AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“An unlikely bodyguard, but one that will totally throw them off their game…” Shelley conspires before we both have a laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. The life of a billionaire is nothing that I can even comprehend.
CHAPTER THIRTY NINE - EDDIE
Isit in this room, wondering how much longer we all need to be here. Pinkie is back at work today, and like we are magnetized, I can feel her, knowing she is probably right on the other side of the door. No doubt sitting at the nurses’ desk with Shelley, who is now under strict instructions to look after her. I rub my hands together, trying to will my body to stay where I am. Let her have space. I have been hovering over her all week. Feeding her, running her baths, listening to her, then holding her tight. Whatever she needed, I got for her. She had a few sessions with the police, and Ben told me she did really well. The information she gave was not only descriptive, but also accurate in terms of dates and times and names of witnesses. It will take the officers a while to chase down all the leads and information, but Katie’s part is now done. We can slowly start to move on.
But the media have been a minefield to deal with, and it took us a while to get through them when we arrived at the hospital this morning. Harrison has already spoken with the hospital management, and as of today, our family can use the basement parking lot; security has been placed on all the entrances, and we can now miss the flashing cameras and the shouts of questions.
“Well, you are all quiet,” my mother says from where she lies in her bed. She isn’t looking too good today. Her skin is almost as white as the bed linen, her hair not as tidy. With no makeup on, she looks older than her years, and I know if anyone saw her like this, she would not be happy. The thought alone makes me want to take a selfie with her, just to have it on file in case I need it.
“We are just waiting for Dr. Wilson,” Harrison says, clearing his throat, and I don’t miss the slight hitch of his shoulders. He is tense. I can feel it. All us boys are. We are all here because the doctor called us all in. News of more surgery that needs all our approval, apparently. Ben and Tennyson would prefer to be extracting their eyeballs out with a pair of tweezers, but they are here to support Harrison and me, if nothing else. Harrison is here because, as governor, he can’t be seen as a heartless asshole. I am here because I get to see Pinkie. If only our mother comprehended that she is not our sole purpose anymore.
“Edward.” She watches me, her eyes narrowing, and I feel the air around me evaporate just from her look.
“What the hell have you been doing? The media are having a field day over you hitting someone. Please don’t tell me it had anything to do with that pink-haired nurse, because if it did, I will likely have another heart attack…” she huffs out, her tone still spiteful, despite her obvious lack of energy that she usually displays. She closes her eyes, like blinking takes all her energy.
“No, Mom. It is all true. I still have the pink-haired nurse girlfriend, and yes, I hit someone,” I tell her. She looks at me sharply, her jaw now tight, her eyes bright with fire.
“Here we go,” Tennyson mutters from where he stands behind me, scrolling through his phone, obviously wishing he was somewhere else entirely. My eyes flick to Ben then, running his hands through his hair like he will make a run for it at any moment.
“For goodness’ sake. I told you Valerie Van Cleef is who I chose. You must rectify this all immediately. I will call Valerie to come over this afternoon. The two of you must go out for lunch. Be seen around town,” she says before she takes a breath, like the sudden movement of aggression pains her. Harrison raises an eyebrow, and I notice Tennyson stops his scrolling.
It is silent for a moment as the four of us watch our mother, her face contorting in pain before she breathes again, better than she had been.
“Are you alright?” I ask her, standing as I move closer to her. “Shall I ring for a nurse?” My hand goes to the call button, not wanting her to die on my watch. That is the last visual I need, her taking her last breath in front of me. That would haunt me for decades.
“Don’t be stupid,” she hisses, slapping my hand away.
“Jesus…” Tennyson mumbles, and the door flies open.
“Hello, everyone.” Dr. Wilson says, and I walk back to my seat as he struts into the room like he owns it.
“Doctor.” I nod at him, and I am the only one. My three brothers are currently shooting laser beams from their eyes.
“How are you feeling, Diane?” Dr. Wilson asks, grabbing her chart from the bed and looking over it before walking to her bedside and grabbing her hand. Harrison shoots up immediately.
“Why did you call us in today?” Harrison asks, grabbing the doctor's attention.
“We need to prepare your mother for another operation,” he says, and I sit back.
“Another one? She has already had two,” I ask, wondering what exactly is going on.
“She has had two minor procedures, where we put in the two stents, but unfortunately, they are not doing the job. Her risk of another heart attack is high,” he says, looking at us all.
I can vaguely remember Dr. Wilson from when I was a kid. He was around the house a lot. But when I moved away for school, then went traveling, I didn’t see much of him until now. The fact that he and my mother have been together gives me a disgusting taste in my mouth.
“How did her arteries get so blocked?” Tennyson asks, stepping closer, and I stand, all four of us now shoulder to shoulder, looking right at the doctor.
“Stress, most likely. You four and your antics over the years haven’t helped, I am sure,” he says offhandedly, still gripping my mother’s hand.What the hell did he just say?
“I suggest you watch your words, Doctor Wilson,” Harrison seethes. He is not happy. Not at all.
“What is the next operation and when will it be?” Ben asks the factual questions as he stands firm, the cell in his hand recording this entire conversation. His tone remains professional, even though I see the whites of his knuckles.
“Open heart surgery. She requires a triple bypass.” He may be an asshole, but he is an excellent surgeon, and we know he will take good care of her.
“I am in good hands, boys. No need to worry. Although, Eddie, once I am out of surgery, please rectify your current situation. I hope to wake up and see both you and Valerie at my bedside. That would alleviate some of the stress I have been having this week,” she says, and a few years ago, I would have felt guilty. Perhaps done exactly what she asks for fear that I may actually cause her death. But not anymore. Now I just feel a burning frustration. She still doesn’t get it. She ruined her other three sons and still doesn’t get it. I wonder if she needs a brain surgery instead of heart surgery, although I am not sure any would help her at this point.
I run my hand down my face. When is life going to get a little easier?
