CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

" Where the hell did this come from? " Jill said out loud as the downpour began. Out the window of her car, she saw the dark clouds gathering to the north and she turned her wipers on faster. She would be soaked. Her umbrella was hanging on the coat rack in her office. They hadn't seen rain in weeks.

She was thankful for the remote Carrie had given her for the gate as she pushed the button, waiting for it to open before driving through. She pushed it again, closing the gate behind her and driving on through the rain. But at the cottage, she was surprised to find the driveway empty.

Dodging water puddles as she ran along the path, she hurried into the sun porch and out of the rain. Inside, it was dark and quiet, no sign that Carrie had been there yet today. She pulled her cell phone out, debating whether to call her or not. She thought better of it, in case Carrie was someplace where she couldn't talk.

She busied herself with lunch, foregoing their normal fare of sandwiches when she found soup in the pantry. But as the clock ticked closer to one thirty, she began to worry. Again, she picked up her phone, but again, she decided against calling.

And only moments later she heard Carrie's van, heard the door slam. She walked into the sunroom, waiting. Carrie rounded the corner, their eyes meeting through the windows. Jill knew immediately that something was wrong.

" Sorry I'm late, " Carrie said. She moved into Jill's arms and Jill pulled her close.

" What's wrong? "

" I was at the doctor, " she said.

" What do you mean? "

" Oh, you know, these damn headaches I've been having."

Jill took her arm and led her into the cottage, easing her down on a bar stool. " Have they been worse? " she asked as she ran her fingers through her damp hair.

" Unbearable lately."

" Why didn't you tell me? "

Carrie shook her head. " I didn't want you to worry. They did a ton of tests. I've been there all morning. They did a CAT-scan too. But the symptoms are like a damn sinus headache, " she said as she rubbed her forehead.

" When will you know something? "

" Probably not until Monday." She wrapped her arm around Jill's waist and pulled her closer. " But don't worry, okay. It's probably just my allergies in overdrive."

But Jill did worry. Try as she may, Carrie couldn't hide the pain in her eyes. And for the first time, Jill realized how thin Carrie was getting. The last week or so, she hadn't had an appetite at lunch, only picking at her food.

" Feel like soup? "

Carrie shook her head. " I've been poked on and stuck with needles, " she said. " I think I'll pass. But you go ahead and eat."

Jill leaned closer, her lips caressing Carrie's temple, then moving across her cheek before finding her lips.

" I love you."

Carrie turned on the chair, her legs opening as she pulled Jill between them, holding her close. " I love you too. So much, " she murmured.

Jill smoothed her hair, her fingers gliding through the short locks, now more salt than pepper. Another thing Jill had just noticed. She closed her eyes, pulling Carrie to her breast, feeling Carrie burrow there.

" Is there anything I can do? " she whispered.

Carrie squeezed her tight. " No, no. I'm just so tired."

" Then come on, " Jill said, pulling away and helping Carrie to her feet. " I'll help you into bed."

" It's probably time for you to go already, isn't it? "

" Just about. But it's okay. You can rest. I'll leave the soup out. You need to eat something, Carrie. It'll make you feel better."

" Sure. Okay. Leave the soup out, " she said, her words slow, deliberate.

Jill stopped, her eyes searching Carrie's. " Maybe I should stay with you."

" No, it's okay. They gave me something for the headache. It's probably kicking in."

" Are you sure? "

" Yes. Sure."

Jill pulled back the covers on the bed, then slowly undressed Carrie as she sat mutely on the edge. She paused, her hand cupping Carrie's cheek.

" Are you sure you're okay? "

Carrie closed her eyes. " I'm fine, love."