Page 54 of Rival Hearts

“Ember just said that’s not food and that you had better request a proper meal or she will be kicking your ass and you won’t get your chips,” Riley said.

Jett couldn’t help but laugh at that, too. Ember sure took her honorary big sister duties seriously. But now Jett had to think about what food she wanted, which was hard because she actually didn’t have much of an appetite.

“How about mac and cheese?” she asked. That was easy to make and Jett wouldn’t feel as bad if she couldn’t eat much of it.

“Sure thing,” Riley said. “I’ll let them know.”

“Thanks,” Jett said.

“Ready to go?” Katherine asked, unlocking the wheels on Jett’s bed.

“You got it,”’ Jett said.

“Perfect,” Katherine said. “Say wee.”

Jett laughed. “Weeee,” she said, and then they were out.

Fortunately, the CT scan didn’t take too long. Honestly, Jett thought, the longest part was getting to the machine and waiting for the scan. It certainly felt that way.

When Jett got back, she was relieved to see Riley waiting for her. Logically, she knew that she would be. Riley had barely left her side or her room since Jett woke up, but she was still worried that she’d open her eyes and that Riley would be gone, that everything was a dream.

Jett had almost died, and she could have easily lost Riley and any chance at happiness. She didn’t want to lose Riley now.

Riley smiled and returned her phone while Katherine rehooked Jett up to everything.

“Are you in any pain?” Katherine asked.

“A little bit,” Jett said, “but I think I can hold off a little bit before you give me any more pain meds.”

“Okay,” Katherine said, “but if that changes, don’t hesitate to press that call button.”

“Will do,” Jett said.

Katherine left, and Jett watched as Riley sat down in the chair next to her bed and turned to her phone. She was looking at articles and reading them on her phone, but every now and then she would look up at Jett and give her the sweetest smile. Jett smiled back every time. There was a quiet peace between them and she liked it.

Jett could have gone onto her own phone to read articles and play games, but she couldn’t help but keep her focus on Riley. She didn’t know what had gotten into her lately and why she had been so hesitant to form a proper relationship with Riley. It was obvious to everyone, including Jett’s family, that the two cared deeply for one another.

Jett felt so foolish for how she had been feeling before the fire. She couldn’t believe that she had been doubting her relationship with Riley, their compatibility, and that she had let her anxieties get the best of her.

Jett cared deeply for Riley. She knew it now. And she could accept that now.

What had gotten into her before? She supposed that she was just too scared to really accept her feelings. She was too scared about what a future with Riley could mean, and she was scared of being hurt, of having her heart broken.

She was also scared of the relationship failing and it being all her fault. Jett struggled with relationships and she knew it. She knew that her failing relationship with Sky was her fault and she didn’t want that to happen with Riley. She didn’t think Riley deserved that, but also seeing how much Riley cared for her, Jett realized that Riley didn’t deserve for Jett to pull away like she had done so often in the past.

Jett was tired of running from her feelings and vulnerability. Even though she was scared, she was ready to take this next step.

Riley looked up from her phone and the two smiled at each other once again. Yeah, Jett was definitely in love.

“Becky just said that she sent Ember to the store for your chips and that they’ll be heading this way when Ember gets back and Becky finishes the mac and cheese,” Riley said.

“Awesome,” Jett said. “I think I’m definitely going to ask the nurse for some more pain meds before they get here.”

“That’s a good idea,” Riley said. “Do you need me to get the call button for you or do you have it?”

“I got it,” Jett said. She couldn’t get over how attentive Riley was being.

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