Page 170 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“It’s okay.” I nuzzled her cheek. “Jude and the guys can handle it.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

I didn’t want to tell her that I was having second thoughts. That if it came down to the band or her, I’d pick her every time.

So I kept the words trapped, burying them deep inside me.

“Do you need anything?” I asked.

“No, this is perfect.” She snuggled closer. “I apologize in advance if I drift off to sleep. I’m wiped.”

“Sleep, Sofe,” I said. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

“I love you, Cole.”

“Love you too, babe.”

More than you know.

* * *

“Oh my,”a voice said, as I cracked open an eye to find a nurse gawking at me.

“Shit, sorry. I must have fallen asleep.” I’d planned to extract myself from Sofia at some point and move to the foldaway bed. But obviously that hadn’t happened.

“It’s quite okay. I won’t tell if you don’t.” She gave me a warm smile. “But I do need to get in there and check her vitals.”

“Oh yeah, of course.” I gently untangled Sofia from my body and slipped off the bed. “She’s out for the count.”

“I can do what I need to do without waking her. But the doctor will be doing his morning rounds soon.”

“Okay.”

“How long have the two of you been dating?” she asked as she went about her observations.

“Uh, not long. A few weeks.”

“When you know, you know.” She winked at me.

I liked this woman. I could have done with someone like her in my corner in the beginning when I was trying to get Sofia to give me a chance.

“Do they know what’s going on yet?” I asked.

“Oh, sweetheart. You know it’s not my place to discuss that with you.”

“Yeah, I know.” I looked down at the floor.

“But know this, Sofia is in the very best hands here with Dr. Jeffries.”

I nodded.

“I’m going to use the bathroom real quick and go grab some coffee from downstairs. If she wakes up, will you tell her where I am?”

“Of course.”

“Thanks.” I shoved my feet into my sneakers and grabbed my wallet off the side before heading out.

The hospital was already a hive of activity despite the time. After using the restroom, I joined the line for coffee at the concession stand.

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