find pleasure in taunting miserable people?”
“Not usually. Do you always jump to conclusions? I’m giving you the facts. I’m sure Dr. Bonham told you the same thing.”
Tears seeped from her eyes and moistened her lashes. Her emotional reaction irritated her. “You’re nice to dogs, so I hoped it carried over to people.”
He lowered his head. “Sky, tomorrow you’ll feel more like listening. Today you’re tired from the anesthesia and the whole unpleasant situation.” He rose. “Apparently I’m riling you and that’s not what you need.”
She shifted her hand to stop him but managed to control herself. “I hoped to hear better news.”
“What I’m telling you now is good news.” He stepped closer to the door.
She guessed he created distance to avoid her throwing something at him. That saddened her. “You have good news?”
“Once you’ve rested, I think it will be. I have your car parked in a private location where it can stay as long as is needed, and I’ve found a place for you to stay that you can afford. I don’t want you to worry about anything. It’s all arranged.”
“What’s the private location? A car pound?”
His deep breath rattled from his lungs. “No, a private home that has extra parking space. You’ll see it when you’re released.”
More sarcasm dropped into her mind, but she monitored the hurtful comment. The man had helped her of his own free will. He’d asked for nothing and deserved more than her rotten sarcasm. “I-I’m sorry. This isn’t like me.” Tears welled again in her eyes. “Everything is confusing right now. The trip is on hold. My sister will be doubly angry with me, and not arriving as I promised will add another mile to our faint relationship.”
His eyes widened and she wished she’d not spoken aloud.
“Can I contact her and let her know what happened?” He rested his hand on the doorjamb.
“Thanks, but no. She’d be even more suspect if a man contacted her.” She shook her head. “It’s a long story.”
His questioning expression searched hers before he took a small step backward. “You need your rest. I’ll be back tomorrow and see when you’re being released. So I won’t—” He dug into his jacket pocket. “Here’s my card if you need to contact me sooner. The number is my private cell phone.” He stepped closer and handed her the business card. “I hope you have a good night’s rest.”
She eyed the card. “Thank you, Dr. Elliot.”
“Dr. Elliot?”Another sigh left him. “Call me Doug. Anyone Duffy likes is a friend of mine.” He returned to the doorway. “Sleep well.”
He walked away before she could form a thank you. She held the business card asking herself why he was being kind. Did he worry about a law suit? That’s all she could imagine. No one was that nice to a stranger. They both knew it was her fault as much as his or Duffy’s.
She placed the card on the bedside table and rested her head. Her eyes grew heavy and the pain had also grown. Not wanting more drugs, she focused on the man. She’d meant what she’d concluded earlier. Anyone who loved his pet had to have redeeming qualities.
His pleasant smile remained in her thoughts even though today he’d looked more serious…and irritated. She had been mouthy and ungrateful. That had to stop. Even the comment about her sister made her look bad. Had her sister or had she been at fault? Neither probably. They had different personalities. Different philosophies. Different goals and dreams. Not one thing in common that she could think of except they had the same parents.
She pressed her lips together with a variety of thoughts swimming through her mind. She longed to sleep, a sweet restful sleep so that tomorrow came fast and she could walk out and be on her way. Maybe she would learn then that the fractured ankle and surgery were only a bad dream…a nightmare.
 

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