Page 124 of The Persistence of Thornes
Case laughs, his expression much more relaxed than it was when we first settled into the room. Likely because of the second round of pain medicine the nurse brought by about half an hour ago.
“In all seriousness,” Quinn says from his chair. “We’re happy that you’re happy.”
There’s no stopping my smile. I don’t need my little brothers’ approval, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it. “Thank you.”
“Caleb’s a cool guy,” Casen says. “Aside from his taste in women, that is.”
“Hey.” I scoff. “Now is not the time to be ribbing me. Icriedover you.”
“Aw, come on, Hal. It’s just?—”
I point at him in warning. “If you say it’s just a broken leg one more time.”
“All right, all right,” he cajoles, both hands held up in front of him.
“Can I trust you here alone?” I ask Quinn.
He rolls his eyes like my question is the most preposterous thing he’s ever heard.
But I know my brothers. There’s a good chance that if I leave, I’ll return to find all the drawers rifled through and the two of them making balloons out of gloves.
“Yes. I’ll be fine, and it’s not like Casen is going anywhere.”
I take a deep breath—still not fully convinced that I won’t come back to discover some sort of shenanigans have happened in my absence, but I’d give just about anything for a coffee from the snack station the nurse showed me earlier.
Though Casen’s room is equipped with an en suite, I stop by the restroom at the end of the hall. Once I’ve relieved myself and my bladder has thanked me for finally listening to it, I wash up and head to the snack station on the other side of the wing.
I grab a soda for each of the boys and a water and coffee for myself. I even snag a couple of protein bars and bags of chips. Case must be starving. He missed lunch, just like I did.
Juggling the drinks and snacks, I manage to get the door open. Inside, Case and Quinn are discussing a new video game they’re excited about.
With a huff of a breath, I set all my finds on the tray.
“Sweet, is that for me?” Casen asks, pointing at my haul.
“All for you, kid.” I hold out a can of Coke and a protein bar.
“Hey, what about me?” Quinn gripes.
I flick my finger at the assortment of goodies. “Help yourself.”
Quinn snags a protein bar and a Coke for himself while I settle into a chair with my coffee and a bag of Little Bites muffins. I’m so hungry that I could easily be convinced the slightly squished, almost soggy pastries are gourmet.
“What do you want for dinner?” I ask. If I don’t text Caleb soon, he’ll be hounding me for our order, I’m sure.
They each rattle off three or four places, talking over one another.
I shake my head at the blending of their voices. “I got none of that. Discuss among yourselves and let me know what you decide.”
Once they have their orders figured out, I text the extensive list to Caleb.
Tired doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. Exhausted barely scratches the surface. The moment I answered the phone call from the school, my body went into fight-or-flight mode and still hasn’t quite returned to normal.
I sip at the coffee, hoping it gives me the spark of energy I desperately need to make it until Caleb returns and I can change into more comfortable clothing.
As I take another sip of coffee, I will myself not to panic about Casen’s upcoming surgery. It’s a challenge to keep my knee from bouncing and my breaths from gettingshallow. Surgery is a big deal. Getting put under, cut into?—
Blowing out a long breath, I put a stop to my thoughts right then and there. I can’t go down this path. I won’t let myself spiral. Not when I need to be strong for him. He’s the one who has to endure it. My job is to provide support.
