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“I know,” she said, her tone earnest. “I wanted to see you sooner, I just didn’t know how to—”
“And then I yelled at you over voicemail and—”
“I deserved it.”
“You didn’t.”
“I did,” she insisted.
“Well, maybe a little,” I agreed. “But you never left the hospital. And you called my parents for me and—”
“I should’ve come in to see you while you were admitted.”
“It’s okay that you didn’t. I was a mess.”
“Why don’t you come in now?” Smoke called from the bed.
“Right, come in, come in,” I said, stepping back. My heart lifted at the sight of my best friend.
She set the vase of flowers on the table, trying to find space among the food. “The Old Ladies?” she guessed.
“Yep.” I nodded.
No sooner had she put the flowers down than she held her arms out to hug me, but then she quickly dropped them in a moment of uncertainty.
I wouldn’t let her linger there. I embraced her. “Don’t hug me too hard,” I warned. “My ribs are sore.”
“That son of a bitch,” Tavy muttered. “If Dad hadn’t already killed him, I’d do it.”
I pulled back and stared at her. Tavy’s expression was fierce and determined. “I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s over.”
She nodded, her eyes glistening. Tavy looked at Smoke. “Hi, Dad.”
“Kiddo,” he said.
She rushed over to him and gave him a gentle hug.
“I think you guys need some time to catch up,” Smoke said as he reached for the remote. “Why don’t you go down to the hotel restaurant. Grab a cup of coffee and shoot the shit.”
“But I came to see both of you,” Tavy said.
Smoke cracked a grin. “You came to see Logan. It’s okay, Tav. Go. You’ll come back up for a quick visit before you leave.”
“Okay,” she said.
I went to Smoke. “You have everything you need within reach?”
“I’ve got your plate of cookies and pudding and the remote. I’m good.”
“No cookies,” I warned. “The pudding is gentle though.” I leaned down and kissed his lips.
“Ew. That’s gonna take some getting used to,” Tavy said with a shake of her head.
Once we were seated in a corner booth of the restaurant, our coffee orders placed, we looked at each other.
“Who’s going first?” I asked with a rueful smile.
“I should go first,” Tavy said.
