Page 63 of Final Approach
Other than turn into a sopping, crying mess. And that wasn’t happening. Much. She pulled in a ragged breath. “Well, I just ... I mean—” She sniffed. “I don’t know what to say.”
Emily squeezed again. “You don’t have to say anything. Just know that we appreciate it. There aren’t enough words to express that, and I’m sorry I haven’t told you that before.” She swiped a tear. “Almost dying makes you look at things a little different—and say things you’ve thought but never actually said. Now, I’ve said it.”
“Thanks, Em. I’d do it all over again if I had to.” She had to change the subject before the knot in her throat strangled her.
Emily shot a frown at Kristine. “I’ve been scared to ask and you haven’t brought it up, but I have to know. How are Dana and Tia?”
Kristine worked hard not to let her ragged emotions show on her face, but she must have failed because Emily’s drugged gaze sharpened.
“Tell me.”
She had no choice. “Dana’s recovering like you, but Tia didn’t make it, sweetie. I’m so terribly sorry.” No sense in dragging it out.
Emily gasped, then tears flooded her eyes and poured over her temples. Kristine grabbed the box of tissues and did her best to catch the grief, wishing she could mop it up as easy as the liquid. She didn’t say a word, just let her sister cry. Then realized she was crying with her. Again. She used a few of the tissues for herself. “I’m so sorry, Em.”
The sobs continued for a few more very long seconds before her sister hiccupped and caught her breath. “I can’t believe it,” she whispered. “It doesn’t seem possible.”
“I know.” She leaned her head against Emily’s, and Ethan walked to the bed to grip his sister’s hand. She lost track of how long they stayed that way, but Kristine finally pulled back and asked, “How’s your pain level?”
Emily sniffed and pressed the fingers of her good hand to her eyes. “Not too bad,” she finally said. “But I’m not worried about that. Poor Tia...”
The door opened and their father stepped into the room. When his eyes landed on Emily, he smiled. “Finally. You’re awake. I’ve been so worried, baby.”
Emily looked at Kristine. “My pain level just spiked. I need more drugs.”
Before she could respond, someone knocked, and a nurse let herself in the open door. “Hi there. I’m Leanna, and Naomi terrifies me. She’s still here covering until lunchtime. If she learns of the crowd back here, I’m toast. I’m sorry, but one of you needs to go.” The words were direct, but her eyes and tone were kind.
“I’m not leaving Emily,” their father said. “I’ll be right here.”
Emily blinked. “But—”
“And I’ll be here too,” Ethan stated with a hard look at the man they all felt like they needed to team up against.
Kristine looked at Leanna. “I’ll go,” she said. Reluctantly, but she did have work to do. “Text me if you need me.”
“Perfect,” Leanna said. “You can come back in a little while. Now that she’s awake, we don’t want to tire her out with visits that are too long. She needs to rest.”
“Agreed.”
She kissed Emily’s cheek, hugged her brother, nodded to her father, and slipped out of the room with Leanna.
The nurse patted her shoulder. “I’ll watch out for her. Now that she’s awake, Naomi and I will be more strict about the rules. I’ll kick them out in thirty minutes.”
On impulse, Kristine hugged the woman. “You’re the best. Tell Naomi she is too and I owe her a big hug.”
“Thank you. Yes I am. You can put that on my evaluation. Naomi’s too.”
Kristine laughed and headed for the elevator, checking her phone as she walked. She had about fifteen text messages. One was confirmation that her rental had been delivered with directions how to find it in the lot. Thank goodness. No more Uber for her. The other messages were on the loop, letting her know that everyone was at James and Lainie’s house and updating her on their conversation.
And then a private message from Andrew, who wanted to knowif she’d go shopping with him, then to dinner if she wasn’t too tired. Today.
She froze, reading the message four times. Was he asking her out on a date?
HAD HE REALLY ASKED HERto go shopping and then to dinner with him? He verified he’d typed those words and actually sent them.
Yep. He had. An hour ago.
Should he specify it wasn’t a date? Just two friends hanging out? No. He shouldn’t.
