Chapter 37 – Saying Goodbye

Once again as Amanda started to wake up; she felt like she was being watched. What the heck was going on? She opened her eyes and saw a man sitting in the chair by the bed staring at her. She didn't know this man at all and she immediately found herself pulling the blanket up to cover her whole chest.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?"

"Not personally, no. I heard that you were getting to go home today so I had to stop in and meet the beautiful woman who drove me crazy the past few days."

"Excuse me? I'm sorry; I don't know what you are talking about." Amanda responded and wondered if she should use the nurse's call button.

"My name is Barry and I'm the man who spent four days in a helicopter looking for a Station Wagon off the road. Only I didn't know at the time that you had tried to teach that car of yours to fly so you were much further off the road than we realized."

"Oh my Gosh, you are the man who helped Lee save me?"

"Yes Ma'am, that boyfriend of yours was determined we were going to find you. Oh, nice touch with the shirt and dress on top of the car. We actually saw that long before we saw the flairs."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"What? Oh, I'm sorry. I just assumed the way he was acting that he was. In any case, all I have heard about you are nice things and this was one time that I'm thankful my helicopter skills came in handy and we found you."

"Barry! So good to see you" Lee said as he entered Amanda's room.

"Hi Lee. Just thought I would come visit this pretty lady before you took her back to Arlington. I'm afraid I startled her by arriving so early but Ole Farmer Twombley called and told me that his Heifer had escaped again so I need to set out in search of her shortly and didn't want to lose my chance to meet Amanda."

"I'm so glad you stopped by Barry. Boy, I could never thank you enough for finding me. I don't think I could have lasted much longer."

"No, your doctor already confirmed that you would not have made it through another night. Barry, you are a great pilot. If you ever get bored chasing Heifers up here, look me up; I'll get you a job flying an agency Helicopter."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks Lee. Well you both have a safe trip back. It was nice to meet both of you." Amanda reached out and Barry accepted the hug she offered. He whispered in her ear "He's dumb not to make you his girlfriend. I wouldn't let you get away if it was me."

Amanda chuckled awkwardly at his comments and they broke the hug.

They all said their goodbyes and Barry headed out.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Lee asked.

"I feel fine. I'm excited to finally go home. Can I get out of here?"

"No, not just yet. The doctor should be coming by around 7am during his rounds and then he should release you. I have all your bags in the car already and Penny and Rheza are meeting us around 8am in the parking lot. You know I hate breakfast but they insisted that we take you out since it is the most important meal of the day and well of course I knew you would like that. There's a breakfast place along the way so we can all sit down for a bit and then say our goodbyes. Does that sound okay?" Lee asked.

"That sounds perfect. Thanks Lee."

The doctor showed up at that moment and Lee stepped out of the room to give them privacy. About 20 minutes later Amanda's released papers were signed and they were walking out to the parking lot.

"Amanda!" Penny yelled as she raced to Amanda and gave her a huge hug. "It is so good to see you walking again. This whole thing was worse than seeing you with that cast on your foot. How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine. I'm ready for some breakfast." The two ladies locked arms and walked to the cars. They decided to ride together to the diner and Lee drove solo behind. They pulled into the diner and found it nearly empty so they picked a booth near the back. As everyone ordered big breakfasts, Lee just asked for coffee.

"Lee, you really should eat." Amanda scolded.

"I hate breakfast. Coffee is fine." Lee responded.

Everyone kept the conversation upbeat for Amanda's sake and they all enjoyed the delicious food they were served.

Then it was time to go. Rheza and Lee walked away so the ladies could have a moment.

Penny leaned her forehead against Amanda's and looked into her eyes. "We sure don't have a very good track record for enjoying time together; do we?" She asked. Amanda wrapped her arms around Penny and gave her a huge hug and said "No, but I have learned in the past few months that life is an adventure and sometimes you just have to appreciate the moments you do have. Now come on, I'm going to be okay and we will have another time to spend a vacation together. In the meantime, you and Rheza look very happy together. I trust all has worked out?"

"Yes, your advice about the sexy nightgown has proven very useful." Penny said as she pulled out of the embrace to face Amanda.

"Perhaps it is time you try your own advice with Lee?"

Amanda gave her a scolding look and said "Penny! Don't start that again. I told you, we are just working partners. Trust me; Lee Stetson would never be interested in someone like me. I'm way too normal for him. At the same time, his life isn't normal enough for me. I already had a husband who didn't want a normal life. That's how he became an ex-husband. I enjoy working with Lee though." She said as she realized she should stop talking.

Penny smiled and said "Well it is a crazy business the two of you are in. Be safe Amanda. Stay in touch. I don't have many friends and I'm so glad I still have you." Penny and Amanda hugged again and then walked away, each brushing some tears out of their eyes as they headed back to Lee and Rheza. Lee shook Rheza's hand and thanked him again for all he had done and for taking care of Amanda's car for her.

"I believe Penny has an idea to convince Amanda to come to Zahir this summer. I think considering what just transpired, we will require you to be her escort."

"We'll see" Lee began only to be cut off by Rheza. "This time, it will be more than just an invite and I will personally take it as an insult if you don't come."

"I see, well you drive a hard bargain. I'm sure if it is during a time that the agency can be without me, I would love to come too. Thank you for the invite."

"You are welcome. I would do anything to keep Penny happy. Amanda makes her happy. I think she makes you happy too. Wait, don't interrupt. I have one piece of advice for you. Don't wait too long if you have feelings for her. She is a very beautiful, smart, courageous woman. Some man is going to come along and sweep her off her feet. It would be a shame for you to regret that you waited too long. That's all I will say on the subject."

Lee smiled as he realized that Penny and Rheza were more alike than he originally had thought. They meant well though

Everyone said their last goodbyes and piled into the cars to head out. As Lee pulled onto the highway, he looked at Amanda and asked "How are you feeling?"

"A little sad but also thankful that there will be another time."

"Well the Prince just strong armed me into agreeing to come with you to Zahir when you go. It seems that he doesn't trust you to stay out of trouble. I can't imagine why."

"I'm perfectly capable of staying out of trouble. Lee Stetson you know that this time it wasn't my fault."

"I know. I tried to tell him that you would be fine on your own but he made sure that I understood that no would not be an answer he would accept. It might be fun to travel there. It isn't like I get many vacations either these days."

They rode in silence for awhile as Amanda enjoyed looking at the scenery. It was Lee's suggestion that they stop at first the convenience store in Salem and then the diner to let both Sonja and Tina know that she had been found.

When they stopped at the diner to see Tina, Amanda said "I want to thank you and this wonderful place for such a huge helping of food. I wasn't hungry the first two days because the sandwich and salad kept me going."

"We should use that in our next commercial. Our food will keep you alive if you are ever in an accident." Tina suggested and then made a face and she and Amanda said "nahhhhh" both at the same time and then chuckled.

The cook came out with a big bag of food just as they were getting ready to leave and handed it to Lee. "This is on the house." He said and then disappeared before Lee could make him take some money for it.

They made their way back to the car and Lee handed the bag to Amanda. Inside were several pieces of fried chicken along with a large container of potato salad. At the bottom of the bag was a container that held 2 large brownies.

"Guess we won't starve on the way home." Amanda said mischievously.

Lee chucked as he reached for a piece of chicken.

"I did make one observation about the past few days." Lee paused as he smiled at her encouraging her to ask what.

She played right into his plan and asked "Go on, what was your great observation?"

His grin got bigger as he said "At least you stayed in the car."

Amanda began laughing and smacked his arm as he pulled the Porsche back onto the highway and headed home.

It was good to have her back.

TBC