Page 51 of Heal For Me

I take a deep breath, hoping to calm my nerves and step inside. The room is much larger than I expected, but everything else has been too, so I’m not sure why I’m surprised.

White marble floors are complemented by light-blue walls. There are two windows that overlook the pool and courtyard, like he said. To the left, is an all-white bed I assume must be mine, because the other bed across the room has a tie-dye comforter laying across it and the walls over the bed are covered in various drawings.

“I didn’t know you were going to have a roommate,” Janelle comments.

“Me either.” I look at Jethro, and based on the furrowed brows, he didn’t know either.

“I will go speak to the front desk.” He turns but I stop him.

“It’s fine. It might be nice to not be alone.”

He pauses.

“Just let me see if she’s nice at least.”

He strides across the room and critiques the paintings. As if that will tell him anything about my future roommate. “Fine, but if you want your own room, you let them know immediately, and it will be done.”

I leave him to whatever he is looking for in those paintings and head to my side. Janelle has made herself at home on my bed. Lying on her side with her hand propping up her head. “What are you thinking? Pretty fab, yeah?”

“Seems more like a vacation.” I blow out an easy laugh. “That court will be nice to use once I’m back on my feet, right?”

“Totally. Figure out whoever plays so we can crush them.”

I snort. “Deal.”

“Oh, here.” She twists around and grabs a blue gift bag from behind her. “This was on the bed.”

“What is it?”

She shrugs and passes me the bag. I let go of Todd, that’s his signal that he’s off the job and can function like a normal dog, and he trots over to Jethro. Despite Jethro being grumpy about having a dog in his home, Todd has taken quite the liking to him.

Flipping the bag around in my hand, I shrug. “Must be something they give to new patients.” I twist the tag to see if anything is written on it, and there is.

Jailbird.

My throat tightens but relief floods throughout my body at the same time. He couldn’t be here, yet he always finds a way to be there. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve him, but I’m so damn lucky. I don’t even know what could be inside the small bag, but I also don’t think I want to open it with people around. Janelle is one thing, but knowing Uncle Jet is hovering over my shoulder and this is a gift from Ash, I’m not sure I want to risk it. I place it on the table, and Janelle’s mouth drops.

“I know you’re not about to make me wait to hear what lover boy got you.”

I shush her, Uncle Jet is still looking at the painting and I’d prefer if he didn’t see the gift at all. “I will call you as soon as I open it.” I nod, drawing her attention behind me.

“Ahhh, okay. Fine.” She’s not satisfied with that answer, but it’ll have to do. I’m dying to open it as well, but I’d like to be alone.

Forcing my attention away from the bag, I check out the rest of the room. At the foot of each bed is a large cabinet meant to be a closet. Across the room, is the bathroom, it’s closer to the other girl’s bed but that’s fine. The marble continues in the bathroom, but the walls are tiled the same instead of the blue. There are two shower stalls, each with a privacy wall so you can get undressed and dressed in private. The toilet is in its own little room, and there are two sinks with equally large storage and counter space. The girl has various bathroom items on one of the sinks and in one of the showers, so I’ll just use the other, no big deal. It’s so nice we don’t have to share sinks or showers.

I hear the click of the door, assuming it’s the nurse with my bags Jethro said he was having someone bring up. I walk over only to be greeted with neither of those.

The girl I saw painting on the roof stands in the doorway, covered in paint, and wide, nervous eyes darting from each of us.

“Uh, hi. I’m Payson. I’m guessing you are the owner of that bed.” I flick my hand in that direction.

She takes a moment to answer but eventually nods. “Yes, sorry. I haven’t had a roommate yet and forgot they had mentioned someone would be moving in today. I would have cleaned.” Her dark cheeks bloom a deep red as she glances around the room. I follow her lead and look around, even though I don’t need to. There’s not a single thing out of place. “I’m Abby, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Jethro’s shoes click as he walks behind me. His arm stretches out next to my face, offering his hand. “Jet, Payson’s dad.”

Janelle jumps up from the bed and hurries over. “Janelle, Payson’s sister.”

---