Page 164 of The Waiting Game

A few minutes later, Dustin returned with his phone. “You let me know if you need to talk, okay? I’m here for you if you need me.”

Jonah nodded again. Dustin handed the phone over then left, softly closing the door behind him.

Jonah’s hands were shaking as he waited for the call to connect. When an operator asked for his information, he choked it out.

Eventually, he was transferred to the nurses’ station.

“I was hoping I could speak to Yun Ji-min,” he managed, his voice tight with emotion. “I’m her grandson.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Brewer, your grandmother is sleeping. It’s very late.”

Jonah glanced at the time and winced. “I know. I just … can you at least tell me how she’s doing?”

“Of course. I have some good news actually. The latest neurological assessment was very encouraging. It appears that the anesthesia was likely causing her initial confusion.”

“So there wasn’t any damage from the—the mini stroke?” he asked, throat feeling tight.

“That’s the way it appears. The doctors can’t rule anything out completely until they run a few more tests tomorrow, of course, and we’ll need to monitor her for a few days to be sure no other clots appear. But everything was looking much better the last time they did the assessment.”

“Oh thank God.” He sagged back against a nearby table.

“Your grandmother seems like a very tough lady.” It sounded like the nurse was smiling. “I have a feeling she’ll be up and ready to go home in no time.”

Jonah managed a small laugh. “That’s putting it mildly. What about her heart?”

“The cardioversion was successful. Her heart rhythm is back to normal.”

Jonah closed his eyes, weak with relief. That was something. “How soon can I see her?”

“I understand you’re in Buffalo now. Is that correct?” the nurse asked.

“Yes. But I’ll be back in Toronto in a few hours. I’d really like to see my grandmother or at least speak to her on the phone as soon as possible.”

“Visiting hours generally aren’t until nine in the morning but if you come a little earlier, we’ll let you in to see her, okay? I’ll make sure the day shift is aware.”

“Thank you,” he managed.

After Jonah hung up the phone, he shivered, realizing he was cold and clammy, cooling sweat making his gear uncomfortable. He stood with a groan.

He ran into Kate and Mitchell in the hallway.

“How are you doing?” she asked with a concerned frown.

“Meh. Talked to Grandma’s nurse so I’m feeling a bit better about that at least.”

He explained what the nurse had told him, then added, “Could you maybe pass that news along to Dustin so he can tell the team? I know I should but I just … I’m not feeling up to it at the moment.”

Kate nodded. “Of course. Go shower. Media’s just about done in there and I threatened them with their lives if they even attempt to talk to either you or Felix tonight.”

“Thanks. I … I appreciate that.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

As the team finally left the arena, it was still raining. Jonah wasn’t surprised. It had been a terrible day from start to finish.

Fucking Buffalo.

By the time they boarded the plane, Jonah was exhausted and emotionally drained. He settled into his usual seat but froze when Felix dropped into the spot beside him.

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