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I spend the next four hours in the truck lost in my thoughts as we make our way down to the quiet coastal beach community where my parents decided to retire. Part of me will relax when I get there and can see for myself that Dad is doing okay. The other part… well. I glance over at Doe as she practices reading some book Mindy brought over for her. That part may take a while.
* * *
We haveto stop by my parents’ house before heading to the hospital, and the small delay ratchets up my stress level. I damn well couldn’t leave my dog in the truck during an August summer in Florida. As quickly as I can, I lead Bets inside, fill her a bowl of water, and am back out the door to where Doe’s waiting in my truck. As I’m pulling out for the last ten-minute drive to the hospital, Doe notices the ocean behind their property.
“It’s astounding, isn’t it?”
“I’d like to go there,” she breathes, wonder filling her voice. I grin as she turns around in her seat to watch the view fade behind the residential housing.
“Once I check on my family and take a nap, I’ll take you.”
“Have you been to the ocean before?” she asks, her soft voice wrapping around me like silk. Something about the way she speaks is careful yet free. Her curiosity shines through in a way that makes me think she’s not used to voicing her questions.
“Not this one. My parents haven’t lived here long. This is actually my first trip down to see them. I wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Me too.”
“To answer your question, I spent some time on the West Coast and went to some beaches in California while I was there. My dad also took us on a fishing trip off the coast of Maine when we were kids. The ocean is vast and filled with the unknown. It’s a bit of a metaphor for my job.” I laugh humorously.
The GPS directs me easily to the hospital, but even without the navigation, it would’ve been hard to miss. Innumerous signs pointed me in the right direction from several miles back. A tall, boxy building with gleaming walls of glass windows towers over us from the parking ramp. Shoreside Hospital emblazoned on the front.
Doe follows me from the truck and across a skywalk into the hospital. Immediately, I’m put at ease. The newness of the place, the smell of fresh paint, and the gleaming fixtures remind me I’m no longer in Podunk, Ohio. This place screams money, and with money, the healthcare field secures the best.
A text to Mom told me where to go and that she would be waiting. The family was moved to a waiting room outside the CICU.
“Niko!” I hear called when Doe and I step out into the hall. Mom stands near the double doors labeled Authorized Personnel. I quicken our steps. The closer I get, the easier it is to see how frazzled she looks. Her eyes are wide and alert, but dark circles rim the lower lids. Her hair is pulled on top of her head in a chaotic, frizzy bun, and her clothes are wrinkled. I mentally kick myself for not grabbing her a fresh outfit before I envelop her in my arms.
“Mom,” I mutter hoarsely and kiss her on the cheek. She starts to pull back, but I hold her just a moment longer before letting go. “How is he? When can I see him?”
I don’t miss the way her eyes briefly flit to Doe. She sucks in a short, quiet breath, and tears well in her eyes. She blinks them away before looking back at me, but I see the sympathy lingering there.
“He’s resting,” she answers hoarsely. “Their visitation hours are very strict. A maximum of two people allowed at a time and only in thirty-minute increments. Tori and Michael are in there right now finishing up. The next one isn’t until three p.m.”
I look down at my watch. It’s 1:25. Fuck. I glance over the top of her head as if I can steal a peek. “Can’t I see him quick?”
Her hand caresses my cheek. “I’m sorry, honey. You’re next. It’s probably for the best. You can grab a quick nap while you wait. You must be exhausted after driving all night.”
I cover her hand on my cheek and gently pull it away, tucking it in mine. “I’ve done worse.”
“I know,” she responds sadly. Clearing her expression, she turns to Doe. “Hello, dear. I’m Sandra, Niko’s mom.”
From the corner of my eye, I see Doe cock her head. She turns to me, and I look down in time to see a nervous expression on her face.
“Mom, this is Doe. She’s a… client I’m helping from work. And she’s a good friend.”
Mom looks at me, and I can see the questions on her face. I give her a look that I hope tells her I’ll explain later because I can’t right now. Why I didn’t spend some of the fifteen-hour drive coming up with a better explanation is beyond me. Telling them the straight truth is not an option. At least not in the middle of a hospital hallway.
“Hello,” Doe says quietly.
“It’s very nice to meet you. Thank you for accompanying Niko on his long drive. I’m sure he enjoyed having the extra company.” What she doesn’t say is that she knows it’s because of Doe that I had to drive. Not the details, but Mom is a smart woman. She knows I would have chosen to fly unless there was a reason I couldn’t, so she knows Doe is that reason.
“Um, it was nice of him to bring me with and not leave me at home.”
Mom’s eyes flicker to me again on the word home. The way Doe said it makes it sound like we live together. In a way we do, but not the way Mom would expect.
Ever the hostess, Mom smiles kindly at Doe then gestures to her left. “Should we sit down in the waiting room?” Without waiting for our response, she leads the way.
I gesture Doe ahead of me then remark, “Actually, I might stand for a bit. I’ve been sitting the past fifteen hours. My back could use a b—”
