Page 32 of The Moment You Know

Her response was to glare at him.

He almost turned and walked away but then stopped; now was just as good a time as any to break the really bad news. “But there is something you are going to pay for—Paige’s hospital visit.”

Her mouth fell open. “What?”

“That’s right.”

“The fuck I am.”

“The fuck you are. You can be as pissed as you want, but you are paying for it—”

“Doesn’t she have insurance?”

“I’m sure she does, but that’s not the point. Her insurance isn’t going to pay for what you did. You’re going to pay for what you did.”

“No. I won’t.”

“Yes, you will,” he insisted coldly. “No matter how much it is.”

“And how much do you think it will be?” she asked, with full snark.

He shrugged. “I don’t know. She hasn’t been released yet. But I spoke with someone in the billing department, and the bill’s going to be sent here and then you’ll find out.”

She exhaled heavily, her face flushing with outrage, looking not unlike she had right before she gave Paige the two-handed shove. “It’s probably going to be like a thousand dollars.”

“If you’re lucky. If she ends up needing an MRI or anything, it’ll be double that.”

Her mouth fell open again. “Are you crazy?” she practically screeched. “There’s no way I could pay for that.”

“Maybe not all at once,” he countered, as if trying to be helpful. “But I’m sure the hospital would accept monthly payments. That’s something you’ll have to check on, though.”

“Can’t you just pay it and then I’ll pay you back?”

In no way surprised by the suggestion, he was ready for it and shook his head. “I know how that will go and the answer is hell no. This will be between you and the billing department at Holy Trinity.”

He started back down the hall toward the master bedroom, wanting to get a few hours of sleep before he had to get up and go to work. Halfway there, he paused and said over his shoulder, “Oh, and Ash? You might want to watch your back the next time you’re in the organic produce section at Trader Joe’s.”

Chapter 12

Paige opened her eyes and groaned at the morning light now making its way into her hospital room.

“Good morning.”

Startled, Paige looked over to see Jules slumped in the chair next to the bed. “What are you doing here so early?” Paige demanded, noting that the clock on the wall said it was just after eight.

“I actually got here four hours ago.”

“Why? I told you not to—”

“I know. I came anyway.” Jules straightened up and stretched, groaning a little. “So, how are you feeling?”

“Shitty,” Paige answered, then asked, “How do I look?”

“Shitty.”

“Thanks.”

“Honesty is the cornerstone of a good friendship.”

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