“Shut up,” she said in disbelief, her voice slow and sleepy. “Oh my God, this makes me so happy.”
“Really? You don’t think it’s weird since he’s also kind of your boss?”
“It’s not weird. It’sawesome. I’m really happy for you, Mom.” Her face fell a bit. “Do you think Sam is going to be okay?”
The truth was, I wasn’t sure. I’d thought Cash would have returned already, and the longer he was gone, the more worried I became. “I think so. I hope so.”
“Will you go see if you can find Cash?” she asked. “And maybe find out when I can get out of here so I can go see Sam?”
I squeezed her hand. “Of course. I’ll be right back.”
The hope in her eyes glowed so bright, and I said a silent prayer that I wouldn’t have to deliver news that would turn that light to darkness.
* * *
Once Grace was dischargedwith some pain meds and a plan to follow up with the orthopedist, I insisted Liv get back to the kids. Cash was there for support, and we were all just sitting around waiting anyway.
I’d offered to take Grace home so she could at least clean up a little bit and get something to eat. I thought perhaps that could distract her while we waited for news on Sam, but she was immovable. She wouldn’t leave the hospital until she knew he was okay, and I couldn’t blame her. All we knew was that Sam was still in surgery. Every time someone came through the waiting room, our eyes shot up, hoping it was someone with any sort of news on his condition.
Katie had made sure we all had some dinner before she headed out, taking Grace’s luggage with her and dropping it by my house. She offered to take Bradley Cooper for a walk and make sure he’d been fed. Dallas and even Luca had called to check on Grace and Sam, and Derek had shown up with some flowers and a ‘Get Well Soon’ teddy bear for Grace.
Cash was quiet, his mouth set in a firm, stoic line. I knew he was worried about Sam. We all were.
“I need some coffee. And not whatever that dirty caffeine water is over there.” I pointed to the coffee carafe set up in the waiting room.
“I think there’s a coffee cart around the main entrance,” Derek said. “I only know that because I came in the wrong one.”
“Anyone want anything?” I asked as I stood.
“I’m good,” Cash whispered so as not to wake Grace who was sleeping against his shoulder. He turned, pressing a soft kiss to her head.
“I’ll walk with you,” Derek said, rising to his feet. “I should get going anyway.”
I leaned down to give Cash a quick kiss on the lips. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’m so glad Grace is okay,” Derek said as we walked. “I can’t imagine how terrifying that was.”
“I can’t describe how terrifying it was.” I crossed my arms to ward against the chill of the hospital. “Getting the call that she’d been in an accident was one of my greatest fears come to life.”
“I hope Sam is alright,” he said. “Keep me updated, will you?”
“Of course.”
“Listen, Ella, I wanted to apologize,” he began. “For making things worse last night. I just assumed Liv knew by now, but I should have kept my mouth shut.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” I insisted. “I should have told Liv. That was on me.”
He gave me an empathetic grin. “I still feel bad.”
“You know who should feel bad? Luca. That’s who should feel bad.”
He chuckled. “Shockingly enough, I think he did.”
“You think?” I asked.
“He asked me what I thought he should do to make it up to everyone for being such an asshole.”
“Well, color me surprised.” I placed my hand on my chest. “I hope he finally learned Brandi’s name.”
