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“It was something else, seeing them after all this time.”
“It sure was.” I took a sip of my strawberry smoothie.
“Brooks grew up to be a good-looking kid.” Daddy have me a crooked grin.
“He’s all right.”
Daddy lovingly stroked my hair. I had let it down and did what I could with it in the hospital bathroom, which was basically nothing. My hair didn’t like to be tamed. So, I looked like a wild woman this morning. “Your heart never was the same after he broke it.”
I whipped my head his way. “What are you talking about?”
Daddy leaned in conspiratorially. “I might not be the most attentive man, but I know my daughter.”
I leaned my head against his. “You’re the best daddy a girl could ask for.”
“Only because I was blessed with the best daughter.” He kissed my cheek.
“Do you think Tom will make it?” I whispered, pleading for him to tell me it would all be okay.
“He’s in God’s hands now.”
“The doctor said if he doesn’t wake up in forty-eight hours, we will need to discuss our options. Daddy,” I cried, “I can’t let him go.”
“Shh. Let’s not think like that. A lot can happen in two days. Maybe you should go home and get some rest.”
“I don’t think I could. It’s almost like watching Momma all over again. Wanting to get in every last second, just in case.”
“I know, honey.” He wrapped his arm around me. “At least close your eyes.”
I set my smoothie down, curled my feet under me, snuggled in the best I could on his shoulder, and rested my eyes. I saw flashes of Tom falling out of his chair and his eyes rolling back. I squeezed my eyes tighter. Then I replayed the conversation I’d had with Miss June, over and over again. The grief had made her high. It was the only explanation for her thinking I should fight for Brooks. Not happening. Now, if Brooks wanted to fight for me . . . nope. Nope. Not going down that road. It didn’t matter that he had a great excuse for ditching me on prom night, he was still an arrogant jerk. And I didn’t even know him anymore. You know, other than that he was beautiful. However, that wasn’t a basis for a good relationship. Not to say it wouldn’t help.
What was I even thinking? I was supposed to be here cheering for Tom and lending him emotional support, not thinking about ripping his son’s shirt off so I could rub those broad shoulders again and asking him for pointers on kissing. Ooh, I bet he had some even better ones now. Stop it, Gracie.
I must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew, Daddy was kissing my head and saying, “Honey, I’m going to go wait in the waiting room.”
“Huh?” I lifted my head.
“I need to go wait outside, since there can only be two visitors at a time.” Daddy smiled.
I blinked several times, trying to comprehend what Daddy was saying. “It’s only us,” I slurred.
Daddy pointed at the door.
I turned my head slowly, and there stood Brooks, looking like he was dressed for court in his suit and tie. Holy crow. Could I ever run into him when I was wearing something sexy or at least had my hair done? Or better yet, my teeth brushed? I sat up straight. “I can go,” I offered.
Daddy rested his hand on my shoulder, holding me in place. Which was an unusual move for him. “I think it would be best if you stayed.”
I usually never disagreed with Daddy, but I had some serious objections. Yet, before I could voice them, Daddy was at the door and patting Brooks’s arm. “Tom will be happy you’re here.” Daddy walked off without another word.
Brooks watched him go, and then he turned his sights on me. He ran his hand through his hair. “When did you get here?”
I uncurled my legs and let them drop to the floor. “I never left.”
“Oh. I figured since you weren’t wearing your magically delicious shirt, you went home.” His lips twitched.
“If I wear it too long, it will lose its charm.”
“I doubt it.”
My brow raised, surprised by his flirtations.
Brooks hemmed and hawed at the door.
I patted the seat next to me. “I won’t bite.”
“How about squeeze my nose?”
I shrugged playfully. “We’ll play it by ear.”
With a smile, Brooks hesitantly took a step, then froze when he looked at Tom, who looked more machine than man right now. Brooks flexed his fingers several times. With each flex of his fingers, his face turned a deeper shade of red.
“He hates himself more than you will ever hate him,” I whispered.
Brooks jerked his head my way. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”
“I don’t want to argue with you again this morning, but you’re wrong.” Admittedly, I felt a tad guilty for being so salty the night before.
