He popped another Twiglet in his mouth as I grabbed his arm. “Can you promise me something?” Knowing he was alone through all of this tugged at my heart.
He stopped chewing for a moment and spied me peculiarly. “Depends on what it is.”
I reached into my bag and pulled out a card with my work number on it. With a pen, I turned it over and wrote my home phone and mobile number. “Here, take this,” I said, handing him the card. “I want you to promise me that if you need me, and I don’t care what time of day or night, you call me on any of those numbers. Okay?”
I looked at him sternly, earning myself a cheeky grin. “Come on, admit it. You are in love with me, aren’t you?”
I smiled, but shook my head. “I’m being serious, Jeremy. I want you to promise me. I don’t care what time it is.”
Holding his hands up, his eyes widened a little. “Okay, okay. I promise.”
Sinking back into the chair, I sighed. “Thank you. Oh, one more thing.”
Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Oh god. What is it this time?”
“Jeremy!” I scolded, making us both chuckle. “How are you getting on with the book?”
Jeremy smiled at me triumphantly. “I finished it earlier this afternoon.”
“Really? That was quick.”
“Well, as you can see, there is so much for me to do here…” he replied, rolling his eyes at me again. I know he meant it as a joke, but it still didn’t stop the pang of sympathy in my gut.
“Did you enjoy it?” I finally asked. I’d only known Jeremy for a couple of days, but I could already tell the last thing he wanted was anybody’s sympathy.
“I loved it. I want more,” he replied, bright-eyed.
Digging my hands into my bag, I fished out the sequel to the book. “Well, it’s good I bought you this one, as well.”
His face lit up again as his hands frantically waved for me to hand it to him. “You must be my angel,” he sighed. “Thank you.”
Grabbing his arm again, I squeezed it gently. “Don’t mention it, kiddo.”
“Excuse me, miss,” a gentle voice called over to me. I spun around and saw the same nurse from yesterday. “Visiting time is over.”
My eyes widened and checked my watch to make sure she was correct. I sagged my shoulders and looked at Jeremy. “That went by too quick.”
Jeremy smiled and looked up at the nurse. “That’s because she’s in love with me.”
“Jeremy!” I shouted, knowing I was making a habit of this.
“You can’t help it, of course. Every nurse here is in love with me, too. I guess I just have a natural charm all you ladies love.”
The nurse laughed, but rolled her eyes. It seemed I wasn’t the only one he was constantly hitting on.
“I think you should be concentrating on eating, Jeremy, instead of hitting on all the ladies. You need to get your strength up if you’re going to go around catching any girl’s heart,” the young nurse said with a smile.
“Who says I need to catch any girl’s heart? I already have a million lining up to add to my already large pile.”
Shaking my head, I got up. “You’re incorrigible, Jeremy. Just make sure you do as the nurse asks. You do look a little pale. And just remember what I said.”
Jeremy saluted me with a smile. “Yes, ma’am.”
I smiled. “I’ll try to visit you as often as I can, but if there are ever any days I can’t come in, please know it’s because of work and not because I don’t want to see you.”
Jeremy shrugged and picked his magazine back up. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll understand.”
I knew by the way he said it that he cared more about it than he let on. He was desperate for my company and, I must admit, I was a little desperate for his, too. I didn’t even know him very well, but I cared for him very deeply.
“Okay, well, you take care of yourself,” I smiled as I turned towards the door.
“Okay. You, too.” He waved with a small smile. He immediately went back to reading and I knew I had no choice but to leave.
Once I got closer to the door, I turned and motioned to the nurse. “Excuse me. Can I have your name?”
The blonde nurse smiled. “Yes. It’s Kimberly.”
I nodded with a smile, grabbing another card from my bag, writing my home and mobile numbers on it, then handing it to her. “Could you do me a favour? If he ever needs someone, could you please call me? I gave him a card, too, but I’m not sure he’ll use it. He seems as stubborn as a mule.”
She bit her lip, a little unsure. “I’m not sure. I’ve been told to contact the foster home if there were ever any problems.”