Page 228 of Champagne Nights

On the way to the hospital, I sent Ellie a message.

“Good morning, beautiful. I want to see you tonight. Are you free?”

“Good morning. Yes, and I want to see you too.”

“Great. My housekeeper, Delilah, insisted on cooking dinner for us. I’ll be by to pick you up around six-thirty. Is that okay?”

“Sounds perfect. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Also, I’d like you to stay the night, so pack a small bag. But only if you want to.”

“I would love to stay the night with you.”

“I was hoping you’d say yes. I’ll talk to you later. I’m just walking into the hospital to visit my dad.”

When I walked into the room, I saw he was awake, but I didn’t see my mother.

“Hi, Dad.” I walked over and placed my hand on his. “How are you feeling today?”

“Like I got hit by a fucking train,” he groaned. “Why aren’t you at the office?”

“I’m on my way there. I wanted to stop by and see you first.”

“I know this isn’t the time to talk about it, but I’m very disappointed in you, son.”

“I know you are, Dad, and when you get better, we’ll discuss it. Where’s Mom?”

“She went to get some coffee. Do me a favor and make things right with Kirsten. It’s not too late, Henry.”

“Dad—” I began speaking, and my mother entered the room.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she spoke in a snippy tone. “Shouldn’t you be at the office running the company while he’s not able to himself?”

“I wanted to stop by and see him first. Is that a problem, Mother?”

She glared at me with a scowl as she sat in the chair next to my father’s bed. Suddenly, the door opened, and Kirsten stood there holding a large arrangement of flowers. I instantly looked away, and the most uncomfortable feeling overtook me.

“Henry, I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“I was just leaving. I’ll talk to you later, Dad,” I said as I walked out of the room.

When I arrived at the office, Addison was already there, her dark hair pulled back and dressed in a business suit.

“Look at you. My baby sister is all grown up.” I smiled as I kissed her cheek.

“Very funny. Did you go see Dad?”

“I did. Mom had an attitude with me, and Kirsten showed up to make matters worse.”

“Of course, that little suck ass did. I’m going to stop by the hospital later.”

I took a seat behind my desk and leaned back in my chair.

“Dad told me to go and make things right with Kirsten. I hope to God Mom and Dad aren’t feeding her some bullshit.”

“Like what?” Addison asked.

“They’ll talk to me and convince me to get back with her.”

---