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“I miss you so much,” I admit.
“Chica, I’ll be there as soon as possible.”
A throat clears, and I look up and gasp. Tommy and Nicole stand in the doorway, waiting awkwardly.
“Quinn, I need to go. The Betts are here.”
“Oh, shit! Are you alone?”
“Bryce is here.”
“He’s comatose! Who’s going to bitch slap the traitor? Damn! I’m calling security.”
“Stop being stupid. They are staring at me. Need to go,” I whisper and hang up, setting my phone on the end of the hospital bed.
“May we come in?” Tommy asks uncomfortably.
I nod and remain seated.
They walk in slowly, and I watch Nicole’s eyes roam over the room. She stops at Bryce’s bedside and picks up a picture frame.
“This is a beautiful picture.” She refers to a photo of Bryce and me in Destin last summer.
“Thank you.”
“They’re all great.” She points at the dozen photos placed around the room of family and friends.
“I had Nate bring them from the townhouse. It makes the room more warm and welcoming.”
“How is he?” Tommy asks, stopping at his bedside.
“He’s the same. No changes, but we’re optimistic. His vitals are awesome.”
Tommy bites his bottom lip, and it’s obvious he wants to say something, but he refrains.
Nicole stands by his side and reaches to run her hand along Bryce’s arm. A tear slides down her cheek, and I swallow hard. Seeing others cry is what makes me the most vulnerable. I want to join them.
“He’s not responding to very much, but the swelling in his brain has decreased and his collarbone is set nicely.”
We stay silent for a few minutes, and I put my laptop and notes away, getting up. “I don’t like to leave him alone, but if you’d like a few minutes, I can step outside,” I offer.
“No, Devon, we only wanted to stop by and see him.” Tommy’s eyes come to mine full of sorrow. “He’s one of the best men I’ve known. Several times during OCS, I wanted to quit and come home. He pushed me hard to continue. His determination is contagious.”
“Don’t I know it! Bryce’s determination is unforgiving. Somehow, he convinced me to give him another chance after what he put me through.”
Tommy chuckles. “He said you gave him a scare. He had to work at it.”
“Not too hard! The fully decorated Christmas tree in the middle of Aspen was a nice touch though.”
We smile at one another, and Nicole looks extremely uncomfortable. In this moment, I’m no longer bitter and upset with them. I appreciate their respect for Bryce.
“Is there anything you need? Anything we can do?” Nicole asks nervously.
“No, Nate is back on shift, but he and Jamie are here at least once a day. Sheila and Dave spend the day here as well. We’ve gotten into a routine.”
“We’re here if you need anything,” Tommy reconfirms.
“Thank you, but we’re fine.”
