Mack squeezed Ermas arm. Ive heard theyre still finding dog tags over there.
They drove in silence for a little while. Whats MIA? Zoey finally asked as Mack angled into a parking spot outside a chain pharmacy a ways out of town on Lubbock Highway.
The letters stand for missing in action, Zoey, Mack said, preparing to climb out. Im going in to fill Ermas prescription and see if they have any wheelchairs Im hoping this pharmacy carries medical equipment.
What about the wheelchair you put in back? Zoey jerked a thumb behind her.
Its on loan from the E.R. We cant keep it for the four to six weeks the doctor said Erma needs to stay off that leg.
That long? Zoey gasped. Wholl take care of us?
Mack reached back to tap her nose. Arent you ready to be our chief cook and bottle washer?
Her eyes went wide.
Im teasing, he said. I talked to Benny earlier. He has a cousin who may be able to help us out. Everyone keep your fingers crossed.
I will, Erma said as Macks door slammed. Silence filled the cab for a time, and it was plain to see from the way Ermas head fell forward that she was nodding off. Then Brandy whispered to Zoey, How old do you suppose Bennys cousin is?
Zoey shrugged. She kept her voice down, and said, Bennys seventy-two. I know because Erma baked him a cake for his birthday last month. There wasnt room on the cake for so many candles, so Dad bought two in the shape of a seven and a two. Why?
Duh, our plan to find your dad someone to date.
Yeah, but maybe I should forget trying to find a new mom. I forgot how young my dad was when his mom died, and he turned out okay. Erma took care of him. Maybe Im being selfish. Am I, Brandy?
I dont know, since Ive got a mom, a dad and all my grandparents. And from what you say about your grandparents, you dont talk to them, either.
Theyre so preachy! If I had to live with them like they wanted, Id never mention getting my ears pierced or learning to wear makeup. They think TV and cell phones are sinful. Im lucky Daddys lawyer fixed it so I only have to see them once or twice a year. And my dad goes with me. She shuddered.
The back gate of the pickup squeaked open. Peering out the rear window, the girls saw Mack slide a big box in beside the wheelchair. Then he slammed the tailgate shut and got into the cab with sufficient noise to jolt Erma awake.
Are we home? she asked groggily.
No, sorry. I didnt realize you were sleeping, Erma. Heres your pain medication. She didnt reach out for the paper bag, so he asked, Are you okay?
I think I need to lie down. I cant seem to keep my eyes open.
Well be home soon. Well, in fifteen minutes or so, after we drop Brandy off.
Can she come home with us? I thought J.J. might take our pictures. For fun.
Mack ground the key in the ignition. Jill will be long gone by the time we get home, Zoey. Plus I told Mrs. Evers hours ago that Id collect you girls from the library. He passed his cell phone back. Call your mom and apologize for how late we are, Brandy. Explain that the E.R. was superbusy.
Brandy took the phone. Im probably going to get my own cell for my birthday, she said, sweeping her long hair back behind one ear as she waited for the number shed punched in to connect. Wait, I have to try again. I wish we had better cell service.
They were on the road by the time she got through and relayed Macks message, then passed back his phone. Mom said thanks. She was picking tomatoes and lost track of time, anyway.
Dad, can I get a phone for my thirteenth birthday? Some kids already have them.
At twelve?
Yes, and if I had one you wouldnt have needed to bother Brandys mom to find out we were at the library. You could have called me.
That, young lady, is something you should have settled with me before you left the house. Responsibility doesnt start with owning a phone.
Oh, brother, Zoey drawled, flopping against her seat back.
Mack pulled slowly down the Everses lane. He beeped his horn at Amanda Evers, who was in her produce stand talking with a customer. Erma, those tomatoes look great. Want me to send Zoey to buy some?
Erma, who was dozing again, gave a start. She grabbed her hip and grimaced. Darn, Im afraid that pain shot is wearing off. Sorry, Mack, what about tomatoes? I, uh, thawed hamburger to make meat loaf. I sure hope I can stand long enough to fix supper.
Mack chewed his lip. The doctor said to take two of those pills when you get home, and he wants you off your feet. The kitchen counter is too high for you to work from a wheelchair, even if you were in any shape to make supper tonight. Zoey and I can figure it out after I haul water to the herd. Turning in his seat, he said, Zoey, run and see if Brandys mom has some lettuce and sweet onion to go with those tomatoes so we can have a good salad. I hope Bennys cousin can come ASAP. Digging in his pocket, Mack handed Zoey a twenty-dollar bill.
She crawled out and ran to the stand with Brandy.
Amanda Evers listened to the girls natter on about Ermas accident as she bagged produce, took Zoeys money and gave her change. Honey, tell your dad to call me if he needs meals until he hires help. Ill round up neighbors to bring casseroles you can pop in the oven. Or better yet, tell your dad Trudy Thorne can come and stay at your place. She stopped by a while ago and mentioned Ermas fall. She wanted Mack to know shed be happy to pinch-hit until Ermas up and around.
The girls traded a dark expression that Brandys mom intercepted. Girls, be nice. I realize some people think Trudy is pushy, but she probably has a lot to offer you and your dad, Zoey. Brandy tells me youre feeling the loss of your mother a lot lately. And the teen years can be rough. Trudy spent her teens here in La Mesa.
Yesm, Zoey said, although she pursed her lips. Id better go. Erma needs to get home and take her medicine.
Brandy walked back with Zoey. Mom thinks everyone is nice.
What if my dad likes Trudy? He called her neighborly.
He called Erma family.
Well, she kinda is. Its just that Trudy acts all gushy with me when Dads around. When he leaves, she turns off all that sugar.
Youll have J.J. around for two days. If Trudy brings a casserole, pretend J.J.s staying longer. Pretend your dad really likes her.
Zoey brightened. Good idea. Thanks. Ill call you later, Brandy. Im excited that schools only a half day on Monday and then were out till September.
Mack jumped out of the pickup and took the produce. Honestly, Zoey, I told you Ermas in pain and we need to hurry home.
Sorry. Zoey climbed unaided into the backseat.
Ill take it as easy as I possibly can on the graveled section of our road, Erma. You seem like youre in even more pain now than when I took you to the doctor.
The nurse said I dont have much padding over my old bones. She said to expect it to be bad for a week or two. I thought I was a tough old bird, but I hurt everywhere.
Im sure you tightened your muscles when you hit the cement. If it turns out you didnt chip or break a bone, itll be pure luck. Mack soon left the smooth highway for a gravel track that led to the ranch. He slowed way down, but he could see tension building on Ermas face. The last thing Mack expected when he entered his circular drive was a strange SUV parked at his house. Did that mean Jill was still here?