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I redirected my focus back to Meagan and scanned my phone for missed calls from Ariel. When I saw none, I frowned before stepping into the corridor to return some business-related calls. Then, I remembered my conversation with Chase the night before and decided to check in with him.
"Hey, man, can you talk?" I asked, hearing a ballgame playing in the background.
"Sure, what's up?"
"I'm at the hospital with Meagan. She still hasn't regained consciousness."
There was a long pause before Chase finally spoke. "Shit," he muttered. "Is she going to be okay?"
"The doctors say she has a chance," I replied. "But they won't know for sure until the swelling in her brain goes down."
"Damn!" Chase muted his TV. "How long are you staying?"
"Not sure. At least until Meagan wakes up." I ran my hand through my hair.
"How about a burger and some fries?"
I frowned. "What?"
"You need to eat something," he barked. "You've been at the hospital all day."
"I'm not really hungry," I muttered.
"Tough shit, I'll pick you up in a few."
I sighed. "Fine! Give me half an hour."
"See you soon, bro!"
I shoved my phone into my pocket and re-entered Meagan's room. The heart monitor was still going off at steady intervals, but it felt like nails on a chalkboard to me by now. I sat in the chair beside her bed and took her hand in mine. In the dim light, I thought I saw her eyelids flutter like she was straining to open them. So, I squeezed her hand tightly, willing her to wake up.
"Guy?"
I leaned closer, daring to believe my ears. "Yes?" I whispered.
"Is that really you?" she asked, her voice little more than a rasp.
Tears filled my eyes as relief flooded through me. "Yes, Meagan, it's me."
"I thought I was dreaming," she mumbled. "Where am I?"
But before I could answer, a nurse came running into her room. "She's awake!" I told her.
"Yes, we know. That's just wonderful. Now, if you will, please excuse us, we need to run some neurological tests." The nurse was already readjusting the sheet, exposing Meagan's feet.
"I'll be back soon. You're in the hospital, but you're going to be okay… I promise." I blew her a kiss and headed outside to meet Chase.
I chuckled when I got into the front seat of his Escalade. Even as large as an Escalade was, the top of Chase's head almost brushed the roof, and his seat was positioned as far back as it would go. Just seeing him, a weight had been lifted off my chest. After explaining the good news, we chose to go to an upscale steakhouse to celebrate instead of a burger joint. We both figured I could use a good steak and a few drinks after what I'd been through.
"It's just good to see you smiling," he said. "You've been through a lot lately."
"We all have. And we need to talk."
Chase chuckled, "Brilliant, just brilliant."
"Asshole!"
The hostess showed us to a table near the back of the restaurant and took our drink orders. Then, Chase said he was going to the bathroom and excused himself. But, before downing our first round of drinks, the hostess escorted Daniel and Ryder to our table.
