Page 108 of Misery and Ecstasy

“If you could just make sure everyone is…” She looks down at her hands before continuing. “Taken care of, that would be great.”

“Taken care of” meaning it’s now Draven’s job to keep everyone in line.

“You got it.” Draven assures her. “Thanks.”

She nods before quickly exiting the room.

“Hey, everyone,” Draven calls out. “Calm the fuck down, and don’t forget this is a hospital and not the fucking circus.”

The room grows quiet, everyone going back to what they were doing at a more acceptable volume. I’m actually thankful for it. My head is fucking banging.

“How are you doing, honey?” My mom reaches over and places her hand on my leg.

I offer her a small smile.

“I’m okay, just … ready to get this over with. If I can get the throbbing to stop for even just a little while, I’ll be a happy camper.”

She pats my leg before leaning into my side.

“I’m glad I could be here.” When her breath hitches, I thread my fingers through hers.

Even though she drives me fucking bonkers most of the time, I’m really glad she’s here, too. “Same. Thanks, Mom.”

She winks at me before focusing on the ground in front of her. My eyes catch Olivia’s across the room, and she smiles at me. I return it before I close my eyes and lay my head on Draven’s shoulder.

He’s been uncharacteristically quiet this morning. Usually, he’s the one giving me a pep talk or trying to convince me to think positive. It’s how I know he’s as fucking scared as I am.

“McKinsey?” a sweet voice pulls my eyes to the door. “I’m Trudy, and I’ll be your nurse today. If you’ll follow me, we’re ready to get you prepped for surgery.”

I stand at the same time as Mom and Draven, both of them ready to escort me back.

“One of you will be able to come with her to prep, but you’ll return to the waiting room when she’s taken back to the OR.”

“Please… Can they both come?” Taking one of each of their hands in mine, I plead with Trudy. “There’s no way I can choose between them.”

She purses her lips, her stern expression telling me she’s going to refuse me. As I’m formulating words of protest, she waves the three of us back.

“Good luck, doc.” Royce calls out to me before I take one step.

Turning to him, I smile genuinely as we nod to one another.

His sentiments are echoed amongst the other club members, then Olivia hops out of her seat and pulls me in for a hug. She’s been one of my fucking rocks, but she’s having trouble holding herself together right now.

“You’re my fucking sister, got it? I will always love you, McK.”

Letting go of Draven’s and my mother’s hands, I wrap my arms around Olivia and squeeze her as hard as I’m able to as my chest fills with a level of emotion I’ve never felt before.

“I know. I love you too, Liv.”

We break away from one another, tears pouring down both of our faces. I don’t have time to recover before Alexander steps up and pulls me against his chest.

“Hey, you’re going to do great, kid. We love you very much, and we’ll be seeing you soon. Okay?”

My heart clenches even tighter when I pull away and see tears glistening in his eyes.

“See you … Dad.”

I’ve wanted to call him Dad for years, but I always talked myself out of it. It was too emotional, too scary. But I know I would regret it if I didn’t get a chance to do it at least once.

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