“I’m sorry, but I can’t go over there any longer. I’m seeing now that Gini is never going to be like she was. I… I can’t stand to see her that way. I’m sorry, Debbie, but I just can’t handle this right now.”
“Ric, I want you to go take care of yourself. Gini will be okay here with me. I’ll take care of her the rest of her life. You don’t need to worry about her. Go get some help.”
“I know she’s in good hands. I love her, and I thought I was prepared to take care of her. I can’t, Debbie; I’m just not equipped to help her. I want my old Gini back, and I know that will never be.”
A few days later, Lisa called to see if Debbie needed anything. Debbie told her about Ric leaving and the difficult time Gini was having with the move. Lisa could hear the tiredness in Debbie’s voice. Her friend needed her.
An hour later she showed up at the Towers. Howard called up to Gini’s condo.
“Howard at the desk. Is Ms. Anderson there?”
“I’m Debbie Pierce. I’m here with Gini. Can I help you?”
“There’s a Lisa Hendrix here to see Ms. Anderson.”
“Okay, I know her. What do I do?”
“I’ll show her up.”
Howard had seen Mr. Santini come in and out of the building several times. He just assumed that he and Ms. Anderson were back in town, although he hadn’t seen her. Since both women had called her Gini, he figured it was okay for Lisa to go up.
“Leesy. I’m glad you are here.” Debbie hugged her tight. She was so exhausted—she needed someone who would understand and not hold her to any high standard. Debbie just wanted to close her eyes and not have to worry or think about anything, even if for only a few minutes.
Lisa pulled her close. She could feel the familiar affection Debbie had for her. “Debs, you should have called me.”
Debbie started to pull away, but Lisa held a tight grip. “I didn’t want to bother you and Lenny.”
“Debs, I’m always here for you. Please, call me when you need help. Lenny understands; he’s a great guy. Tell me what I can do?”
They released from the hug, and Lisa guided them to the couch with her arm around Debbie.
“Gini’s sleeping. I think I need to go down and introduce myself to the doorman and figure out how this all works. I haven’t had a chance, being here alone with her. Ric took care of all that when he was here. I guess it’s up to me now.”
“Take your time. Then I want you to come back up here and sleep.”
Debbie gave a half smile. “No, I don’t need sleep. I’m okay. Just someone to talk to, that’s all I need.”
Lisa leaned over on the couch and kissed Debbie on the cheek.
“I’m Debbie Pierce.” She stood in front of the reception desk facing an older distinguished man. “I’m Virginia Anderson’s nurse and will be living with her. I need to know how to get the mail, how to get in and out of the front of the building, and anything else of importance.”
Howard wasn’t sure what being Ms. Anderson’s nurse meant. Perhaps Ms. Pierce was there to help with the babies. He showed her where the mailboxes were, gave her the trash schedule, and explained the front doors and elevator procedures.
“Thank you. You’ve been very helpful.”
“Ms. Pierce, please don’t hesitate to ask questions. And give Ms. Anderson my best. I’m glad she and Mr. Santini are back.”
“Oh, Mr. Santini is no longer living here. It’s just Ms. Anderson and me.”
Debbie used her keycard to get the elevator and went back up. Howard was left with many questions. Had something happened to Ms. Anderson? Why a nurse?
When Debbie got back, Lisa was just walking out of the back-bedroom area. “I can see why Ric had a problem being here. If I were you, I’d paint over those balloons in the nursery before Gini sees them. I can imagine how hard that was for Ric to see.”
Debbie hadn’t been in the nursery. And she agreed with Lisa, the balloons had to go. Then she saw the booties on the nightstand in the guest bedroom. It was clear now why Ric had been so upset; he was dealing with a tremendous grief. She hoped that he would get help.
Lisa stayed for the rest of the afternoon and fixed dinner for Debbie and Gini before she left. She made Debbie promise anytime she needed anything, she should call her, even if it was just to talk.
Debbie cupped her hand around Lisa’s head as she was leaving and gave her a kiss on the lips. They both stood there motionless for a few long seconds. “I’ve got to get going,” Lisa said. “Lenny will be home soon.”
“I know,” Debbie whispered. “Thanks for coming.”
“Dee… bee.”
Lisa went out the door, rubbing her fingers over her lips.
Debbie went into the bedroom to Gini. She squared her shoulders. “Baby, how are you doing?”
Lisa became a frequent guest. She came in to Boston on her days off for a few hours to help out. On one of the days, she brought a can of paint, and she and Debbie repainted the nursery while Gini took her nap.
Gini was slowly getting used to the bedroom, no longer crying out, but would not step outside the doors. She was comfortable staying with Lisa when Debbie went out to run errands.
It had been almost three weeks. Debbie took Gini’s hand and led her to the living area. At first, Gini was hesitant, but with Debbie coaxing, she took the walk.
“No… uff… home.”
“Once you start looking around, you’ll remember.”
“No… uff… home.” Gini raised her voice at the end
