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She snorts. “Don’t lie to me. I’ve got one foot in the grave and the other is barely holding on. I look like death warmed over.”
I clear my throat. Alexa’s frankness keeps taking me by surprise.
She smiles and nods at me. “You’re the one who looks nice.”
I glance down at my green blouse and wrap-around pencil skirt.
“I really like your hair.” She eyes my curls. “Every time I see it, I just want to…” She makes a scrunching gesture.
My lips curl up. I haven’t allowed anyone but Adam and Island to touch my hair, but for a split-second, I consider letting Alexa have the honor.
Fortunately, that impulse passes when she asks, “Is Adam with you?” Her grey eyes slide past my shoulder to the door.
I shake my head. “No.”
Disappointment etches across her face. “He must be really busy.”
I try to smooth it over. “He’s working on a new invention. He can easily go three or four days without coming up for air when he’s tinkering.”
She looks thoughtful. “That’s natural for you, isn’t it?”
“What?”
“Defending him.” She laughs softly. “You’re good at it. I think that impulse of yours would be dangerous if he wasn’t such a good man. Defending a jerk is, well, sad. Thankfully, Adam doesn’t fall into that category.”
I feel myself getting defensive. “It’s my job.”
“Exactly. People tend to badmouth their bosses when they’re not around. You do the opposite.”
Heat burns my cheeks.
Just then, Alexa’s personal nurse enters the hospital room. She gives me a nod, shuffles to Alexa and checks her vitals.
“Look at that,” the nurse says, smiling at the results. “Talking to a friend does your body good.”
Alexa’s eyes sparkle a bit. “See, Nova? Your visits are good for me. You can’t stop now.”
I glance down. It hurts to swallow and I set a hand over my throat.
“I’ll be back later,” the nurse says. “I’ll let you two chat.”
“Thank you, Greta.” Alexa beams. When the nurse leaves, she pins me with a frightened look. “Where did Adam get her?”
“Why? Is she not treating you well?”
“No, she’s awesome. Better than awesome.” Alexa struggles to sit up. “She knows everything and is good at everything. I get the feeling she’s expensive and that makes me mildly uncomfortable.”
“Adam can afford it.” If he wanted to, he could buy ten Gretas.
“Do you think he’s treating me so well because he feels guilty?”
My heart pangs. “I don’t know.”
“I don’t buy that. You know him best.” Alexa isn’t able to push herself up.
“Let me help you.” I set my purse aside. Together, we manage to get her into a ninety-degree angle.
“You know,” Alexa says, while I’m fluffing her pillows, “you’re really good at not answering my questions.”
