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I ran and hand through my hair.
“Yeah, well, I was a dumb ass, that’s all I can say. I want the kind of relationship that my parents have, and that you and Teagan have. I’m going to move to Memphis,” I paused when Chase’s eyebrows rose sharply. “But only after talking to you. I could get a place there, but it would be a waste of cash.” I looked him square in the eye as I said the words. I didn’t want to blurt out that I’d be living with Remi, but this was Chase, and he was cool, so I didn’t need to. He’d realize that commuting across country and not spending every second of the limited time that we had together would be impossible.
“She might be my daughter, but I remember what it was like to be young and in love. I also remember what it was like to think every minute was living hell after Teagan and I broke up. I just don’t want that for you, too. It sucked in a big way.” His voice had taken on a more measured tone. “I just don’t want any heartbreak in your future, or Remi’s.”
I was always in awe of how it all worked out. My dad and Chase were still best friends, but I knew there was a time when they hated each other. It was a miracle that it all worked out. A miracle that I was thankful for, for many reasons.
“I can’t see that happening. There is nothing I want more than Remi.”
“Even your career?” he asked.
“Even that. Though, my coach might kick my ass if I quit the team.” I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was one that had seen better days but left over from years before. “I need to hurry if I’m going to make the flight. Was there anything else?”
The team usually travelled together, but often we took separate cars to the airport so we could all go to our homes upon our return from out of town or out of country games.
“You know we have morning practice tomorrow and I’ll expect you to be there. Remi isn’t going to be an excuse to shirk your responsibilities to the team. I will accept no less from you than I do now. Plus, it’s been too long since I’ve seen her, and I expect to have dinner with you both tomorrow night.”
“Will do.” I smiled.
Chase got up and came around the desk. He laid a hand on my shoulder. “Now get your ass in the shower; I have to make a call. I’ll see you on the flight.” He offered a genuine smile. “I’m happy for you, too. I know Teagan has been praying for this.” He flashed a bright white smile. “It’s about damn time.”
Remi
I was all packed and ready to drive to the airport, but I stopped to let Rory, Marcia and the rest of the nursing staff on the blood cancer floor know that I’d be leaving and would not back until Sunday evening. No doubt, the little girl would be asleep when I got back in town, so I wouldn’t see her until the following Monday morning. Almost four full days; by far the longest I’d ever stayed away.
I stopped to put on the yellow gown and mask that was required to go into Rory’s room. It was a precaution taken to keep her from getting an infection, because her white cell counts had come in too high on the last blood test.
I peeked into her room. My flight was at 2 PM so I still had time to be with Rory for her lunch. She was sleeping, and the RN on duty was in her room checking her vitals.
“How is she doing?” I asked in a soft voice.
Rory was wearing the pink cap with bunnies on it that I’d given her for Easter. It was cute and had a small bow at the top of her forehead that flopped down in both directions and the fuzzy footed pajamas in soft pink that I’d bought to match.
The young man with dark hair and dressed in dark grey scrubs had kind eyes, visible above his white face mask. I didn’t recognize him, so I wondered if he was new to the hospital or at least this ward. “Who are you?” he asked.
“I’m a volunteer here. I’ve been visiting Rory every day since she was admitted. I’m also enrolled in medical school that begins in the fall semester at U of T,” I explained.
“That’s very nice of you to do so. I haven’t seen anyone else stop by yet today, but you know I can’t share anything if you’re not family.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry.”
“She doesn’t have anyone. She’s a ward of the state.” I felt anxious at being reduced to nothing in this baby’s life. I’d come to love her so much. “Surely, you can tell me her general condition?”
“She didn’t want breakfast and she’s been sleeping a lot. She doesn’t feel very well,” he admitted, taking sympathy on me due to crack in my voice. “That’s all I can say. This is the first child I’ve ever been assigned who was a ward of the state, but maybe her social worker can tell you something more…. since technically, they are the poor little things guardians.”
Ugh!I groaned mentally. “I’ll give him a call. Thanks.”
When the nurse left the room, I glanced at Rory and immediately pulled out my phone and the card Jonathon Atkins had given me the first day we met. He’d written his cell phone number on the back, so I didn’t bother calling the social services offices. I quickly dialed and thankfully, he picked up.
“Jonathon Atkins.”
“Hello, Mr. Atkins, this is Remi Forrester.”
“Oh, hello, Remi. How are you?”
“I’m good. I’m going out of town for the weekend and my flight is in a few hours, but I wanted to ask you what’s going on with Rory. I can’t find out anything due to the HIPAA laws.”
His tone changed to one of dread. “I’m afraid her white counts are up, and her doctor said—”
“She needs a marrow transplant?” My heart fell.
