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“We need to get going, but I ordered chicken dinner from down the street.” Mia kissed Sophie. “Good on ya’, the fever is getting better. Your head feels almost cold.”
“I need to get going as well,” I said. “Miss Sophie, you need to eat all your dinner, take all the medicine Nurse Betty brings you, then it’s off to sleep for you.”
“Will the medicine taste bad?” Sophie slid down under the covers.
“Sophie, you’re being dramatic. Say goodnight to everyone.” Chloe pulled the covers off Sophie’s face.
“Dr. Parker. Do I have to get a new heart valve?” Sophie eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want to.”
“No. Remember today we looked at your valve on the screen and I told you it was doing really good?” Parker looked to Chloe. “Make sure you listen to your mommy and rest a lot so you can get better.”
“Okay, goodnight.” Sophie wiped her eyes with her sheet.
“Night you two. Now Chloe, get changed and ready to get some sleep.” I pulled a chair up next to Sophie’s bed. “Sophie, tell me about this show on tv. Who is Peppa Pig?”
Chloe stood for a moment looking at me, then laughed and rolled her suitcase into the bathroom. Shortly after, she returned in a sweatsuit and fuzzy socks.
“You look comfy. I’m jealous.” I stood and slid the chair back to its spot. “Your dinner arrived while you were in there changing.”
“Did you eat it?” Chloe asked, looking around for it. “I mean, you can have it, I just asked because I don’t see it.”
I laughed then pulled her plate of food from under a towel. “I tried to keep it warm. I almost ate it though.” I gestured for her to sit and eat. “I’ll see you both first thing in the morning.”
Chapter 42
Chloe
My cell rang. I hadn’t realized it was mine, considering I’d only gotten all of three calls in the few days I’d been in New York. One was Victoria when she called to ask about Sophie. The other was from my old boss back in Sydney, returning my call to see if there would be if a job available when I returned. The third was an unknown caller so I didn’t answer it..
“Hello?” I answered, a little bit hopeful that it might be Trey.
Don’t be ridiculous. He’s in the middle of getting a mail-order bride. You saw how he is with women at the auction and you read the tabloids. Why would you even want that?
“Good morning. How’s my baby sister this morning?” Mia asked. “I already know Sophie had a good night. You know the perks of living with her doctor and all.”
“Hey, Mia,” I yawned. “I’m actually just getting back from X-rays with Sophie. I guess they’re hearing some congestion this morning. The nurse said Trey would come by soon with results.”
“Okay, I’ll be over soon.” Mia hung up.
The hospital room door opened slowly, and Victoria stepped in holding hot tea and New York’s best bagels. I looked up and smiled. It had been a long time since I’d had anyone looking out for me like a mother, other than Mia. I knew I was going to miss Victoria when I went back home.
“Thanks. I’ve been smelling them all morning from the nurse’s station,” I said, clearing off a chair for her to sit down. “I’m hungry as a dog. I think I could eat a horse and chase the rider.”
“You’re so funny, Chloe. I absolutely love the Aussie way of speaking,” Victoria said. “Mia has tried so hard to speak our way, but I see it coming out in her now that you’re here.”
We were quietly enjoying the bagels and tea when a little voice from under the blankets spoke up.
“Miss Victoria, did you bring Amoeba with you?” Sophie asked, “I’m buggered but she could have laid down with me, teddy, and bunny.”
“Sophie, I’m sorry, but I wanted to bring you and your mommy some nice breakfast, and Amoeba did not want to get out of her fuzzy soft bed this morning. We might have tuckered her out yesterday,” Victoria said. “Chloe, I was wondering if while you’re sitting here, you might consider helping me pick a bride for Trey? I have a few picked out, like when I picked Mia for Parker, but I can’t decide.”
“Oh, Victoria, I would love to help you, but I don’t know that I know enough about Trey to make that kind of decision. Gosh, I’m sorry.” I twisted a napkin in my hands anxiously. “I’ll help as much as I can, though.”
Sophie nibbled on her bagel but didn’t seem to have an appetite. “Mummy, can I play on the floor with my friends?”
“Sure, but put the robe on and your slippers.” I helped her get her stuff on. “You feel a little warm, so not too much playing.”
Victoria pulled out the files on the few brides she was deciding on.
