Page 107 of The Rules We Broke
“It’s not that I don’t want to see you; more than anything, I want to see you. It’s just my aunt.” I reached for him.
He took my hand. “Ellie, we’re a couple and we’re adults now. And honestly, darlin’, I’m a little tired of our families trying to get in the way of that.”
You know? I was, too.
“You’re right. I’ll see you soon.”
Chapter Twenty
WhenIarrivedatthe hospital, Aunt Lu was dressed and waiting—impatiently—for the doctor to release her. I kissed her cheek. “You look well.”
She would forever be a beauty queen, whether she admitted it or not. Even in a hospital room, she exuded grace and elegance. I could only hope I’d age with half her poise.
I sat beside her and held her hand while we waited. She kept glancing at me with quiet interest. I could guess why.
“I suppose you got some phone calls this morning.”
She gave me a wry smile. “You’ve always had a knack for making people talk.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I bristled at the implication.
“You’re touchy this morning, sugar.”
I wasn’t touchy. I was trying to remember that the defining characteristic of humankind should be love. That resolve didn’t last long.
“Ella Lu, that’s not a bad thing. People have talked about you your whole life—how talented and beautiful you are. Of course, being with that Jackson boy only fans the flames. And having the Jackson boys sit with you at church today? What did you expect?”
“I knew there’d be talk. But just for your information, those Jacksonboysplanned that on their own.”
She gave me a hint of a smile. It gave me hope.
Then, more hesitantly she asked, “Tell me how dinner in hell was last night?”
I laughed even though last night was no joyride. Her phrasing was spot-on.
“Hellish,” I said. “That’s the word.”
She seemed pleased by that. Maybe she’d worried I had enjoyed myself. There was no chance of that.
I didn’t mention Brady’s daddy. I couldn’t. I wasn’t sure what that kind of revelation would do to her.
Dr. Sandstrom finally came in and released her. Still lying through his teeth for me, bless him.
He handed me a list of instructions and medications to fill, along with dietary guidelines he wanted us to follow.
Aunt Lu wasnotthrilled.
He tried to explain the importance of the changes—kindly, but firmly. I cut in before she could argue.
“We’ll follow the plan,” I said.
She gave methe look.
As the nurse wheeled her out, Dr. Sandstrom smiled. “Thank you for the books and dolls,” he said.
“You’re very welcome. It was well worth it,” I said quietly. I hoped I was covert enough. “You don’t know how appreciative I am of the staff here.”
He gave me a knowing grin. My aunt was not the easiest of patients.
