Page 59 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
Wyatt puffs a laugh. “No faith in me?”
I sit up, shaking my head. “No, because I’d already forgotten them.”
“Joze, you don’t have to...”
I cut him off with earnestness. “No, I’m serious. Following along with all these different activities, I totally spaced.”
Savanna squeezes Wyatt’s shoulder. “See. Told ya you were a champ.”
Wyatt shrugs, taking off his glasses. “I guess I paid attention because I really,really, want to get out of here.”
Dr. Fincher shakes Wyatt’s hand. “You did exceptionally well. I see no reason why we can’t release you tomorrow morning.”
Wyatt’s eyes light up and his mouth falls open. “I’m leaving?”
Dr. Fincher smiles, releasing Wyatt’s hand. “I wish you the best of luck.”
When the doctor gets up and moves by Savanna, I launch off the chair and throw my arms around Wyatt. “I knew you could do it. You’re so strong.”
He sighs near my ear, and his body eases against me. “I don’t want to live another day without you.”
Ten
I left earlier last night than the night before. Wyatt had so much paperwork to fill out for his upcoming release from the Clearview Clinic. On this occasion, his team members were granted access to file into his room so they could assist with the release forms. The more they crowded, the less I could breathe. Every single one of my heartstrings tugged when Wyatt asked me not to go. But when he saw the anxiety crippling me, he asked for someone to arrange a car to take me to the hotel. On my way out, I passed his parents entering the room. I have to believe they were there with Wyatt’s best interest at heart.
I had solace in leaving last night because I planned on returning as early as possible. No one gave me a clear answer on what time Wyatt would be leaving the clinic, and I wasn’t about to let him venture backinto the world without me by his side. I set my alarm for 6 a.m. and called a taxi to pick me up from the hotel. No doubt Wyatt will be asleep when I arrive, but I’m over the moon at the thought of being the first person he sees when he wakes up.
After last night’s phone call with my parents, I need all the positive thoughts I can get.
They want me to come home.
Both Mom and Dad were on the line, repeating that today has to be my last day in Cherry Beach. They’re concerned about me missing school, being without them in a big city, and they still mistrust Wyatt’s team and their plans.
“We agreed to a maximum of three days because it was such a whirlwind,” Mom said, unable to contain her concern. “But these two days without you have been beyond a struggle.”
It didn’t matter how many times I said Wyatt needed me. Besides his parents, I’m the only person in the room he remembers, and it scares him.
“Josie, these people are using you to get Wyatt on the mend,” Dad told me. “I need them to arrange your flight home before they leave you behind, stranded and alone.”
It didn’t matter when I told them Wyatt would never let that happen to me. My parents are terrified, and I can’t blame them. The fact I was plucked from home and dropped in this situation is surreal. Once the twins ambushed the phone call, any hope of convincing my parents to give me more time went out the window.
We said good night, ready to make further arrangements today. But I’m determined to put that ticking clock out of my mind. By 6:30 a.m. I’m in the lobby of the Clearview Clinic. A receptionist tells me I’m too early for visiting hours. I give her a polite smile and keep moving toward the café area. I don’t think visiting hours really mean anything when I’m here for Wyatt. I’ve stayed pretty late and no one has ever prompted meto leave. The fact he has security in front of his room kinda says he has a different set of rules to other patients.
However, to look like I’m playing along, I order a hot chocolate as an early morning pick-me-up. Heck, I order two, just in case Wyatt’s awake when I get upstairs. Luckily, they make dairy-free alternatives.
With the two piping hot drinks nestled in a paper tray, I make my way to the elevator and reach the top floor for the last time. I jitter with excitement at the prospect of Wyatt being released from this place. He’s one more step on the journey to being whole again.
When I reach the end of the hallway, the man in all-black is sitting in a chair and checking his phone. He glances up at me, gives a slight nod, and returns his attention to his phone. Feeling mild approval, I sneak into Wyatt’s room. I tip-toe in, not wanting to wake him, but notice half the lights are on, giving a lamp-like effect.
Wearing his glasses, Wyatt reclines on his bed, stretching an elastic band around the fingers of his right hand. By his bed sits the small table with a mess of playing cards scattered across the top.
“Morning,” I whisper giddily.
As if snapping out of deep thought, Wyatt looks my way. “Huh?” He sits up, grinning. “Hey, Joze. Wow, you’re here early.”
I lift the paper tray with the two to-go cups and place them on the table with the playing cards. “I wanted to be here when you woke up. I’m surprised you’re not asleep.”
He tosses his glasses onto the table and then opens his arms, welcoming me into a hug I gladly snuggle into. As he rubs a circle on my back, he says, “I was uncomfortable. Like, kinda cramped, but also thinking about what getting out of here means.”
