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“He certainly was.”
“Such a kind heart.” She sighs. “And brilliant business mind.”
“Did you ever have the pleasure of meeting him?” Dean asks.
“As a matter of fact—”
“She’s probably seen him in interviews,” I cut her off before she sounds like a weirdo.
“He was actually a member of the hospital board, with your father,” she corrects me. “His donations funded the new research wing.”
“We’re obviously still trying to sort through all of Grandfather’s passion projects. By all means, please get my number from Riley if there’s anything I can do for you.”
When Ellie and Leo walk in, I hand Dean, who’s still talking to my mom, my phone. I then walk over to my window, lift it open, open the screen, and stand on the windowsill. I hold two fingers up behind me at all of them before holding out my arm and falling forward.
“Riley, don’t!”
Dammit.
A couple minutes later, I’m sitting on the balcony, holding a tissue against my bloody nose, and Theo is beside me, holding my damn phone out.
“How you can be so graceful on the mat and bars, yet simply walking is a problem? Did you tell your young friend about prom?”
“No, Mom,” I growl. “Nor did I tell him about the time I bled through white pants—”
“Riley!” she gasps. “Not in mixed company.”
“Mom, I love you. I’m good. I need a shower and some breakfast and to go back to bed until Monday. We’ll talk then, okay?”
“Of course.” She shifts her eyes to Theo. “I am so glad you have all that hair on top of your head. You should let it grow out. Those waves are just gorgeous.”
“Stop flirting with my friend, Mom,” I sigh.
She ignores me. “It was nice seeing you again. Riley, please stay safe.”
I narrow my eyes at her, and what does she do? She smiles, and it’s the smile that no matter my mood, or how annoyed I am, always makes me smile back at her.
“Nice seeing you, as well.” Theo smiles then ends the call.
He sets the phone down between us, leans against the house, and exhales. “You sure you’re okay?”
I pull the wad of tissues away from my nose and turn to face him. “Has it stopped?”
Sighing, he pushes himself up and holds out his hand. “Definitely slowed down. Let’s get you inside so you can lay down and tip your head back.”
I take his hand, and he pulls me up.
When I face the window to climb back in, he tugs on my hand. “You know there’s a door right here that happens to be a lot less dangerous.”
“I know where the stupid door is. I was being dramatic, and then you—”
“I am so fucking sorry. Everyone was in your room and—”
“When my nose isn’t throbbing, I’m going to laugh so hard about that.”
He smiles as he pushes the door open. “You have a twisted sense of humor. Might have to ask you to help me see the actual humor in that stupid fucking video.”
“With all that happened, I haven’t even seen it,” I admit.
