Текст книги "Slider "
Автор книги: Stacy Borel
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Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 12 страниц)
“Are we going?” I asked, ready to keep moving.
Joe came into my line of sight. “Yep, but here’s where you have two options. You can either go down this one like you have the others, or . . .” his “or” sounded ominous. “You can walk out on this little plank here like a pirate, and take a leap of faith.”
Turner wagged his eye brows at me. “Argh!” He tried to sound like a pirate.
“Not funny.” I glared at him. “What do you mean a leap of faith? As in, just step off? Do you slide down the line still?”
Joe shook his head. “Nope. This one is a little simpler than that. You jump off the edge and once you’re at the bottom, you walk to the next station.”
I gulped. Were they insane? I already thought the was the worst idea ever was throwing myself over the edge of a hillside, but now they are asking me if I want to plummet eighty feet to the bottom? No way, no how. I already knew my answer. I was barely comfortable with this whole zip lining thing, this was just insanity to me. And of course I didn’t need to ask Mr. Daredevil if he planned on jumping. He was.
“You going to do it?”
“Hell no. I’m quite fond of my legs and arms being intact, thank you very much.”
Turner stepped into my little bubble again. Why does he do that? His woodsy aftershave washed over me and made me slightly dizzy. Men should not smell this good. He brushed his hand down from my shoulder to my elbow leaving a little trail of goose bumps in its path.
“It’s not really the kind of free fall you’re thinking it is. The line catches you and lowers you halfway down.”
I met his blue eyes head on. “That halfway is still too far for me. I’ll go the ‘traditional’ route.” I gave air quotes.
“You’re very stubborn, you know that?”
“Ha! So says the king of Stubborn Land.”
Then he did something I didn’t expect. He bent down and lightly kissed the tip of my nose. My poor heart went into over drive. Until now, Turner had yet to make any move to actually kiss me. Sure he’d kissed my hand at the end of our other date, but that didn’t count. Not like this. And, of course, he chose now to plant a sweet delicate one on me when my nerves were already a hot mess. I’ll give him credit though, it did shift my attention to other things. Like how tender he was. How in that split second I could tell his lips were silky soft. And now how I wanted to grab him by his collar and pull him down to me and kiss him the way I’d been thinking about for the past two weeks. I felt flushed all over and I shifted on my feet. Needing a little air, I cleared my throat.
“Well, you better make the plunge to your death. Your mom’s number is in your phone right?”
He gave me another full bellied laugh. “Yes, it’s in my phone.” He started making his walk out on the very flimsy wooden boards. The further out he went the more it wobbled. “Annabelle?”
The sound of his voice calling my name felt like it was a shot straight to my soul. Why was I feeling this way?
“Yes?”
“There’s more where that came from.”
He leapt. My God, could the dude get any more brazen or cocky? Did it make my heart leap for joy? Yep. But that wasn’t the point here. Clearly he thought he could do whatever he wanted if he sweet talked enough, or put me under his little spell and got close enough. No wonder all those women fell for him. He was like a little devil in scrubs. Err . . . well actually khaki shorts and a t-shirt that all fit him entirely too well. The bastard.
Looking over the edge, he landed on a black cushioned mat that was well worn from other jumpers.
“You proud of yourself?” I called down.
“Yes, ma’am. You really should try it. It’s more fun than you think.”
I gave him the “ok” hand sign. “I’m good.”
Joe hooked me up to the traditional line and told me Serenity was waiting for me at the other end. Only difference between the last two times I’d gone, and this time, I noticed my nerves weren’t in full effect like they had been. I zoomed down the line thinking of nothing but Turner and his adorable mouth. I questioned if I would allow him to kiss me again if he tried. And if he did, would it be on my nose again, or on the lips. I was getting wrapped up in the thought of him when my feet touched the bottom. Turner was climbing up a ladder on the side to meet up with me.
“Was it a good one?”
Okay, was he referring to the ride, or the kiss? Certainly not the kiss, it was just on my nose.
“It was enjoyable.”
He smiled. He knew I was questioning what his he was really asking. I rolled my eyes.
We spent the rest of the morning bantering back and forth, with quite a bit of heavy flirting. We exchanged information about one another that was completely meaningless and yet I found it interesting and fun. There was a bit more to Turner Brooks than I’d previously given him credit for. He more than intrigued me. When we were making the long drive back to my house, I’d come to the conclusion that I may actually like him. Sure it made me uncomfortable, but that was merely because I hadn’t allowed myself to like or crush on anyone in years. Never saw the sense in it. But today, I opened myself up to the possibility of actually seeing where this could go. Granted, not if it meant putting my life at risk every time. But still, I liked him.
Once we made it to my door step, Turner looked down at me with wonder in his eyes.
“I want to go out with you again, Annabelle.”
I laughed. “Why do you look like it amazes you that you’re even asking me?”
His smile wowed me like it always did this close up. He was so beautiful it nearly knocked me off my feet.
“Because it does.”
“You’re an odd one, you know that?”
“Well, I could say the same about you. So what do you say? Another date?”
I tried to make him wait for an answer, I really did. But my answer came out faster than I planned.
“I’d love too. But wait . . .” I held up my finger. “I refuse to go anywhere that makes me jump off things, go faster than seventy miles per hour, or anything in general that I have to sign a paper stating I may die.”
He snickered. “It’ll be low key.”
I turned my head slightly to the side showing him I was skeptical. “Okay, sir. Well, be careful heading back home. And again, thank you for today.”
It got quiet. Like tense quiet. I was looking at him and he was looking at me. There was a moment in time where you knew he was going to kiss you, and you just had to be ready for it. I wasn’t ready, but I’d take it. Turner bent at the waist. I went up on my tippy toes. Just when I thought our mouths were going to meet, he went left, and I felt his warm lips on my cheek. My cheek? Squeezing my hand and releasing it, he stood at his full height and wished me a good day. When he was gone, I went to sit on my back porch to ponder the whole date. I was really starting to get a complex. Turner had kissed me three different times now and not a single one of them was on the mouth. Not a single one of them was full of the passion or ferocity that I pictured him giving the other women he pushed into the supply closets at work. Was he even in to me? Was I his type? Maybe he was looking at me like a buddy, or someone cool to hang out with. I never got the friendship vibe from him, so was I reading him wrong? Maybe. That kind of stung a little. I guess the next date we had I would have to try and pick up on his cues a little more. I didn’t want to invest too much more of myself in him if I was only friend material.
I waited for him to call and tell me what we were doing next.
IT WAS BEFORE MY FIRST twelve hour shift of the week and I decided to do something unplanned. I decided to stop in the NICU to check on the baby boy I’d helped deliver last week to see how he was doing. I hadn’t ever been in here other than to do a few hours of clinicals. A few monitors were beeping and I was looking around the room at all the incubators and infants fighting for their lives. I viewed this room like I did the Oncology floor. People fighting for their lives wasn’t my cup of tea. I was better off bringing lives into the world and sending them on their merry way. Not pushing them to take their next breath and watch the families cry or grieve over loss. I’d seen enough of that to last me a lifetime.
“Can I help you?” A tall blonde nurse approached me. She had gentle eyes and a soft voice.
“Um, yeah I was actually looking for a baby that I helped deliver last week that was brought down here.” Crap, I didn’t know his name. “He was unnamed when he left L&D, but the mother was an addict.” I wracked my brain for her name. “Adalyn March.” It occurred to me. “So it would be Baby March.”
Her tone became even softer. “Oh yes, he’s right over here.” She led me to a far corner of the room. “He’s quite the little fighter.”
As we approached, a baby small enough to fit in one of my hands was lying on his stomach, monitors attached to his frail body covered by almost transparent skin, a feeding tube in his nose that likely went directly to his stomach, and a breathing tube. It was almost painful to see. Such a small life fighting with everything he had, when he didn’t deserve to be brought into this already cruel world in such a harsh manner.
“Has his mom come to see him?”
She looked perplexed. “Unfortunately, Baby March was abandoned. The day she delivered and was put in a post-partum room, she walked out a few hours later and hasn’t been back. Nobody knows any contact information, and she never asked any questions about him before she left.”
My hand automatically went up to my mouth. I felt like I wanted to be sick. How could a mother carry an infant, give birth, and just abandon it? Doesn’t matter that she didn’t carry him to term. He was her child. He would have loved her unconditionally and expected nothing in return other than what she could offer him. I just couldn’t understand it.
The nurse, whom I’d learned was named Cassie, told me the baby’s stats and what the doctor was expecting from him over the next couple of days. When babies came down here to NICU, they were usually checked in on every hour. They were given short term goals because that’s what the staff had to rely on. Baby steps, if you will. Anything past that was just asking for too much too soon.
Cassie left me standing by Baby March’s bed, and I turned to face him. He really was very fragile. I couldn’t help what I was doing though. I stood there, and counted all ten fingers and all ten toes. Someone needed to do it for him. He deserved that much. I closed my eyes as tears welled in them. I took a deep breath and exhaled. Life wasn’t fair. My parents were taken from me far too early, and I’ve been fighting to survive on my own for years. It was a struggle for me at sixteen. Why does an infant that weighed no more than three pounds have to suffer? Why was God picking him to have this battle? There were just some things I don’t think I’d ever understand.
There was two covered holes in the incubator where nurses were able to reach gloved hands inside and make adjustments to his wires and tubes. Without asking, I went to the sink, washed my hands, and suited myself up to handle him. When I touched him for the first time, a small spark hit me. Not like electricity, but something indescribable. I wanted this baby to live. I cared that he was being cared for by the best. And I also realized, in that moment while my covered hand stroked his little back, that no matter how many nurses and doctors were checking in on him, I would be down here as often as possible ensuring that he knew he was loved. I stayed there with him for almost an hour, nurses moving around me, some even coming over to chat. They appreciated the extra support I was providing. But really, I was being selfish. I was doing this for me too. Something deep down inside of my very being needed the reassurance. He would be okay. I would accept nothing less.
It had been a very long day. I was on a quick ten minute break and on the tail end of my twelve hour shift. Visiting the baby this morning took a lot out of me emotionally, and assisting four other deliveries today was about all I could handle. I just wanted to stuff my face, and clock out. No wine or book necessary tonight. I simply needed sleep.
I was sitting in the locker/break room when the door opened and a little surprise walked in. Turner was carrying two Styrofoam boxes with something that smelled absolutely delicious. My poor stomach caught a whiff of the food too, and after that it was all over with. Was there an equally delicious man holding those boxes? No clue. Standing up I went straight to them with a one track mind. Turner held a box up, offering it to me. Snagging them from his hands, he chuckled.
“Hungry?”
I sat down and opened the lids. Deep fried chicken, mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, and coleslaw all attacked my senses. I think I moaned. Turner shifted in his chair. I glanced up at him and he watched me with an equally ravenous look I had for the chicken. I gulped.
“I’m sorry, did you ask me something?”
He cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah. I take it you’re hungry?”
I picked up a leg and stuffed it in my mouth. I had no patience for politeness right now. “Mhmm. I’ve not eaten since six o’clock this morning.”
He glanced down at his watch. “That was over thirteen hours ago. Don’t they give you breaks on this floor?”
I swallowed a massive bite of piping hot, greasy chicken. “Yeah, but I have had too much other stuff to do. Charting, sending stuff down to the lab, giving the doctors updates. It’s been quite the day.”
“Sounds like it.” His eyes roamed over my face. As the food was settling in my empty stomach, I was able to focus on something other than my hunger. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him looking at me like that. “Y’all always this busy?”
I picked up a plastic fork and stuck it in the potatoes. “Not always. Just during shift changes it gets hectic, and of course if there’s a full moon.”
“I thought that was an old wives tale?”
I shook my head. “Didn’t you learn this stuff during your OB rotation?” I couldn’t help the laugh that came out.
“I don’t think I paid much attention, honestly.”
I explained, “It’s not really an old wives tale. There’s some truth to it. When there’s a full moon, there’s something to do with the gravity and earths pull and tilt that causes something to happen in a woman’s body if she’s close to her due date. It can help move along labor or get it started. I’ve checked out the calendar a couple times when there’s one going on. The rooms tend to be a little fuller.”
He thought it over. “Huh, I guess you learn something new every day.”
I nodded. “Yes, I suppose you do.”
I continued to eat my food in silence while Turner watched on. The other box of food remained untouched.
I pointed my fork in its direction. “Aren’t you going to eat?”
“Yeah, I was just distracted by the view.” He reached forward and pulled the white container toward him. He had the same thing I was eating. Picking up a thigh, he brought it to his mouth and took a bite. I watched his jaw and lips moving with rapt attention. I had no idea eating could be so sexy. “You okay over there?”
The smugness in his tone told me he knew exactly what he was doing to me. Damn it, Annabelle, get your shit together. This wasn’t the time or the place.
“I’m fine. So anyway, what made you come to my little neck of the woods? And how did you know I was even here?”
“I called your charge nurse.”
“That’s a little stalkerish don’t you think?”
“Not when I had intentions of bringing you dinner and we could talk about our next date.”
“Still don’t know how I feel about that.”
He raised one perfect brow. “The date, or that I made the call.”
“Both.”
“Well . . . too bad.”
Cocky bastard. “So what about this date? Weren’t you supposed to call me or something?”
Turner shrugged his wide shoulders. “I could have, but I decided this was much more fun.”
I think I ate to fast. I was already full and I’d barely finish a leg and a couple bites of potato. I sighed. “If watching me stuff my face like stoned college kid is fun for you, you should see me when I’m home alone and have a box of chocolates. Definitely disgusting.”
He was amused. “Noted.”
I waved my fork in the air. “No, sir. I was making a statement. It’s not something you’ll actually ever see.”
“If you say so. Now, about this date.”
“I’m listening.”
Two nurses from my floor walked in. One of which was little Miss Red Silk herself. She paused in the doorway when she saw Turner sitting with me and her mouth dropped open. He barely flashed a glance in their direction. Did he not recognize her or was she that forgettable? By the look on her face, I’d say she was definitely offended by his lack of attention. I wanted to roll my eyes, but what prevented me from doing it was Turner refusing to care that someone else was around and could hear us. The slutty nurse, Robin, whom I rarely worked with anymore because she started doing on-call hours, grabbed whatever it was she was after out of her locker and slammed it shut. I can’t say I wouldn’t behave the same way she did if I was shunned so easily. When she stormed out of the room, I had to bite the inside of my cheek. No, I didn’t feel egotistical that I was currently the girl Turner was paying attention to. But he did have a way of making you feel special.
“Annabelle, eyes right here please.” His voice was deep and demanding. That pull I’d felt toward him since the first time we’d met was very evident and reeling me right in.
It was not fair that someone could have that color eyes and be so mesmerizing. I’d love to take him to the tropics just to see if they really were the same color as the ocean.
“I’m listening.”
“Hmmm, if you say so. This weekend my parents asked if we all wanted to come over for dinner. Something about my mom missing her boys, blah blah blah. Anyway, I know both of my parents enjoyed your company, and frankly so do I. So would you like to join me?”
My head jerked back. “Why does this feel like a ‘meet the family’ sort of date?”
His brow furrowed. “Definitely not. And could you even count it as that when you’ve already met them?”
He made a point. “Touché.”
“Oh, and if you come, you’ll have to bring tennis shoes this time.”
“Why’s that?”
“Baseball, Annabelle. We play baseball every time we get together.”
Oh, yes, I wasn’t even thinking about their family traditions. “Well, I work on Saturday ‘til six. Sometimes it’s a little later depending on the number of laboring mothers and deliveries.”
“That’s not a problem. They will be barbequing so I’m sure dinner will be later than normal. Dad’s a bit meticulous on the grill.”
I had no reason to refuse. It wasn’t like he was taking me on some wild ride again. Plus, my friends would be there to act as my comfort. How intimate could Turner and I get with his family around?
“Alright, you have yourself a date.” Seemed low key enough.
Standing up from the table, he pushed his chair back. “You done with your food?”
I nodded.
He tossed them in the trash as he made his way to the door. “See you in a couple days, Beautiful.”
My stomach flip flopped. He didn’t even stick around after making me all mushy, he just walked out. I smiled to myself. Well, looks like I’d be seeing if I could keep myself safe and uninjured. Ironic that he’s taken me on two dates now that I could have easily hurt myself, and yet the one place I was heading this weekend is where I managed to end up on my ass. Guess it’s challenge accepted, Annabelle.
I WANTED TO FIND TIME to check on Baby March before I had to leave for the Brooks’ house, but unfortunately it was already past six, and I still had another thirty minute drive ahead of me. Turner was going to wait for me, but I insisted that he go ahead of me. I didn’t want his family to hold off on dinner just because I was running late. I even suggested taking a rain check but he assured me it was fine.
“Hey, I’m heading out. All my patients have been passed off. Have a good weekend,” I called over my shoulder to my charge nurse.
“You too, hon,” she replied.
Once out in the parking garage, I climbed into my car, tossed my bag onto the passenger seat and got on the road. I was actually looking forward to this evening. I may have been more nervous if this was my first time meeting the Brooks family, but it wasn’t. Being around this family was comforting. I wasn’t sure if that was odd, but I accepted the emotion. Paul and Donna had a way of making you feel like you were one of their kids. I’d be willing to bet they never met a stranger. Rolling the windows down, and turning the radio up, I sat back and enjoyed my short drive to their house.
Turner came outside to greet me when I pulled into the half circle driveway. He opened my door and bent down to greet me with a kiss on the cheek, I was motionless. Normally, I didn’t get this from him until the end of the date. Apparently, he was trying to keep me on my toes by switching things up. I sighed deeply, unable to stop the girlyness from escaping my throat.
He smiled a dazzling, warm smile at me. “Glad you made it.”
After I got out of the car, he shut the door behind me and we started walking toward the house. The driveway contained several other parked vehicles, two of which I recognized as Keegan and Macie’s. I didn’t think Macie would be here, but knowing Keegan she probably talked her into it.
“Me too.”
“How was your shift?”
“Long and tedious. But when it comes to labor, sometimes tedious is good.” I laughed. “Excitement on my floor means a momma is struggling or baby is. Not necessarily something we want.” It was weird how comfortable this simple conversation was to have with him. Almost like we’d done it for years.
“Hmmm, I see what you’re saying. Well, I hope you worked up an appetite. Pretty sure my dad bought every meat the market down the street had in the display case. Plus, my mom made her famous dill potato salad and caprese salad, and knowing her, there will be no less than three different desserts to choose from later. I think Keegan brought some food, too.”
My stomach rumbled. “Oh, I definitely have an appetite right now. Maybe too much of one.”
He squeezed my hand and winked at me. That rumble turned to flutters. He was getting to me.
“Well, eat your fill. Regardless, I know Mom will send you home with a container full of leftovers. That’s half the reason I come over.”
I slapped at his arm and smiled. “You’re such a guy. Does your mother know you use her for her cooking?”
“Absolutely. My brothers and I have been eating them out of house and home since we were kids. She lives for this.”
I’m pretty sure she probably did. In the short time I’d known Donna, I got the impression she was your typical southern woman and mom. Small wasn’t in her vocabulary unless it referred to herself. Her home was immaculate, her cooking was perfection, she raised her boys to be southern gentlemen, and she did it all without a hair out of place on her head.
Stepping into the front door, I was greeted by so many smells, the scent of comfort food permeating throughout the home. It has been a while since I’d walked into something like this. In fact the last time was when I was here.
“Hi, Annabelle! How are you, honey?” Donna came around the corner dressed in a cute summer maxi dress and an apron. Sweetness poured out of her voice.
My automatic reaction was to go to her. She opened her arms to me and greeted me with a hug. I was not an affectionate person, but for whatever reason with her, it felt natural and okay. Donna even smelled good. Like a mom, if that made any sense.
“I’m good.” I released from her embrace. “Thank you so much for having me. I’m sorry I’m late.”
She waved her hand in front of me. “Oh please. You’re not late, you’re right on time. Paul is just finishing up on the grill and Keegan is getting everyone’s drinks. Come on in and make yourself at home. What would you like to drink with dinner? We have lemonade, sweet tea, or I think there’s some beer in the fridge downstairs, Turner could go get you one.”
I looked up at him. He was beaming down at his mom. Huh, I never noticed it before, but he was definitely a momma’s boy. It was written all over his face. The adoration in his eyes couldn’t be missed.
“Actually, a lemonade would be fine, thank you,” I replied politely.
“You got it.” She winked at me. Her smile and Turner’s were exactly the same. My eyes fixated on her straight teeth and dazzling expression. “Son, fix her a glass please, and go check on your daddy. I’m worried he’s going to burn the chicken breasts attempting to get those darn char lines perfect.”
Turner sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Without the sass, young man,” she admonished.
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at their exchange.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll be right back.” He squeezed my hand again, and released it. When he walked out of the foyer, I gave Donna my attention again. She was standing with her hands on her hips, shaking her head.
“He was never my stubborn one, but, boy, he liked to push my buttons.”
“Turner, not stubborn?” Now I did laugh.
“Has he been giving you a hard time?”
I thought back to previous conversations, and places he’d taken me. “Oh, you could say that.”
“Sounds like my boy could use a talkin’ to.”
I reached forward and touched her arm. “No, it’s fine. I’m teasing. I’ve just learned he doesn’t like to take no for an answer.” I realized what I said after the words already left my mouth, but thankfully Donna didn’t reply to my comment the way it could have been taken.
“No, he doesn’t,” she agreed.
“It’s not always a bad thing though. He’s been . . . sweet.”
She exhaled. “That’s good. Well, I’m going to go check on the pies. Keegan and Macie are in the dining room if you want to go say hello.”
“Do you need any help in the kitchen?” Not that I’d be much help. I’d never been much of a baker or chef.
“No, but thank you.”
I nodded and headed to the dining room. The house was big, but I remembered where some of the rooms were from the wedding and my last visit. I heard Macie’s loud voice echoing across the way, which told me I was heading in the right direction. Once around the corner, I saw Keegan placing napkins and silverware next to each plate, and Macie sitting with her arms crossed. She looked like she was pouting.
“Hey, beautiful girl.” Keegan glanced up at me.
“Hey, girls.”
“Ugh, another one that has fallen for the Brooks’ Charm.” The distaste in Macie’s voice was strong.
I gave her a perplexed look. “What are you talking about? I’m confused.”
She rolled her eyes. “Turner. That’s what I’m talking about.”
I looked to Keegan for some clarification.
“Mace, stop it. Don’t mind her. She’s extra pissy today for some reason. Is it getting close to your time of the month?”
“Shark week? Pssh, no. I’m just realizing I’m surrounded by suckers.”
“Okay, now that’s enough. Whatever this bad mood you’re in is, cut it out. You’re going to ruin my good time, Annabelle’s, and the rest of the family,” Keegan snapped.
“Hey.” Macie raised her hands in the air. “I’m just making an observation.”
“You’re also making an ass out of yourself.”
Macie jerked her head back. I needed to step in before this escalated further.
“Alright, ladies, simmer down. I don’t know what’s going on, but whatever it is, it’s not worth it.”
“You have no idea,” Macie mumbled.
“I guess not, but Keegan has a point. I don’t know what you’re feeling sour about, but maybe we can talk about it after dinner, and we’ve all had something good to eat. Okay?’
She tipped her head down, clearly frustrated. Keegan shook her head and kept setting the table. Never had I seen these two girls fight, but something was bothering both of them. I wasn’t one to be a mediator, but I would be right now if I had to be. It stayed silent for a couple of minutes before Turner came into the room smelling of the grill outside. He took one look at me and came to my side.
“You okay?” he asked quietly. His eyes roamed over to the other girls.
“Yeah.”
He brushed my hair back behind my ear in a tender way. His fingers gently caressed the side of my cheek. All thoughts of Keegan and Macie left my mind. I was standing there front of Turner and as far as I was concerned, nobody else was in the room. How did he have the power to do that?
“You sure?”
“Mhmm.”
He caught onto the trance he was putting me in and must’ve decided it wasn’t the time or the place. Stepping back, he greeted the two girls. Both mumbled hellos.
Donna came into the room and clapped her hands, completely oblivious to the tension between everyone.
“Alright, who’s hungry?”
As if by magic, all of us shifted and the room lightened significantly. Hmmm, and I thought Turner was capable of some crazy shit. Turner pointed me in the direction of where we were sitting, and everyone filed in over the next couple of minutes. It didn’t take long before we were all seated and our plates were filled. Chatter of work, new dogs, and college were amongst the conversation. If there was any rigidness remaining, it was only between Macie and Dodger, who were sitting on opposite ends of the table from each other. Clearly this was where her issue laid. I didn’t understand it and I wasn’t sure I ever would. Dodger was head over heels for Macie, and whether she realized it or not, she felt the same way. Never in my life have I seen two people more meant for each other, and yet fight against it so hard. I didn’t know who was pushing who away, but I did know it wasted precious time. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my parents, it’s that time is invaluable. I’d give anything to have another five minutes with them.
We all were sitting back in our chairs, nursing overstuffed bellies when Keegan asked me a question.
“Lauren, from NICU, said you’ve been visiting a baby you helped deliver. How’s he doing?”
The question seemed innocent, but it made me pause in my response. It wasn’t like I was trying to slip in and out unnoticed, but obviously I was going in there often enough to cause some talk.
I felt Turner’s eyes on the side of my face, but I ignored it. “He’s doing well. They just lowered his oxygen and he isn’t struggling, so that’s good.”
