“Let’s not give him too much credit,” Derek said. “Luca is only capable of so much.”
I laughed. “I knew as soon as I said it there was no chance.”
We fell into a comfortable silence for a moment before he spoke again. “It’s really good seeing you and Cash together.”
“It feels really good being with him,” I said. “He really showed up for me and Grace today.”
Derek nodded. “As he should.”
I wanted to ask Derek a question and get his insight. Once things had settled down, something Cash had said lingered in my mind, seeping into my thoughts. “Derek, can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” he replied.
I chewed my lip thoughtfully for a moment. “When I called Cash earlier in a total panic, he said something that kind of stayed with me before we got off the phone.”
His brow furrowed. “Oh?”
“He said he loved me, and I’m not sure how I should take that. I mean, it was an intense moment. I had just told him Grace had been in an accident. Emotions were high…”
Derek nodded. “And you’re wondering if he meant it or if he said it in the heat of the moment?”
“Exactly,” I answered.
A pensive expression came over his face as we stopped near the coffee cart in the main lobby of the hospital. “I think that those intense, scary moments are when we’re our most vulnerable selves. So, to answer your question, yes, I believe he meant it.”
Relief bloomed in my chest. “You really think so?”
“I do.” He studied my face. “How doyoufeel about that?”
I sighed.Relieved, ecstatic, completely petrified.“I feel good. It felt good to have him here today. He brings a sense of stability to my life I haven’t experienced since Craig, which is amazing, but…”
“Also kind of scary because of what that implies?” he asked.
I nodded. “I love him. And not just a little. Alot.And that is terrifying.”
“It’s never easy to be vulnerable, but I imagine it’s even less easy after you’ve experienced a loss like the one you and Grace had.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “But I think you’re both in good hands. He knows how precious this is because he’s shared the same kind of loss.”
“You may be the youngest in the band, but you’re also the wisest.” I grinned. “And for what it’s worth, I think you should have kept your plans to go to New York and told Dallas to shove it. I love the guy, but it wasn’t cool how he handled that.”
“Over the years I’ve learned that sometimes it’s just better to keep the peace.” He gave me a wistful smile, and I couldn’t help but wonder how many times he’d shoved down his own desires to keep the peace within the band. “Anyway, if you need anything, let me know. I’m happy to go by and check on Bradley Cooper for you if you and Grace need to be here with Sam over the next few days.”
“I might take you up on that.” I smiled. “You’re a gem, Derek Knights, you know that?”
He winked. “I try.”
“No you don’t,” I said. “And that’s why I love you.”
“Love you too.” He hugged me. “Keep me posted.”
“I will,” I said as I got in line at the coffee cart and watched him disappear out the door, his words still dancing in my mind.
Twenty-Two
Cash
Grace stirred at my side,carefully lifting her head off my shoulder. She winced as she readjusted in her chair.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
