“Not at the moment.”
Macy eyed her with concern. “When are they letting you out of here?”
Erin shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. As soon as it’s safe for the baby, and I’m not pushing it.” She protectively covered her stomach with her hands.
“Gotcha. I’ll bring some of Aunt Lulu’s cake for you too.”
“You’re the best.”
Macy grinned. “I know.” She rose to her feet. “Let me get started on that errand. If you aren’t out of here today, I’ll be back to see you tonight.”
“Thank you.” She paused. “Macy?”
Her friend tipped her head to the side, her long black hair falling over one shoulder. “What is it?”
“I haven’t told anyone, but I’ve been thinking . . . about my current job and the baby and changes I need to make.” A planner by nature, Erin’s subconscious had been putting together lists and ideas even before they’d fully formed in her mind.
“I’m here for you. I’ll give advice or just shut up and listen. Whatever you need.”
Erin managed a smile. “I know.”
“Can I ask . . . what about Cole?”
She shook her head. “Not yet. I can’t talk about him. I can’t see him, knowing it’s over . . . but there are some practical things I need to take care of before he leaves.”
Macy eased closer to the bed again. “Like what?”
Erin glanced down at the white, waffle-textured blanket. “I need to see a lawyer . . . to discuss how to handle visitation, child support—” She swallowed a sob, determined to remain strong.
“Isn’t it too fast to think about all this? I mean, you’ve been through a huge trauma. Your stalker has just been arrested. You need time—”
“I don’t have time,” Erin cut her off. “You said it yourself. Victoria’s not a threat anymore. I’m safe. That means Cole can leave town anytime and go back undercover. I need to make sure these things are ironed out quickly, before he goes.”
Macy stepped close and touched her hand. “Okay. Whatever you need, we’ll do. And afterward, I can stay over. We can eat cake and ice cream, and watch South Park: The Movie and laugh over the dirty parts.” Macy waggled her eyebrows, causing Erin to chuckle. “Anything for you—as long as I’m that baby’s godmother.”
Erin rolled her eyes. “As if there’d be anyone else.”
“Yay, me!” Macy squealed, clapping her hands in joy, her laughter ringing out in the small cubicle.
“You’re incorrigible,” Erin said with a grin.
“There it is,” Macy said. “I want to see that beautiful smile on your face more often.”
Erin didn’t reply. With the thoughts running through her mind and the plans she had to make, smiling was the last thing she’d feel like doing for a good, long while.
Eighteen
Cole checked in with the hospital and learned his father was sleeping soundly and his vitals were good, but that he couldn’t visit until the morning. He drove back to Nick’s borrowed home, in no mood to pack up his shit or to do more than kick back and forget his problems for a little while. Tomorrow he’d move himself out of this house and drop Erin’s clothes off at her condo at some point during the day.
In the meantime, since Erin didn’t want to see him, Cole was on his own for the first time in weeks. He poured himself a bourbon and settled into an oversized chair. Alone with only his thoughts for company, the quiet mocked him, though he’d always appreciated silence before.
He’d barely touched the glass to his lips when the doorbell rang. “What now?” he muttered, heading to see who was interrupting his surprisingly unwelcome peace and solitude.
He opened the door, took one look at Macy Donovan, and groaned.
“Hello to you too,” she said brightly, pushing past him and walking inside.
“Make yourself at home,” he muttered.