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“Do you know when he'll be back?” I try to hide the disappointment again, but I’m sure I must fail because a look of sympathy crosses her face.
“No, dear, you never can tell the days apart with those Grayson boys. They’re always busy. It’s gotten to the point where being at home is a rarity, and this is one of those months when Jericho will be all over the place.”
“I see. Did he maybe leave any messages for me?” I sound desperate to my own ears, but I can’t believe he’d just leave like this after the night we had.
“He didn't. But don't worry, we will take care of you.” She nods with enthusiasm. “You are in the best hands. The wedding planner will be around later today when you’re back from school, and we have all sorts of fun things lined up for the wedding.”
Lauren’s face brightens with delight. I'm aware that like everyone else the staff
believe our arrangement is real. This is the first time it feels weird to me because I know I foolishly crossed a line.
“Thank you.” I gather myself and find the confidence I’m used to summoning to calm my mind.
“We’re all so excited. The next few weeks are going to be fun. I’m so glad we don’t have to wait longer than necessary for your wedding.”
Necessary.
There’s that word again. The word that got me in trouble last night when Jericho practically said being with me was necessary. I think now that he meant for the moment, for last night.
“Breakfast will be ready in an hour, but go grab some coffee when you’re ready.”
“Sure, I will.” I give her a curt nod before I walk back the way I came.
The tightness in my gut tells me I need to snap out of this funk.
If nothing else, I shouldn't read any more into last night than what it was because wanting a man I can’t have is a mistake my heart can’t afford ever again.
* * *
“Hello, sweet girl.” Gina pulls me in for a big hug. I’ve just arrived for my daily visit.
“Oh, Gina, it’s so, so good to see you sitting up.” I smile and hold her a little closer to my heart, appreciating the moment and the fact that she seems stronger.
When we pull apart, I look her over, noting she looks as if someone poured new life back into her body. This is the absolute best I’ve seen her look in months. Maybe years.
“I felt like I could get up this morning, so I did. I even walked around for a little while.” Her eyes glitter with restored hope.
“That’s amazing. And you look great.”
“Thank you.”
All the other days I’ve been here, she’s been completely out of it because of the strong medication she’s been on. Last night, Dr. French told me he’d adjusted the dosage, so she’d be more herself over the next few days. I never expected it to happen so soon.
“I feel tons better.” She rests her hands in her lap while I pull up the chair next to the bed and sit. “How about you?”
While she stares back at me eagerly, I mull over what to tell her.
She knows about Jericho, what he did for her, and my upcoming wedding, but up until now she’s been too weak to talk to me about any of it.
Today marks twelve days since her surgery and an entire week since Jericho and I had our reckless rendezvous.
I haven’t heard from him.
Not one word.
Not even a message about the wedding, or any relayed messages from the staff. Nothing. Nada.
In the same breath, the unwritten message I received is clearer than clear that what we had was a one-nighter between exes and we’re back to being business.
