Slow Grind (Men of Mornington)

A petite, blonde chick about the same age as Aubrey literally jumps out of the bed. Her American accent is strong, so right away I know she has to be a friend of Aub’s from the States—Jacey. She picks up a random duster from beside the table next to her and holds it in front of herself menacingly.

“Who the hell are you?” I ask, wanting to confirm she’s who I think she is and not some crazy stalker intent on living in Aubrey’s life. I’m both embarrassed and annoyed that Aubs didn’t mention anyone was staying with her. It would’ve been nice to know before I scared the life out of her friend.

“Who am I? Who are you?” she gasps, her eyes wide with fear. “Get out or I’ll…”

“You’ll what?” I laugh. “Dust me?” She throws it at me in disgust and bolts from the room.

“I’ve got my cell, and I’m calling the police!” she yells from the kitchen.

“Calm down, okay? I’m a friend of Aubrey’s. I’m Drew.” I stalk back into the kitchen, wishing I had my wallet or something to prove who I am. “She’s at the hospital with her brother, so I thought I’d pick up some of her things for her.”

“You’re Drew?”

“Yes. How’d you know?”

“Oh, I know things,” she responds with a wink. “Aubrey sent me a picture of you guys in the car, but it didn’t do you justice.” As if nothing happened, she moves into the kitchen and starts putting together things for a pot of coffee. “Anyway, how’s her brother? When she let me in yesterday, we were supposed to catch up, but she rushed out quickly. I hope it’s okay I made myself at home.”

“Max is in a coma, and Aubrey refuses to leave his side until he wakes up. And I’m sure she won’t mind about you making yourself comfortable. Max would actually be upset if you didn’t.” I think back to all the times one of us tried to crash on the couch and he’d make a big deal about sleeping in the guest room. He’d say he didn’t spend all that money to make it a room away from home for us to leave dents in his sofa.

“Oh, gosh. Can you tell me how to get to the hospital? Or maybe even give me a ride?”

“I’m just here grabbing some things for Aubrey. I’m not sure how long he’s going to be unconscious, and I want to make sure she has everything he needs. If you can help me gather some things for her, that would be great.”

“She was right about you,” Jacey says under her breath, but I make out every word.

“And what, exactly, did she say?”

“That you’re pretty amazing. A good guy would check in on her at the hospital, ask her if she needs anything. A great guy will actually go and get those things for her without even having to ask. You’re a great guy, Drew.”

“Well, what can I say? I am amazing.” I try to hide my blush by turning my back. I had no idea Aubrey was talking about me to her friend, let alone giving enough detail that this stranger would know the kind of person I truly am, not just what I portray.

“Here. Give me that backpack, and I’ll get her stuff together. You fill some mugs with coffee for the road. If you don’t give me caffeine, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”

I like this girl.

On the drive back to the hospital, Jacey and I stop at a small café and pick up a few different things Aubrey might be able to stomach. I doubt she’ll be able to eat; I just want to make sure the option is there in case she decides to try. I know she has to be starving. Jacey kindly picks out some of Aubrey’s favourite breakfast foods.

Who knows … maybe when we do get back to the hospital, Aubrey will be in a better mood and Max will be awake, and we can give him shit for giving us the scare of a lifetime. Wishful thinking and all that.

Chapter Fifteen

Aubrey

For the love of God. I gasp as I sit upright and curl my hand around my neck, massaging it slowly. My head throbs, probably from sleeping the whole night on a chair. I glance around the darkened room, letting my eyes adjust to being open. Easing myself out of the chair, I walk over to the curtains, cracking them open slightly. Drew’s not here. Disappointment fills me, and I realise how much I liked having him with me last night. He was the last person I saw before I fell asleep.

“Finally awake, huh?”

I jump and spin around, the croaky, hoarse voice scaring the hell out of me. Max smiles at me and reaches out his hand. I race over and clutch it, my eyes welling with tears I promised I wouldn’t let fall.

“You’re awake,” I whisper. He grins and nods his head slightly. “You scared me, Max. I thought you were…”

“You can’t get rid of me that easily,” he chuckles. He glances around, pressing his dry, cracked lips together. “Can I have a drink or something?”

“I better get the doctor. Hold on, okay?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he mumbles as I sprint from the room. I zoom past the waiting area but stop in my tracks when I see Mum curled up in a chair, asleep.

“Mum?” She sits up, startled, her eyes wide and blinking as they focus on me. “You’ve been here all night? Why didn’t you come in?”