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“Aw, you’re too kind,” Nina replies, grinning despite her pain.
“Ignore her.” Conrad rolls his eyes. “She’d check you out all night if she could.”
Nina smirks. “Perks of being gay.”
We exchange smiles, and I can feel a connection forming between us. It’s strange to think that moments ago, I was hesitant about being in this room.
A feeling of ease washes over me as Nina and I dive into conversation. We discover mutual interests in art and music, laughing at shared experiences of awkward high school band days.
“Really? You played the saxophone too?” Nina exclaims, her eyes lighting up in excitement.
“Yep,” I confirm, chuckling. “I was never that great at it, though.”
“Same here,” she admits, a ray of amusement in her voice. “But it was fun while it lasted.”
As we continue to chat, I notice Conrad watching us from the corner of his eye, a mixture of concern and amusement on his face. I can’t help but wonder what he must be thinking, witnessing this connection forming between his sister and me.
Nina suddenly turns her attention back to Conrad, an impish grin spreading across her lips. “So, big brother, why haven’t you introduced me to Brielle before now? It’s obvious you’ve got feelings for her.”
Conrad’s cheeks flush as he stammers, “I, uh…well, I didn’t think…”
I blink in surprise at Nina’s blunt observation and Conrad’s defensive response. It’s clear she has a knack for reading people, even in her current state.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Nina reassures him, her eyes softening. “I’m just glad you found someone like Brielle. She seems really special.”
“Thanks, Nina,” I say, feeling warmth spread through my chest at her kind words. “But really, we’re just friends.”
“I’m sure you are.” She smirks. “Seriously, Conrad, just don’t go sharing Brielle with anyone else, okay?” Nina teases, winking at me playfully.
“Hey, screw off,” he retorts, though his eyes are filled with affection.
Does she know about…?
“Wait, you know about that?” I ask, turning to Nina with wide eyes. “How?”
“Please, there’s not much I don’t know about my brother,” she replies smugly, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “He may think he’s secretive, but I’ve always been good at reading between the lines.”
“Alright, alright,” Conrad concedes, rolling his eyes but unable to hide his grin. “You got me.”
Nina’s laughter fills the room again, and I find my own heart lightening in response.
The door swings open with a soft creak, and a doctor in white scrubs enters the room, his eyes scanning the charts in his hand. He looks up at us, offering a warm smile that’s meant to reassure.
“Good news,” he announces, addressing all of us. “Nina is doing exceptionally well considering the injuries she sustained. However, she needs her rest so she can continue to recover at this pace.”
I glance between Conrad and Nina, feeling like an intruder in this intimate family moment. “I should probably head out then,” I suggest, rubbing my arm nervously. “I can catch a ride home with Grayson or Levi.”
“Ah, I hate that you have to go.” Nina raises a hand weakly, her eyes pleading. “I really enjoyed meeting you, Brielle. Promise me this won’t be the last time?”
My heart swells as I feel the genuine connection we’ve made in such a short time. “Of course not, Nina,” I assure her, resting my hand on hers for a moment. “You’re stuck with me now.”
“Good,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper, but the sincerity of her words is unmistakable.
I turn to leave, my heart warm. The hospital room door is barely cracked when Conrad’s hand slips around mine, halting me in my tracks.
“Wait, Brielle,” he says softly, tugging me back toward him. Our eyes lock onto each other.
“Thank you,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. “For being here. For making her smile.” His free hand reaches up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin in a tender caress.
