Page 68 of Moonshot

“Thank you, Donovan. I really appreciate it.”

“Just get better, okay.” Donovan steps out of the room, carefully pulling the door closed behind him.

“Oh, gosh,” Ava says, attempting to sit up in bed.

“What’s the matter? Are you going to be sick?”

“No. I need to call my mom. If she or Carson have tried to reach me, they’ll be worried sick when I don’t answer.”

No sooner has she finished her sentence before the door opens and the player from the nightclub enters. Except he’s dressed in a police uniform. “Ava, you okay?”

“I’m better now. It’s nothing serious. Just a bad sinus infection.”

Nothing serious? “Ava, stop acting like this is nothing. This could’ve been very serious. You need to let them help you.”

“Okay, Michael.” She pats my hand, trying to reassure me. “Carson, this is Michael. My-”

“Boyfriend.” Standing from my chair, I reach out a hand.

“Carson’s my cousin,” Ava continues.Cousin. Hmm. This must be the guy Luigi was goading me about. Glad I didn’t jump the gun on that too.

“Yeah? Well, you might have to fight Carolyn for him, Av. She’s completely in love.” He laughs.

“What?” Ava giggles. The sound healing places in my soul that have taken quite the beating today.

“Yeah. Apparently, he and your mom spent some time together today while you were getting tests performed, and she couldn’t stop going on about him.” Carson looks directly at me. “Thanks, man. I haven’t heard my aunt that happy in years. But if you ever hurt Ava-”

“It’ll never happen again. I swear.” I return my attention to my girl. “I’m going to step out and call Joanie, okay?” Bending down, I kiss her on the forehead. “If they’ll let you have something to eat, do you want me to get you anything?”

“No, Mick. I’m good.”

I give her a little glare, knowing this stubborn girl probably won’t ask for anything, and decide to pick something up close by.

After updating Joanie and telling her I’ll text her with Ava’s room number when I have it, I grab some chicken noodle soup from the deli around the corner and give them ten dollars to bring back every mint they have left in their jar by the register.

Returning to the emergency room, I find Ava’s already been moved upstairs.Hell. How long was I gone?

Rushing up to her room, the nurse advises visiting hours are over. I give her the best puppy dog eyes I can muster and ask if I can just have a few minutes to say goodnight.

“Sure. How am I supposed to turn down that look?”

“Thank you!” I call as I walk swiftly toward Ava’s room. Knocking lightly before opening the door, I feel instant relief when her dazzling eyes meet mine.Hell, I’m going to be the next one needing medical help. She takes my damn breath away.Coming to her side, I bend to kiss her and place her soup, roll, and bottle of water on her bedside table.

“I can only stay a minute. The nurse said visiting hours are over, and you need some rest. Please tell them if you’re hurting. It kills me to think you’re in pain, knowing they can do something to help you.”

“I will, Mick. I just hate the way those medicines make me feel. Plus, I don’t want to get accustomed to them. I’ve managed a long time without needing to use narcotics.”

“I know. But once in a while, if you need them-” My sentence is interrupted by her soft hand on mine. I shouldn’t push. But in my defense, I’m still learning how to help her through this. And it’s hard watching the people you love in pain.

“I’ll check on you in the morning.” Leaning down, I kiss the corners of her mouth. “Thank you for not sending me away.”

“Why would I send you away?”

“The thirty days doesn’t end for two more days.” I laugh.

“I’m letting you off for time served.” She grins.

“Oh, I got you something.”

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