Resisting Ryann(55)
I laugh with her and it hurts.
“Oh God. Sorry,” she says. “Try not to laugh.”
“How long was I out anyway?” I ask. “How long have I been here? I don’t even know what day it is.”
“Two days. They put you in a medically induced coma. Do you remember what happened?”
“I think I was shot.”
She nods. “Once in the shoulder and twice in the leg.”
Memories of the other night are flashing through my head. “What hospital are we at?” My eyes roam the white board on the wall across from me at the same time she answers.
“We’re at Saint Joe’s.”
Saint Joe’s. I’m in Phoenix. I search for a phone, then flinch again. I keep forgetting about my shoulder until it’s too late. My drugs are wearing off, and my mind’s becoming clearer. I’ve got to check on Andrew. Last time I saw him he was in bad shape.
“Careful,” I hear from a voice not belonging to my sister. “It’s time for your pain meds.” A young nurse approaches me with sparkly eyes and a bright smile. At least she’s a happy nurse.
“Let me guess. You’re Julie?”
“That’s me!” She grins. “You’re handsome and awake,” she says, winking. “How are we feeling?”
Flicking my gaze to Lauren, I catch her covering a smile with her hand. I’m not sure if Julie’s being friendly, or if that was some sort of pick up line. “I’ve definitely felt better.”
“I bet you have.” She nods. “On a scale of one to ten, how bad is the pain?”
“I don’t know. An eight or nine I guess.”
“All right,” she replies. “Don’t worry. I’m going to take the pain away.” She leans in close enough to make it uncomfortable, then says, “You have some gorgeous eyes—like pools of whiskey. I’d been betting on cobalt blue, back when you were asleep. These are even better.”
“Thank you?” comes out more like a question, and I’m feeling a little violated. Lauren giggles in her chair.
“You’re welcome.” She stands and straightens her shoulders. “I’ll go get your medicine. See this button right here … press it if you need me,” she says, pointing to a little red symbol on the remote that’s connected to my bed. “I’ll make sure they give your wife a ring. She’ll be happy to hear you’re awake and expecting her.” At that, she darts out of the room, chart in hand.
My eyes move to Lauren. “Did she just say my wife?”
Biting her lip, she replies, “Yeah, I was going to ask you about that. Rachelle?” Her brows raise and I pause.
“Son of a—”
“I knew it wasn’t true,” she interrupts. “She told me if you wake up, to tell you the dog is okay,” she adds, shrugging. “I figured I’d ask you about it later.”
I rub the space between my brows. I’d forgotten about Chance. “Good, they got him,” I sigh, glancing at her. “It’s a long story. And you’re right. It isn’t true. I’m just too tired to explain right now.” I’m reminded, once again, of Andrew. “Have you heard anything about Andrew?”
She looks at me, confused. “Who?”
“Reese’s father—Andrew. Shit! I need the nurse!” Pressing the red button, I need to know, and now.
Lauren shoots out of her chair. “I’ll go get her.” She’s panicking, as she rushes through the doorway. My expression probably scared her.
Moments later, they’re hurrying back in the room. Julie places my meds on the tray with a small cup of water. “What is it, honey? What do you need?”
“The night I came here … were there others with me?”
“Yes.” She nods. “From what I understand.”
I close my eyes and exhale a breath. I open them and ask, “How bad off is Andrew Johnson?” Please say he’s going to be okay.
Looking nervous, she replies, “I’m sorry. I’m unable to go into specifics with you about another patient. It’s part of our privacy policy.”
“So he is a patient then?”
She bounces from one foot to another. “I can’t say if he is or isn’t, and won’t disclose names but …” She pauses, as a crease forms between her brows. “From what I’ve heard, you are the only survivor amongst the group of you who came in together. The second survivor passed away earlier today,” she adds sympathetically.
“No, no, no. That can’t be right. There were several of us. Andrew’s in his late forties, ‘bout my size, got a bushy, gray beard. You can’t miss him,” I say, gesturing with my fingers.