Page 22 of Kisses Behind The Spotlight 2: Finale

“Look! His eyes are open.”

James’ eyes fluttered open. Confusion and panic washed over his face as his eyes scanned the unfamiliar room. His face tightened, and he winced in pain while trying to move in bed.

“Easy,” the doctor said, stepping closer. “Don’t try to move yet. You were in a car accident, and you’re in the hospital. Can you hear me fine?”

He nodded. Blinking rapidly.

“Dad. I’m here,” Jameera comforted him, squeezing his hand tighter. James’ eyes darted to her, finally recognizing something familiar. Happy tears welled up in Jameera’s eyes. My heart swelled for my bestie.

“Can you tell me your name?” The doctor asked.

James tried to speak, but his voice came out hoarse and barely audible.

“That’s okay,” the doctor stated. “Do you recognize her?”

He cleared his throat. “My daughter. Jameera.” He rasped, and Jameera burst into tears.

James nodded, and the doctor leaned in to check his pupils. A slow smile spread across her face. “It’s safe to say that James is up and following commands. We need to keep the room quiet and give him time. Yesterday, James didn’t respond at all, but today his eyes are open, and he’s following commands. That’s progress for sure.”

“I didn’t… I didn’t tell D3…” James choked out.

“It’s okay, Daddy. Save your strength. I know. Uncle Sam told me. I believe you. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain yourself. We are focused on you right now. I’m fine.”

“I under… understand how you would think that. Face?” He questioned, noticing the bandage covering half of her face.

“I’m fine, Daddy. This is about you,” Jameera repeated.

James blinked slowly; he was still exhausted, and those few statements took a lot out of him.

“Tired,” he whispered.

“Go ahead and get some rest, James,” the nurse encouraged. “Before you go to sleep, can you give Jameera’s hand another squeeze?”

James’ eyes closed, but he squeezed before his grip loosened again.

“Is it normal for him to go back to sleep? He just woke up?” Jameera sputtered.

“Everything we’re seeing right now is encouraging. I was already on my way down to discuss your father’s last scan. The swelling we saw around the contusion has already started to come down, and the contusion itself remains small and stable. He opened his eyes, followed commands, and recognized you. Those are all very good signs. We expect him to recover well. It won’t be speedy; it will take some time and physical therapy, but we’re very optimistic.”

“Thank you guys so much,” Jameera beamed, the first sign of life she’d shown in days.

Jameera closed her eyes and looked up at the ceiling. After a few minutes, the nurse and doctor filed out, and Jameera reclaimed her seat next to the bed. My phone vibrated, and the security system at our warehouse notified me of movement at the front door.

“Oh no. With everything going on, we forgot about the company coming out to install new shelving in the warehouse,” I fretted.

“I’m okay. Better than ever, actually. You can go. I’ll be okay. Plus Duke is outside, so I’m not really alone, and Q’s flight is supposed to land in a couple of hours. I know you have things to do, so go home after you leave the warehouse. I’m sure you can get more work done faster at home,” Jameera insisted.

I shoved my MacBook into my oversized purse and bounced over to Jameera, wrapped her in a long, comforting hug, then pecked her cheek. “I love you, bestie. I’ll handle the business while you take care of your dad.”

“I love you too,” she replied.

I rushed out of the hospital, my heels clicking against the floor. Thankfully, I had a meeting that morning, so I drove to the hospital a little after them instead of riding with Jameera and Duke. My heels tapped against the floor as I speed-walked out of the hospital and to the valet stand. I called Anthony, the company owner, and apologized profusely, assuring him I was on my way.

Our warehouse was thirty minutes from the hospital, but I still drove like I had sense. I’d just left a hospital room that was a testament to how dangerous Florida roads could be. When I arrived at the warehouse, the men got to work, and I did the same, preparing the list of models I’d chosen for the photoshoot. Once I had that together, I sent the details to Khaleesi so she could coordinate everything.

About five hours later, they were done, and I was headed back home. I whipped my misty blue SL 63 into my assigned parking spot and hopped out. It was about eight o’clock, and I was exhausted. Cooking definitely wasn’t on the menu. As I walked to the elevator, my face buried in my phone, I decided what to order for delivery.

A black blur came from the side of a car, and I was off my feet before I realized what was happening.