She looks up and manages a small smile. “Hey.”
Elena is asleep, her breathing steady. The ventilator was removed this morning, which the doctors said was a good sign. Her color is better. Less gray, more pink.
I move to Olivia’s side and press a kiss to the top of her head. “How long has she been out?”
“About an hour. She was awake earlier. Asked for tea.”
“Did she get any?”
She shakes her head. “The nurse said maybe tomorrow. Strictly ice chips for now.”
I pull up another chair and sit. Olivia leans against me, her head on my shoulder.
“Have they named this wing after you yet?” I say. “You’ve practically put down roots here. Two days straight, I’m starting to worry you’re fusing to the chair.”
It’s a lame attempt at a joke and we both know it. Olivia doesn’t respond. Just keeps her eyes fixed on Elena.
She’s been quiet lately. Distracted. “What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Nothing. I’m just tired.”
But she’s not. I can tell. Her bottom lip is raw from gnawing and her fingertips are chewed to the quick. She’s keeping something buried inside her, and I fucking hate that, because if I don’t know what it is, I can’t fix it.
Maybe she’s regretting this. The engagement, the baby, all of it. Maybe sitting in this hospital watching my grandmother fight for her life has made her realize what she’s signing up for.
Violence. Danger. A world where people get shot in their own kitchens and bleed out in hospital rooms with guards stationed at the door.
“If you’re having second thoughts—” I start. “—about the wedding, about us, anything… Or if you need more time?—”
She pulls back and looks at me. “Are you crazy? I don’t need more time. I want to marry you. I want this baby. I want all of it.”
“Then what’s going on?”
“I’m just worried about Elena. That’s all.”
“Okay,” I say.
She settles back against me. We sit in silence, watching Elena breathe. The only sound is my phone, still buzzing, buzzing, buzzing.
“You should go,” Olivia says when she sees me glance at my pocket. “Handle your business. I’ll stay with her.”
“I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’m not alone. The guards are right outside.” She pushes me gently on the shoulder. “Go, seriously. I’ll call you if anything changes.”
I hesitate. But she’s right. There are things that need my attention. Things I can’t keep putting off.
“I’ll be back in a few hours,” I say.
“Take your time.”
I stand and lean down to kiss her. She kisses me back, but it feels hollow. Like she’s going through the motions.
I loathe it.
But I leave anyway.
I’m halfway to the elevator when I see him.
