Read Online Comfort of a Man (Arabesque) by Adrianne Byrd - Free Book Online Page B

for college that he found out about their dire financial position.
    Georgia Washington was quite simply the strongest woman Isaiah had ever known, and if anyone could survive this ordeal, it would be her.
    Among the moving pictures of memory, Isaiah had trouble finding one of his father. He was killed by a drunk driver when Isaiah was four. However, his mother made sure to tell heroic stories of his father throughout his life. Melvin Washington was honest to a fault, loyal to those he called friend, and loving to all who loved him. Yes, Melvin Washington, a city bus driver, was every bit a hero—and a man Isaiah tried to emulate.
    Isaiah’s head pitched forward, the falling sensation woke him up in an instant, and he jerked his head back erect. His gaze swept over to his mother and he was startled to see her smiling at him.
    Georgia licked her lips and spoke slowly. “You look like hell.”
    Isaiah laughed. “Well, you’ve never looked more beautiful to me.”
    A weak chuckle escaped her ashen lips. “You should never lie to your mother.” She winced.
    Isaiah released his hold on her hand and stood up to reach for the pitcher of water beside the bed. “Here, let me pour you some water.”
    It took a few minutes to adjust the upper half of the hospital bed before he could hold the small plastic cup to her lips.
    She took small sips and savored every drop. When she’d had enough, Isaiah removed the cup and busied himself with trying to make her as comfortable as possible.
    The door swooshed open and Dr. Ramsey rushed in. “Ah, Sleeping Beauty has awakened,” he joked.
    Georgia laughed. “Paul, you’re too young to be trying to turn an old lady’s head,” she rasped.
    The doctor’s laughter mingled with hers as he winked back. “Now, Georgie, you know how I feel about older women.”
    Isaiah frowned. Georgie? Older women? He glanced between the two obvious friends and judged the two to be very close in age.
    “Maybe I should step out and leave you two alone,” Isaiah joked.
    They laughed.
    “That won’t be necessary,” Dr. Ramsey assured himas he checked Georgia’s vitals. “You gave us quite a scare.”
    “You know me. I always have to be the center of attention.”
    Isaiah stared at his mother. His mother was flirting—actually flirting.
    When the two friends finished their playful teasing, everyone became serious and discussed the problem at hand. Dr. Ramsey spared them the doctor’s square dance. Georgia’s stroke was as quick as it was mysterious. Ramsey had no answers as to what might have induced it, which made him hesitate to prescribe or recommend anything other than rest and relaxation.
    Georgia would stay a few days in the hospital for more tests, but mainly for observation.
    She nodded weakly, but her eyes still held a soft twinkle.
    “Well, I guess I’ll leave you so you can get some rest,” Ramsey said, backing toward the door. “Mr. Washington, do you mind if I speak with you out in the hall for a few minutes?”
    Isaiah glanced at his mother. Her exhaustion was clear as she’d already drifted back to sleep.
    “Of course, Doctor.” He leaned down and kissed his mother’s forehead and whispered, “I’ll be right back.” He followed Ramsey out into the hallway. Once the room’s door closed behind them, Ramsey turned toward him with a troubled look.
    “I just want to speak with you for a few minutes—as your mother’s friend and not her physician.”
    The statement surprised Isaiah, but he nodded, more than a little curious at what Ramsey had to say.
    “Will you be staying in Atlanta long?”
    Isaiah blinked, but nodded again. “As long as it takes. Why?”
    “I think your mother would enjoy having you around for a while—more than the customary two-day Thanksgiving visit, that is.”
    The comment hit Isaiah like a Holyfield punch. “Has my mother said something to you?” he asked, trying his best to recover.
    “Not in so many words. But personally, I think she misses