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How terrible those first two weeks were. It seemed as if my bones would shatter and rend through my flesh. When I was done, I felt an immense sense of gratitude toward Massimo.
“He helped you get past the addiction, the right way. The wayIshould've done.”
“He did. But now, he’s using it against me. I want out, but he doesn’t want to let me go. And he knows about Charlie.”
“Fuck.”
Fuck is right. “I need you to help me. I need to get out.”
CHAPTER 28
CHARLIE
“Oh, my God, Charlie, why didn’t you tell me Ezra was planning to move to the city?” Mom asks as soon as the door closes behind Ezra.
Because I just found out myself. Because it’s a decision he most likely made in the heat of the moment because I almost lost the babies and he wasn’t here. “I don’t know.” I shrug.
“That man is gonzo for you, Charles. Did you hear him?Isn’t the cloud usually where the rain is?That was–it was–”
“Corny.” I supply, even though my cheeks heat up again just from remembering the look on his face when he said that.
Mom scoffs, “Corny or not, anyone with eyes can see he cares about you.”
I glance out the door wondering what he and Alex have been talking about for almost an hour.Something happened, and I just sort of wanted to forget for a little while.What happened?
The nurse from earlier–Jamie–pushes a wheelchair in with a wide smile, “I’m glad to see you’re feeling better, Mrs. Square.” Before I correct her that it’sMissSquare, she continues talking while she bends to the hand where the IV line is to replace it with some sort of blocker. “Mr. Square has requested you be moved to a bigger room.”
“Mr. Square?” Ella asks, frowning at Jamie as she gently swings my legs to the side of the bed. “What Mr. Square?”
“Maybe she means Ezra?” I supply helpfully as I’m moved into the wheelchair.
“I’m talking about your husband, of course,” Jamie answers, waiting for Mom and Ella to pack up all our stuff before she proceeds to push me out. “The tall, devilishly handsome young man who was in here earlier. Lucky girl.”
“Husband? Oh he isn’t–we aren’t—”
“Yes! That’s Ezra. How very nice of him.” Mom jumps in, interrupting me. I tilt my head to frown at her, but she just winks at me. I roll my eyes but let her have her little fun. We roll into the elevator, and Jamie clicks on the 5th floor.
The new private room is almost three times the size of the previous one. It has a little sitting area with a TV mounted on the wall and even a massage chair–who needs a chair massager in a hospital? The bed is king size and looks so comfortable.
“Wow. It’s like a little hotel room. You even have your own private bathroom, Charlie!” Ella claps her hands in excitement, tossing a grin at me, as Jamie helps me into the super soft bed. I sigh as my body sinks into the mattress.
“I’m only here for tonight. It’s too much.” I say grumpily even though I’m touched. No way it was cheap to move me here. I could afford it myself, but there’s just something about someone going out of their way for you. It’s a nice feeling.
“That’s where you’re wrong, love. You’re not staying here for just the night.” Ezra says authoritatively as he strolls into the room.
“What? What do you mean? Dr. Boyle gave me the clear already. The reason I’m staying the night is so she can keep an eye on me in case of any changes, which she doubts will happen, by the way.”
“Well, I talked to her and she agreed it’s best for you to stay for two to three nights. You need absolute bed rest at this time, and I don’t trust you not to work when you get home.”
“I agree with Ezra. You’re staying,” Mom says and nods.
My jaw drops in astonishment. How can she betray me like that? I’m her child! I glance at Ella for help, but she studiously avoids my gaze. That little…“Guys, this is totally unnecessary. I can be on bedrest at home, I promise!”
It’s not like I don’t understand the reason for the bedrest. It would be irresponsible to work from home when the trauma from this afternoon is still healing. I’d prefer to rest in my own bed, in my room, surrounded by my things. That’s not too much to ask for, damn it.
“I can’t just stay in the hospital when I’m perfectly fine. There’s no privacy here,” I add.
“I thought you’d say that…that’s why I moved you to a private room. Other than me, and the occasional check-up from the doctor and nurse, you have the room all to yourself,” Ezra says, beaming.
