Page 96 of Unraveled

Chapter Thirty-Five

Kellan

Ididn’t want to get up. Didn’t want to let her out of my sight.

As if she sensed my hesitation, she squeezed my hand. “Go. I’ll be here in the morning when you come back.”

“Promise?” It was an unfair question, but one I couldn’t help asking.

“Promise.”

Once I arrived home at my townhouse, I only intended to sleep for an hour after taking a hot shower. My family was staying upstairs, so I stumbled into the guest room downstairs—and passed out.

I didn’t wake up until the next morning, when I immediately panicked. Anxious to ensure Layla was okay, I dialed Russ right away.

“Hey,” he answered.

“Hey. You at the hospital?”

“Yep. Layla has been moved out of ICU into a normal room and just finished breakfast. Of course, she asked for bacon and she got bland oatmeal, but it’s a start.”

The pressure in my chest eased with his words. “I was afraid I’d dreamed it all.”

“Nope. Doctors haven’t indicated when she’ll be released, but you know my sister. She’s a badass and is already talking about wanting to be home in a couple of days.”

Of course she was. “Tell her I’ll be there soon.”

“Take your time.”

I went upstairs and found my mom in my kitchen making breakfast. My dad was at the kitchen table while my sister lay on the couch, apparently still asleep.

My mom smiled and set down the spatula by the stove to come over and give me a hug. The comforting type that, no matter how old you are, only a mother could give you.

She stepped back, wiping her eyes. “We’re all so relieved.”

My father had come over to pat me on the back, and then he hugged me, too.

“Me too,” I murmured, not wishing to get all choked up again. “She made me go home last night. I didn’t mean to sleep so long, but Russ told me she’s up and eating breakfast, so she’s feeling better.”

My mom went back over to the pans. “I have bacon and pancakes. You should eat as well.”

“I was going to get dressed and head back to the hospital.”

She gave me a stern look. “When is the last time you ate?”

I couldn’t remember. My stomach had been in knots for days.

Her face softened. “I’ll make it to go.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I kissed her on the cheek and ran up the stairs to put on fresh clothes. When I came down, my father was getting off his cell phone.

“That was Brandon. He hadn’t wanted to call your cell just in case. Anyhow, when you get a chance, you should call him.”

I’d completely forgotten about the job. Or him. Or work. And for once, I didn’t care about any of that. “Yeah. I’ll call him on the ride.”

Brandon picked up on the first ring once I dialed him from my truck. “Hey. I hear things are better?”

“Yes. Thank God.”