"I left before the shock wore off." He grinned. "Let's just say I'm not expecting her to fall into my arms crying, 'You're right, I'm wrong and I really, really love you.'"
The tissues were called for again. "God, I needed to laugh so badly," she gasped. "But no running away this time, promise."
"No running away this time-except to see you."
Her expression grew thoughtful. "You can restart the hotel renovations."
"That's the least of our concerns right now."
"You two might not care about the hotel, but I do. I'm still going to need a job when this is over." She swallowed hard. "If I'm able."
Christian touched her where she could feel it, on her shoulder. "You'll get the best treatment."
She gave him a wan smile. "I think prayers at this point might be more useful."
"You've got those, too."
KEZIA PAUSED IN FRONT OF the beige door to Marion's private room, and pasted a smile on her face.
Since Christian had left her standing gob-smacked on the doorstep, her emotions had gone from incredulity to a profound hurt that he would play her like this. So he would sacrifice himself for her, would he? Be the martyr he accused her of being. At least she didn't have to marry anyone to salve her conscience.
With an effort she pulled herself together and knocked on the door with her good hand. Later she'd deal with Kelly. Right now he was distracting her from what was really important. She pushed the door open with a cheery, "It's me," saw Christian standing by the bed, and the smile fell off her face. For the life of her she couldn't retrieve it.
Instead she managed a croaky, "Hi," crossed to the bed and kissed Marion. "John Jason sent this picture for you. I have to warn you, it looks like you're hanging from a clothesline." Ignoring Christian, she busied herself with pinning the picture where Marion could look at it.
"We've just been discussing him," Christian said.
"I want you to take John Jason home." Marion's voice was stronger than Kezia had heard it in a week. "You can bring him back weekends to visit."
Kezia's mouth went dry. "Look, I know he said he hated day care this morning but he was cross with me. And I can't leave you until we know … until you're in the clear."
"I'll make sure Sally rings if there's any news." Marion's voice softened. "Kezia, you're the only one I'd entrust my baby to. You desperately need a break, and with Sally here, you can take one."
A suspicion occurred to Kezia. "Did Christian say that?"
"No, he let me say that-and without arguing." Suddenly her friend sounded exhausted.
Stricken, Kezia stroked Marion's arm. "Sorry." With a massive effort she dredged up another smile. "If that's what you want, then of course I'll do it."
"I knew you wouldn't let me down."
"I'll ring Don tonight to come get us."
"No need." Christian cleared his throat. "I'm going with you, to help out with John Jason."
"What?"
"You have no idea," said Marion, closing her eyes to signal an end to the conversation, "how that puts my mind at rest."
Kezia bit down on her tongue until she tasted blood.
"Another thing." Marion opened her eyes a crack. "Save on motel bills and stay at Christian's tonight."
Christian's blink of surprise saved him from certain death but Kezia's forbearance had reached its limit. "He's more than happy to pay for the motel, aren't you?" Her murderous tone suggested he concur; he murmured assent.
"Yes, but I don't want to be indebted to him more than I need to be." Lids closed again, Marion's features assumed a Madonna's peacefulness. "You of all people would understand that."
By the time Kezia thought of a comeback, her friend was asleep-or pretending to be. Frustrated, she jerked a thumb toward the door. Outside! she mouthed to Christian.
In the corridor she grabbed the front of his expensive shirt and swung him against the wall. "You lousy son of a bitch. Manipulating Marion to push us together."
"I can see why you'd think that," he conceded, passive in her grasp. "It isn't true."
"Whose idea was it I take John Jason home?"
Hesitation. "Mine but-"
"Bastard!" Releasing her hold, she stormed toward Marion's room. Christian grabbed her by the shirttail.
"She's worried about you … have you looked in a mirror lately? You're exhausted. Yet she knows her kid would be better off at home and you're the one she trusts. She's ready to deal directly with the doctors now. What would you have suggested?"
She hated self-pity, but she was too tired to fight it. "I really tried to make things easier. Now you're telling me I've failed."
"No." He reeled her back, grabbed her unresisting body and held tight. "You succeeded. Relying on you has made her strong enough to reclaim some independence. And to look out for the people she loves."
The only reason she leaned against his long, hard body was that she needed the rest. "I've got to tell her how John Jason feels about me."
"No, you don't. That's one of the reasons I'm coming with you, to act as a go-between. That, and to make sure you look after that arm." His tone grew gentle. "Let's face it, you've been putting out one fire after another since Muriel died."
Not all the fires were out, though. The thought galvanized Kezia to shrug free, address the real issue between them. "I'm not marrying you, Christian. Let me be quite clear on that."
"You're clear." His face gave nothing away, making Kezia even more nervous. She desperately needed a renunciation.
"You only want to marry me to ease your conscience."
"I hadn't thought of that." He considered. "Nope, that's bullshit."
Too tired for this, she changed the subject. "I can't leave Marion yet. Not until I know her prognosis."
"And if Sally picks another fight? Yeah, I heard about that one, too. Do you really want Marion to lose her only sister? Because she will choose you, Kez."
"Oh, will she?" The female voice bristled with hostility. Kezia looked around to see Sally, arms folded defensively, blond hair drawn into a ponytail as tight as her expression.
Kezia went to stand beside her. "We don't know who Marion would choose," she admonished Christian. "And Sally and I have already agreed not to force the issue."
Sally stepped away. "You mean, you fell back on emotional blackmail. Well, be warned, when Marion's well enough, I'm going to encourage her to sue you for every cent you've got."
"Here, take them now." Kezia opened her purse, shook out some coins. "Two dollars and twenty-five cents."
"Very funny. I know you own the Waterview hotel."
Kezia looked to Christian. "Do I?"
"I sent the deed through on Wednesday."
"You know I haven't thought about it in a week." She looked at Sally. "If you're sure you want it … I'm sorry, I'm forgetting my manners. You remember Christian Kelly, don't you?"
Sally blushed. "Are you trying to be funny?"
"Don't you remember?" Christian prompted Kezia. "I … we used to … know each other. It ended badly, didn't it? Sorry, Sal. And I'm the person to sue, not Kez. I was the owner of the hotel at the time and I stopped work on the renovations. I've already told Marion I accept all responsibility. Meanwhile I'll cover all costs, including your flight and hotel expenses."
For a moment Sally stood nonplussed. "Screw you," she said and went into Marion's room.
Christian stared after her. "Didn't I just do the right thing?"
"Wait here." Kezia followed Sally into the room, saw her bent over Marion, love and concern in every line. Then Sally caught sight of Kezia and her expression hardened.
Kezia steeled herself. "I've come to say good-night." She kissed Marion tenderly. "And goodbye, until next weekend."
"You're leaving?" Sally couldn't hide her satisfaction.
Marion spoke for her. "I've asked Kezia to take John Jason home."
Sally said nothing and Kezia breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe Christian had done some good then, in accepting responsibility. From her bag she took out a scrap of paper, scrawled all her numbers on it, and handed it over to Sally. "Will you call me if there's news?"
"Of course she will," Marion answered.
Kezia waited until Sally reluctantly nodded. "Okay then, see you in six days." She touched Marion's cheek, took a deep breath and walked away.