“Not yet.”
“I fucking hate hospitals,” I grumble, falling into the chair next to him.
His smile falters. “Shit, brother. I’m sorry. I’m only fucking around. You don’t have to stay.”
“Have to now.” I cock my head toward the window. “Charlotte dropped me off and went home.”
Z’s head jerks up and he stands. “How’s she doing?”
At first, I think he’s asking me how Charlotte’s doing. But nobody even knows about our loss.
Then I follow Z’s gaze to Rock stalking down the hallway toward us. His face is pinched with worry. “She’s doing good.” He holds up a small paper cup. “They sent me for ice chips.” His gaze lands on me. “Hey. Thanks for coming. Afraid there’s nothing exciting to report yet.”
His voice is stiff and formal. Did he think I wouldn’t be here? Of course I want to see my new baby sister.
Painfully aware of Z’s presence, and the way his sharp gaze shifts between Rock and me, I choose my words carefully. “Yeah, no problem. Anything I can do, Prez?”
A small shift or twitch at the corner of his eyes suggests he’s disappointed. Did he expect me to call him Dad in front of Z or something?
“Nah, you two might as well go home and get some sleep. I’ll text when Grace is here and it’s okay to visit.”
Z shifts his weight, peering over Rock’s shoulder. “Can I see her to say goodbye? Wish her good luck or something?”
Any other time, Rock would probably threaten to punch Z for trying to intrude, but his face transforms into a more relaxed smile. “No.” He reaches out to squeeze Z’s shoulder. “I’ll tell her though.”
Trinity walks up behind Rock and taps him on the shoulder. “Here.” She passes him another paper cup that seems to be full of ice.
“Thanks, Trinny. You heading home?”
“Unless you want me to stay?”
“Nah, I’ll let you know when something exciting happens.”
“Can I catch a ride with you?” I ask Trinity.
“Yeah, sure.”
I wait a beat until Z and Trinity are near the elevator, then pull Rock to the side. “Do you want me to stick around? Is there anything I can do for you?”
“No, I think it’s going to be a while. Go home.” He hesitates. “Come back tomorrow, though?” he asks, as if he hates imposing on me.
“Hell yeah. I’ll come sooner if you need me to. Just call.”
He tilts his head and holds out his arms. I reach in and hug him. “I’ll be back. I can’t wait to meet my new little sister,” I say against his ear.
“Thanks,” he rasps, patting me on the back with his free hand.
“You coming?” Z calls out.
I slap Rock’s shoulder one more time, then turn and catch up to Z.
“Is Charlotte okay?” Trinity asks. “She seemed quiet at the party.”
“Yeah. Big case she has coming up this week,” I answer quickly. It’s true but not the only thing bothering Charlotte lately.
I wish to hell Charlotte would let me say something to someone. I get why she doesn’t want to tell Hope. And guilt follows me all day, every day, that she’s not comfortable talking to Heidi. She’s gotten close to Trinity, though. And I think Trinity might understand.
But I made a promise to Charlotte and I won’t break it.