Changing Lanes: A Novel by Kathleen Long Read Free Book Online Page B

“She needs me.”
    I searched the plant for a sign of life but found none.
    “How could someone throw her out?” Mrs. O’Malley asked. “It’s not her time.”
    “No, ma’am.”
    I didn’t know what to do or say, but I thought of all the kindnesses Mrs. O’Malley had shown me through the years. Even though theirs had not been a happy home, Mick’s mother had always made time to talk, to listen, to act as official scorekeeper during badminton tournaments and bike races.
    Her caring presence had once been a constant in my world. I wasn’t surprised she wanted to save this seemingly unsalvageable plant. Not surprised at all.
    I climbed back into the driver’s seat, anchored my own seat belt, turned on the wipers, and pulled the ancient gearshift into drive.
    I glanced at Mrs. O’Malley and frowned. She tugged and pulled at the seat belt strap, her features twisted with frustration. “Would you like to hear some music?” I asked, searching for something I could offer to soothe her agitated state.
    My father, never one to be far from his tunes, had outfitted the classic Checker with a modern CD deck. I waited for Mrs. O’Malley’s nod before I pushed the power button.
    “Let’s see what we’ve got,” I said, as I pushed Play.
    The Mamas and the Papas sang loud and clear, filling the air inside the Beast with their amazing harmonies. Beside me, Mrs. O’Malley shifted in her seat, loosening her grip on the dead plant.
    She began to sing, her voice and words spot-on with the music, matching the CD word for word and tone for tone. Her voice rang out, crystal clear and bright.
    A sudden rush of memories hit me, grabbing hold of my emotions and holding tight. Summer nights with the windows open, hearing Mrs. O’Malley singing from the kitchen next door as she finished dinner. Spring mornings, watching her plant fresh annuals, softly singing all the while.
    Dream a little dream of me.
    Detta O’Malley loved music. Her features came to life as she sat in Dad’s cab. Her eyes widened and she smiled as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. I realized how glad I was I’d been able to offer her a ride.
    My only regret was that we reached our destination before the end of the song. Maybe next time I’d drive until her voice ran dry.
    She smiled—a smile that stole my breath with its palpable joy. “I knew the words,” she said on an exhaled breath.
    As I helped her out of the car, Mick appeared at the front door. He pressed his cell phone to his ear and spoke rapidly, keeping his voice low. “She’s here now. Sorry to have bothered you.”
    He pressed a kiss to his mother’s cheek, then looked at me, the question hanging between us, unspoken.
    “I saw your mom walking in the rain after I left the Clipper meeting.” I held his mother’s elbow as she climbed the bottom step, afraid she might stumble. “Isn’t that right, Mrs. O’Malley?”
    Detta nodded. “I knew the words.”
    Mick’s eyebrows lifted.
    “To a song in the car,” I answered.
    His curiosity morphed to surprise; then he smiled, a luminous grin full of gratitude.
    “Thank you,” he said. “She loves to sing.” He reached for the plant I held. “I’ll take that.”
    I shook my head. “I’ve got it.”
    But Mick had already anchored his fingers on the edge of the tired and unwanted pot. “Thanks for bringing her home.”
    I’d been dismissed, and even though it had been years, I understood Mick perfectly. His family had always kept to themselves. Why should this moment be any different?
    “My pleasure.” I took a backward step. “I’d better get Bessie back to my dad before he sends out a search party. Great to see you, Mrs. O’Malley. See you later, Mick.”
    The light I’d glimpsed so briefly had already faded from Detta O’Malley’s eyes. She looked at me without emotion. “Do you know my Mick?”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Sadness filled me at the realization she’d probably also forgotten how the