Page 63 of The Rules We Broke
And that was when I saw it. A crack of a smile. She recovered fast—but I wasn’t fooled.
Two could play that game.
“I heard you two are good friends now. Want me to go get him so you can say hello?”
“That’s absurd, Ella Lu. You know I can barely keep my eyes open. I think it’d be best if I rest, and you go home. I’m sure it’s been a long day for you, too.”
“How can I leave you like this?”
“Sugar, what can you do? Watch me sleep?”
“Yes.”
My stomach growled—loudly. Of course it did.
“When’s the last time you ate, young lady?”
“Don’t worry about me.”
“Ella Lu, go home. Eat something. Rest. I’ll be more awake tomorrow.”
To prove her point, she closed her eyes with stubborn finality.
I leaned down and kissed her cheek.
“Don’t think for one second you’re fooling me.”
She tried not to smile. “I love you more than air, Ella Lu.”
I walked out to the nurses’ station, knowing there was no use arguing with her. Staying would only agitate Aunt Lu, and I’d rather give her peace than proof of my stubbornness.
I made sure the nurses had my cell number and asked for the best line to reach them. I’d be checking in. Frequently.
On the way back to the waiting room, I ducked into the ladies’ room one last time and whispered a prayer of thanks. Then I caught my reflection.
I stared at myself for a moment, wondering—What am I supposed to do about the man in the waiting room?
This rodeo was getting harder to ride.
I took a few slow breaths, reapplied my lipstick, and saddled up. Time to reenter the arena.
Brady was waiting for me—right where I’d left him. The way his eyes lit up the moment he saw me? Not helping me stay securely in the saddle.
I forced myself not to smile.
He stood and walked toward me, every step determined, like a cowboy dead set on unseating me.
But I was determined, too.
“Is everything okay with your aunt?” he asked.
“Yes. Other than she keeps dismissing me.”
“So . . . are you ready to go?”
“Yes, thanks again for everything today. Maybe I’ll see you around.” I turned toward the elevator, heels clicking like punctuation marks.
Brady wasn’t having it. I knew he wouldn’t. But I had to try.
