Page 64

“Maria’s doing much better. Should be discharged tomorrow or the next day.” O’Keefe’s voice floats over the speakerphone. He’s been to the pulmonary floor the last couple of days, checking on Sky and bringing him food.

“I owe you, man. Anything you need, ask me.” I’d be a mess without confirmation Sky’s okay.

“You mean besides leaving my man’s room?”

Taking the hint, I cross to the door, but his next words stop me.

“Oh, and I haven’t seen that dude again, so good news, yeah?”

“What dude?” I spin around, and King’s dark complexion pales.

“We weren’t going to tell you unless it was a thing. It’s not a thing. It was a one-and-done weird client interaction at the hospital that Theo witnessed. But he’s kept his eye out and no sign of him.” King’s words hit me rapid-fire.

“Some guy tried to talk to him in the patient waiting room and grabbed his shoulder.” O’Keefe’s voice booms from the speaker.

“What! He touched Sky?” I’m snatching King’s phone without thinking.

“I took care of him, and Sky was very clear he didn’t want to be touched. Every time I go, I look for the weasel but don’t see him.” O’Keefe’s green eyes bore through the phone, willing me to calm down.

“Next time, tell me as soon as it happens.” I stalk out of the room and slam the door. It’s not their fault. Sky should’ve told me, but knowing him, he didn’t want to worry me. Returning to my room, I flop onto the unmade bed and wait for Sky’s call.

“Guess what?” His face appears on my screen. “Maria’s coming home tomorrow! Sorry I couldn’t talk, but I had to arrange a home aide for her.” He’s riding the subway home, which adds to my concern.

“You should’ve called a car. I’d pay for it,” I snap.

“Mav, I can pay for a car, but the train is faster.”

The silence hangs between us as I watch his train speed through the city.

“Do you want to hear about Maria? Or is this not a good time?”

“Sorry. Yes, please tell me.” I won’t win any boyfriend-of-the-year awards by impersonating an ass.

A blood clot issue is why they kept her for a few days. “She doesn’t have any symptoms, and they’ll monitor her, and insurance covers the cost of an aide. Nonna refused the help, but the doc gave her the choice of a nurse’s aide or a rehab facility. She picked home. Thank God! Should I thank the hockey gods as well?”

“Sure,” I say, but can’t stop the next word vomit. “Why didn’t you tell me how hard it’s been?”

“I wasn’t going to worry you for nothing. No sense in that. Are you mad?” His head tilts to the side as the train enters a tunnel.

“Would you tell me if you were upset or in trouble?” I ask, unable to keep my eyes off his gorgeous face.

“Of course! I should’ve told you all the details, but there’s nothing you could’ve done.” He scrubs his hand over his face.

“Except support you and be there for you when you need me,” I grumble. “That’s not nothing.” I take a few breaths because fighting isn’t the answer and I’m more upset about the guy he didn’t tell me about. “Sorry. I hate being so far away when you’re upset. I… You deserve someone who will be there, and making this about me is the opposite of my intention. Adding to your stress makes me an asshole.” The hotel pillow takes my punch better than a boxing champ.

“You’re amazing, and the best part of my day is talking to you. And you’re not making it about you. I’ve been on my own for so long; it’s default for me to handle things without help. But you supporting me means everything.” His face scrunches up, but I don’t jump in.

“My stop.” Sky stands and exits the train.

I’m thankful his house is only a block and a half away and in a good area. But tragedy only takes seconds and could happen anywhere.

I ask more questions about Maria’s condition and if we’ll need to make any adjustments for her.

“Not yet. At some point, she might not be able to walk up the stairs. That is a fight I’ll have to prepare for. She won’t leave her place willingly even if it’s down one floor to my place.” He climbs the stairs, but I won’t relax until he’s behind locked doors.

Sky goes directly to his bedroom, and I can’t decide how to bring up the guy O’Keefe scared off, but he beats me to it.

“Something else happened. It’s strange, but it shouldn’t be a problem. You remember the guy who approached me at the gala?” Sky lies flat and puts his phone on the pillow next to him.