Page 34 of Miss Trust

Chapter Fifteen

Tory

The first few days in the hospital were the worst, but Children’s made things as comfortable as they possibly could. The nurses were phenomenal, the doctors were on top of things, and the other parents in the same situation were more than supportive.

This morning they’d done the intrathecal chemotherapy, which was given through a needle to her spine. I had no clue where Penny found her strength, but her resilience inspired me to stay strong too. I only wished I could take away her pain.

I hadn’t heard much from Chance over the last few days, but he had texted me to ensure the care was acceptable. I could almost picture him marching in here if I’d said no. The thought made me smile.

Daisy sat by Penelope’s bedside, knitting a colorful scarf she was making for her. “I’m happy to stay tonight. You can go home, take a shower, and get some sleep.”

“I’m okay.” I hadn’t been ready to leave Penny yet.

“Maybe I could interest you in dinner instead?” came the voice from the doorframe.

I glanced up and saw Chance there, dressed in a full suit, of course, and looking devastatingly handsome.

His glance ping-ponged from me to Daisy. “Hope I’m not interrupting.”

Had it only been a week since we’d shared a bourbon on the patio? “You’re not interrupting.”

He didn’t move further into the room. “Good. How is Penelope?”

“Tired and in some discomfort, but that’s to be expected. Otherwise, she’s been a trooper.”

“So dinner?”

Daisy answered for me. “Yes. I was just telling her to go take some time.”

He smiled. “We don’t have to go far. There’s a steakhouse around the corner from here. We can talk about the designer coming next month, and the plans I’ve made.”

My stomach practically grumbled at the thought of food. And talking about work would give me a sense I was doing something to earn my paycheck. I took another look at my daughter, torn about whether I should leave her. I couldn’t stay the entire month in this room, but I also couldn’t help feeling anxious about deserting her when she wasn’t feeling well.

“I’ll call you if she wakes up and asks for you,” Daisy promised, effectively sealing the deal.

“Okay.” I grabbed my purse and followed Chance out of the room and down the hall.

He led me outside where I stopped for a moment and stared up at the night sky. It had been days since I’d stepped outside, and I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed the fresh air. The thought only made guilt hit me harder about leaving Penelope behind. How could I do that?

Chance stopped, glancing at me. “You all right?”

Nope. Not at all. “I need to get back. I’m sorry. I’m not comfortable leaving her at this stage. I realize I’m not holding up my end of the bargain by not working this past week, but I’ll be ready to work in a few more days, and I promise to discuss the remodel then.” My exhaustion was catching up with me, and making me emotional.

“Whoa, whoa.” He closed the gap between us to put his hand on my arm. “Dinner was an attempt to give you a break and get a good meal in you, not because I actually intended to talk business.” He hesitated. “Honestly speaking, I haven’t had anyone take a good power shot at my ego lately, and I find myself in need of being taken down a notch.”

My lips twitched at his joke. Maybe his humor was why I found myself not minding his lingering hand on my arm.

“Go back up to the room, and I’ll bring dinner to you.”

“I can’t ask you—”

“You’re not. And I’m intent on bringing you a meal whether you argue with me or not, so let’s try something new, and you can simply say you’re looking forward to it.”

This time I did smile. “Okay.”