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“Did you know that Miss Victoria isn’t a grandma ‘cause no one gave her any grandkids yet?” Sophie said, munching on her McDonald’s.
I looked to Trey then Victoria. I felt a little odd hearing Sophie talk about Victoria not being a grandma. I wished dearly Sophie had met either of her grandparents.
“I brought you both an ice cream sundae too.” I pulled them from one of the bags. “I think you have to eat them first so they don’t melt.”
“This is my number four ice cream since we came to America.” Sophie showed four fingers. “We never have this many ice creams, Mummy. I like it here.”
“It’s a vacation, that’s why you’ve had so many, baby girl.” I kissed her forehead. “You feel a little bit warm again.”
“Let’s check and see.” Trey buzzed the nurse station. “Betty can you come check Miss Sophie’s temperature, please.”
“She’s been fine. I was thinking she felt a little warm just before you walked in.” Victoria sounded apologetic. “We had just been sitting at the window a minute or two when I noticed.”
“Mom, it’s not a problem. Kids have fevers in the evening, it’s not unusual.” Trey leaned against the window sill. “Sophie, your mommy tells me she used to work with kangaroos. Did you ever go see them?”
“Yes, I got to see joeys, too,” Sophie answered with her head on my shoulder. “The big ones got in fights sometimes.”
“I don’t think I’d like to see a fight.” Trey shook his head. “Does your mommy have to stop the fight?”
“I don’t know, she makes me leave when they fight,” Sophie mumbled. “I’m thirsty.”
“Nurse Betty, are you here to take Miss Sophie’s temperature?” Trey nodded to Betty.
“Yes, I am. Let me have a shot of that forehead and I’ll tell you right away.” Betty aimed the thermometer at her forehead. “It’s not awful, just one hundred and one.”
“Bring my stethoscope from my desk, please,” Trey asked. “Miss Sophie, I think it’s time to get you back into bed.”
“I want my Mummy though.” Sophie hugged my neck tighter.
“Mummy is going to get in bed with you, baby,” I said, getting in the bed and covering us both up. “Dr. Trey didn’t mean you had to get in bed by yourself.”
“Thanks for spending some time with me, Sophie.” Victoria kissed her forehead. “I have to get going, but I’ll visit again.”
“Even if we leave here?” Sophie asked. “’Cause Dr. Trey said maybe I can go home soon.”
“Oh, I’ll ask him where you are and come visit you there.” Victoria picked up all her stuff. “You get some rest with your mommy now.”
“Goodnight, Mom. Chloe, I have patients to check in on.” Trey looked at me looking confused. “I’ll be leaving instructions with Betty.”
We looked at each other without speaking, then he was gone.
Chapter 47
Trey
Iwoke to birds chirping and sunshine streaming across my face. For a few minutes, I lay perfectly still with my eyes closed, trying to wake all the way while I savored the morning sounds.
I have been away from my own place for too long. I forgot about hearing birds chirping.
Last night, Chloe had agreed to get together again, and I was looking forward to it. I wanted to find out more about the Oliver person Sophie mentioned. I wanted to make her smile more like at the dance.
Maybe there’s just too much going on with Chloe.
At the same time, I was curious and excited to see what mail-order bride my mother came up with. After watching Chloe with Sophie, I was feeling more ready than ever for my own family. I reached out for the remote to click on the stereo, then hit the button to open the curtains the rest of the way. I knew I had to get up, but I was so comfortable under the covers, until something bit me on the foot.
Ouch. What the heck is biting my foot? Why is it so warm in here?
I jumped up, throwing the covers off, only to discover I wasn’t actually in my bed. The covers I thought I had thrown was a blanket I kept on the patio furniture for cold nights. I was, in fact, on my balcony with a mean-looking bird staring at me like I was either his breakfast or I better get him some breakfast.
