25
I gave Ralph a call after the guys left on Saturday. His wife Diane said he’d gone away for the weekend, fishing with some old buddies (what was it with these guys and fishing?). She didn’t expect him back before Monday afternoon. My appointment was Monday morning. So much for Plan A.
The phone rang around 9:00 Sunday night. I expected it to be Mike or Richard. It was Noel. “How are you feeling?” she asked.
“A little tired, but I’m doing okay. You?”
“About the same. I—” Seconds ticked by as I waited for her to finish. She changed direction. “You have a ride to the doctor tomorrow?”
“No.”
“Let me guess. You’re driving yourself.”
“Probably.”
“I’ll take you. See you around 8:30?”
“Yeah, that sounds good. Thanks.”
“Sure. See you then.”
“Noel?” I was afraid she’d hung up already.
