Mae:Can’t talk now. I understand if you want to fire me.
Raleigh:I woke up to 8 million messages for a statement on the reports coming out of Baton Rouge. I assume it’s your mother… but why do I keep seeing photos of you in nothing but Wyatt Lucas’ oversized sweatshirt and your boots?
Raleigh:I know you’re vulnerable right now, but you should have talked to me before you spent the night with him!
Rolling my eyes, I finally find the time to get a word in.
Mae:I didn’t sleep with him, if that’s what you’re insinuating. *deep breath emoji
Raleigh:Okay, so what the hell is going on? I’m only getting pieces from these inquiries.
Mae:Don’t have time for full story. Maggie stole rental. Wyatt in town to visit. He swooped in to save me. Mom ended up wrapping the car around a tree, and now here I am in the hospital to check on Mom.
Raleigh:Why the hell didn’t you call us!?
Mae:Because I thought I had it under control. When Wyatt got here I definitely thought I had it under control.
Raleigh:Under control my ass! *shocked emoji
Raleigh:Keep your phone on. I’m going to contact Steven Champ and then start spinning.
Feeling the guilt, I type out my apology even though I will be doing it in person a million times over in the upcoming days.
Mae:Raleigh, I’m sorry.
Raleigh:I know, honey. I love you.
Raleigh:Stay safe.
Not wanting to bother her further, I lay my phone on the arm of my chair and stare back at my sleeping mother. Wyatt was right; Dalton and Raleigh should have been in on this from the beginning. It was selfish of me to put this on Wyatt alone. I add another apology to my ever-growing list.
As if he’s heard my internal strife, Wyatt knocks gently on the door and joins me inside. He hands me a coffee and leans back against the counter. I take it, though I wish he could’ve snuck in something stronger.
His phone rings, and he answers, “Hey Raleigh.” I bury my face in my hands. I can hear her through the phone from here.
“I’m so glad you’re there with her,” she says.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he answers.
The rest of the conversation is garbled as Raleigh continues to give Wyatt instructions on behavior and how to handle the press. As it comes to a close I register how it’s gotten lighter in the room. The dawn has finally come.
I wrap my chilled fingers tighter around the cardboard cup as Wyatt pockets his phone. I’m desperately trying to ignore the fact that this is the official first meeting between my mother and my boyfriend. I’m failing miserably. “I’m so sorry about all of this,” I say with an embarrassed sigh.
“Mae, we talked about this last night,” he begins, easing down onto the dingy futon across from me. “I want to be here for you.” He shrugs, as if it’s no big deal at all. “That’s all there is to it.”
I wish I had a smile to give him but with my mother lying unconscious a few feet away, I can’t. Wyatt’s gaze follows mineto my mother. I can tell her presence is causing him some discomfort because he stands to leave the moment his eyes land on her.
“Is there anything I can do for you? I can call the rental company or head to the store if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Wyatt, but I’m okay. The doctor should be in soon. I’ll have Dalton handle the rental if they give me any trouble.”
Another knock at the door alerts both of us. Gale has returned, the Doctor trailing behind her.
“I’ll go wait in the lobby. Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.” He leaves me with a brief kiss and a gentle caress of my cheek. I feel starved of his touch the moment the contact ceases.
When the door closes, all my attention turns to the doctor as I wait to hear all the options Maggie and I have.
Chapter 23
