Mattie's Call Read Online Free PDF Page B

Karen’s hand as she picked her hair. “See, I didn’t make you Google it.”
    They laughed so hard they didn’t see Kauthon standing in the doorway or hear him clearing his throat.
    â€œGuess Comedy Central is in Room 187.”
    Karen’s head jerked at the sound of his voice. She motioned him to come in and pointed at the empty seat next to Mattie’s bed. “Mr. Kauthon, Ms. Mattie was just telling me about an old TV show, Peyton Place.”
    Kauthon smiled and nodded. “Went downhill after Mia Farrow left. Even had Ruby Dee on there. You know it was good to see some of us on prime time.” He leaned back in his seat, pining for his younger days.
    â€œHow do you know all that about a show? Weren’t you working?” Mattie semi-glanced at him, careful not to disrupt Karen’s work. She’d never tell him how handsome he was. His gray suit fit him just right, and the blue-and-gray tie he wore accented his attire perfectly. His clean-shaven face and bald head lopped years off his appearance. The gleaming, silver hoop in his left ear was the only thing Mattie didn’t like. Agatha and the other women called him Harry Belafonte. She agreed with their comparison.
    â€œI worked, but my wife loved the show. Talked about the cast like they were old friends. She gardened, sewed, cooked, and loved her soaps.”
    â€œI see,” said Mattie.
    â€œAfter the war, I worked the highway, then the saw mill. I provided for my wife and daughter.”
    Done with her task, Karen said, “Ms. Mattie, I have to go to Doc Jamison’s room. Bed pan changes.”
    Mattie held her arm. “Don’t go.”
    â€œDuty calls.” Karen gave her a sly smile and left the room.
    Kauthon scooted close to Mattie. “You scared to be alone with me?” He chuckled and moved back, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
    â€œKauthon Spence, I am no such a thing. I will pop you in the head with my cane if you bother me.”
    â€œA woman with a little fight in her. I like that.”
    â€œYou need to worry about Agatha. If she comes by here and sees you, she’ll get jealous and accuse us of doing something.”
    â€œAgatha’s what all the other women in here are to me. A friend.”
    â€œSuit yourself.”
    â€œShe’s no Ruby Dee.”
    â€œWhat’s Ruby Dee got to do with our conversation?”
    Kauthon laid his hand over his heart before he shared his secret. “Ruby Dee used to make my nature rise.”
    Mattie covered her ears. “I don’t want to hear about your nature. It’s probably gone.”
    â€œDon’t you believe I’m natureless for a minute.”
    â€œYou men are something else. You know that Viagra will give you a heart attack.”
    â€œEverybody has to die from something.” He leaned forward in the chair, his expression more serious this time. “I came down to tell you goodbye.”
    Shocked, Mattie waited for an explanation.
    â€œMy daughter, Francine, is coming from Connecticut tomorrow to pick me up. She spent the last year getting things together financially so she could take care of me. Even quit her job two weeks ago. She’s good with money, though, like my late wife was.”
    â€œOh.”
    Kauthon took Mattie’s hand. “You seem upset. Did I say something wrong?”
    â€œSeems like everybody’s leaving. Emma. Now you.”
    He caressed her hand. “I was coming by to ask if I could write you sometimes. I’ll miss my Southern buddies, but I want to keep in touch. You made my days here a little easier, and I’m grateful to you.”
    She blushed, unaccustomed to the heat flushing her face. She hadn’t felt such heat since menopause, and that was eons ago. “Well, glad I could help.”
    â€œReally, Mattie, I’ve watched you endure your children’s absence. Your son seems to be the one who comes most often.”
    She