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“I know about it. It was the first thing she put in place when she was told about her dementia.”
“Archer, this surgery isn’t without risk. I need you to understand the enormity of it and what her DNR could mean.”
“It could mean that my mum’s heart could stop and you can’t do anything to help her.” My voice wobbled as I spoke and I was glad my sisters had stepped out of the room so they couldn’t hear the fear that vibrated through each word. “I understand. But it’s what she wanted, so I have to go along with it.”
“Archer, I hope you don’t mind me saying, but you and your sisters are very young to be dealing with all this. I can arrange for someone to come and talk to you… either on your own or as a family.”
My eyes moved back to Mum. “We’re good. We’ve been dealing with this for a long time now, but I appreciate your concern.”
“If you’re sure. Why don’t you spend some time with your mum while I go and make sure everything is ready for her?”
I sat again, not sure how long I watched her sleep. At some point, I thought she’d opened her eyes, whispering my name. Her lucid moments were so rare these days that I convinced myself I was daydreaming, but the thought of my name on her lips felt like a sign that everything was going to be okay.
Chapter 4
Archer
“Surgerywentaswellas it could. She’s going to be out of it for the rest of the day while we give her time to recover. Go home. Get some sleep. We’ll call you in the morning when she’s awake.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Laura whispered, obviously exhausted.
I took my sister’s hands in mine and led them from the room. Pete appeared in the hallway, stopping us.
“Sorry, Archer, but there is a huge crowd of press and fans downstairs. We’re going to take you through the underground car park, but you might want to go out for dinner first, so no one follows you home.”
Sighing, I squeezed Laura and Sophia’s hands. “What do you think, girls? Dinner. My treat. Don’t leave me to eat alone… not today.”
Soph laid her head on my shoulder. “Can we get steak?”
“Steak it is. I know just the place. They do great cocktails, too.”
An hour later, we were holed up in a dark corner of the busy restaurant, protected by three security guards. Dinner and dessert eaten, we were on our fourth cocktail. Laura yawned, rubbing her tummy. “That was so good, Arch. Thank you. This is a very fancy place and I feel very underdressed.”
I laughed as I swept my hand downward, showing off my v-necked cashmere sweater and ripped jeans. “At least we’re undressed together, Soph.”
Sophia’s eyes suddenly widened. “Nee?” she squealed.
I span around in my seat to find Ionee walking past.
She froze and then turned. The look of relief on her face when she saw my sisters was palpable.
“Oh, my God. You have no idea how happy I am to see you both… and you, Archer.” I offered her a friendly smile, noticing how sad she looked.
“What are you doing here?” Laura asked.
“I was on a date,” she hissed as she stepped closer. “The asshole ordered a drink, made an excuse to use the bathroom, and did a runner. I’ve just had the waiter come to tell me that he saw him leave. I mean, am I really that hideous?”
I stared at her. Dressed in a white Maxi dress and cropped leather jacket, her long hair curled and spilling over her shoulders, she looked stunning.
“He was a dick. He was obviously blind. You look beautiful, Nee,” Laura piped up. “Come join us. We have cocktails.”
“I was just going to the bathroom and then head home, but if you’re sure.”
“We’re sure, aren’t we, Arch?” Laura asked, reaching across the table and slapping my arm.
“What would you like to drink? I’ll order for you,” I asked, trying to hide how flustered I felt at seeing her again.
She smiled and something stirred in the pit of my belly. “I’d love a cosmo.”
