Page 85 of Twist of Fate
“What?”
“We’re going to the hospital,” she explains, as if that explains anything.“Your mom gave me all the info, so I know where to go. Do you need to grab anything out of your office before we leave?”
We. She’s going with me?
I swallow, unable to believe the words coming from her mouth. Just five minutes ago, she wouldn’t even look at me. Now, she’s going with me to see my father in the hospital.
“N-no,” I reply. “I’m ready.” I’m not at all ready.
“Okay.” She gives a nod, and we both head toward the elevator. She makes a quick stop by her desk and grabs her purse, which earns us a few odd looks from the staff. When we get downstairs, she asks Penny at the front desk to call a cab for us.
I stare at her like she’s an alien.
She’s definitely acting like she’s been abducted by one.
The cab arrives, and we travel to the hospital mostly in silence. I feel her eyes on me occasionally, as if she’s conducting a timed check-in on my mental state.
I guess I did go a little mental in the hallway for a bit.
When we arrive at the hospital, I feel like a trained dog, just following his master. I have no idea what floor or room my father is in since I wasn’t the one who spoke to my mother. Although, I’m not sure I would have remembered, considering the state I’m in.
We step off the elevator when Ash suddenly stops me. “I know your dad has had a stroke before,” she says, her eyes searching mine. “But he’s in critical care, so there will be wires and tubes. You need to prepare for that if you’ve never seen it before.”
I swallow and nod, a wave of guilt washing over me because of the complexity of my relationship with my father. I’m not what I’m feeling right now.
But I know it’s not love.
As we head toward the critical care unit, I look around for my mother but don’t spot her. She’s either in the room with him or has stepped out to make more phone calls.
We arrive at the desk, and the nurse asks for the patient’s name. “Craig O’Connell,” I croak out.
She types away at the computer. “He’s in critical care, so only kin will be allowed back.”
“He’s my father,” I tell her, and then because I can’t stomach the idea of going back there alone, I add, “And this is my wife.”
If the nurse notices our bare ring fingers, she stays quiet and leads us back.
“So, am I Mrs. Larkin or Mrs. O’Connell?” Ash teases under her breath. I reach for her hand, my thumb brushing over the Claddagh ring she always wears. She may think I’m just trying to sell my marriage story to the nurse, but I couldn’t care less about appearances. I just need her. “I need to know so I can make the stationery.”
“Ladies’ choice.” A faint smile tugs at my lips as I appreciate her distraction tactics. Imagining her with my last name—either one—is something I’ve fantasized about more than I’d like to admit. “Legally, my name includes both since neither of my parents wanted to relinquish their prestigious family names, but I’ve always been partial to Larkin since it’s my mother’s and—”I don’t hate her.
And just like that, I’ve brought the mood plummeting back down again.
“Here we are,” the nurse announces. Her words make me come to an abrupt halt as I stare at the imposing door that separates me from my father. My body feels frozen to the floor, and I can’t move a step further. I glance at the nurse and then at Aisling, feeling panic rise in my chest.
“Can you give us a minute?” Ash asks politely. The nurse nods and walks away, or at least I think she does. My gaze is fixed on the door in front of me.
Ash softly cradles my chin and shifts my head. “Tell me what you’re thinking. I’ve been in your shoes before. Maybe I can help.”
God, she’s so good. Too good.
I shake my head. “I don’t want to be here.”
“I know it’s hard to see a parent like?—”
“No, you don’t understand.” I give her a pleading look. “It’s not the same with me, Ash. I don’t—” I let out a breath. “We have a complicated relationship. I don’t know how to do the father-son thing.”
Understanding blooms, and I see her nod. “Who says you have to? No one else is here but you and me. If you want to go in and see him, then I’ll be right there with you. But if it’s too much, we can just turn around and find your mom, and that can be your focus for the day. You don’t need to explain yourself to me, Finn.”
