Page 30 of The Fake Husband Play
“Okay,” she says, tapping her tiny knuckles to mine. “You should come over to our house for pizza, and I can show you my drawings. Mama makes really good frozen pizza. Way better than Nancy. But that’s probably because we have it a lot.”
Elly blushes. “You flatter me, child.” She ruffles Mimi’s hair. “Flatter me and shame me a little all at the same time, and that’s why I love you. Be right back, okay? When you’re done with the chips, remember to wipe your hands on the napkin, not your blanket, okay?”
“Okay,” Mimi says, then yawns. “I think I’m almost done. Now that my tummy is full, I’m starting to feel sleepy again.”
“Good. The more you can sleep and rest, the better the chances you’ll be stable enough for us to head home in the morning,” she says, following me out into the makeshift hallway between the two rows of triage rooms. As we make our way toward the big exit doors leading out of the emergency room, it’s relatively quiet aside from a little girl moaning softly from bay eight, who I hope feels better real soon.
I hope all these kids do.
One in particular…
“Can I text you tomorrow and see how she’s doing?” I ask. We exchanged numbers over cookies a few minutes ago, and I confess I feel better now that I have Elly saved in my phone.
“Sure. Of course. She usually kicks the fevers pretty quickly as long as there’s no underlying infection, but yeah…it’s fine to text.” Elly nods seriously. Too seriously, I’m thinking, right as she adds, “But I’m going to need a day to think about the other thing, Grammercy. A whole day, when I haven’t been up at the hospital most of the night. Is Sunday evening early enough to let you know?”
“That’s perfect,” I say. “Take as long as you need.”
“Well, the insurance runs out end of the day on Monday, so probably best if I figure things out before then.” She crosses her arms, giving herself a hug I wish I could give her. “But, like I said. I’m grateful, either way. You’re a good one, Gee. You give me hope.” Before I can prepare myself, she’s popped up on her toes and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek.
It’s over before I fully realize it’s begun, but still…
Still, there’s a huskiness in my voice as I say, “Good night,chère.”
“Good night, Grammercy,” she murmurs back.
I push through the doors, leaving her on the other side, left with nothing but the ghost of her lips still warm on my skin and the scent of her perfume to assure me this wasn’t all a dream.
I really did meet my mystery girl, spend the night with her at the hospital, and ask her to marry me.
Life, man…
Sometimes it can be one hell of a ride.
As I drive home in the pre-dawn light, past the familiar landmarks of the life I once knew, my heart aches in a way that’s both wonderful and scary. I’ve put something in motion tonight, something that could change everything.
And weirdly enough, no matter how much I know I need to keep my focus locked on the season ahead, I can’t help hoping…
Please say yes,I think as I pull into my building’s garage.Please…
Crazy or not, half my heart is still across town, next to a one-of-a-kind woman and her sweet little girl, keeping watch over them through the night.
Chapter
Eight
Excerpt from the LOVE ON ICE PODCAST
- EPISODE 128:Time for a Risky Play?
Recorded in October.
[Theme music fades. Elly’s voice comes in, a little breathless.]
Hey there, players and puck bunnies. It’s your girl Luvvy Puck, coming to you live from the bathroom floor. Because sometimes your heart’s racing so hard it feels safer to be close to the ground.
(Soft laugh, heavier sigh.)
So, yeah, there’s been a lot going on this week. The kind of life-ing that makes you shake your head and think,“Wow, life, you crazy bastard. What else do you have up your sleeve?”
