“Noah,” I croak out. “You're awake. Oh my God. I'm so happy. How do you feel?”
“Like a giant pile of shit.” He tries to reposition himself and moans with a painful expression.
Immediately, I feel bad for him, but I'm thrilled he's talking to me. “You bruised some ribs and had a concussion. The doctor said you’d be really sore for a while,” I explain.
Noah stares at me, then looks around the room with furrowed brows. “Was Brittany here?”
His question shocks me. “No. I haven't seen her. Before I showed up, Gemma and your dad were here, though. They just went to grab some lunch.”
“You're sure Brittany wasn't here?”
“I can't be positive, but I think Gemma or your dad would’ve said something if they saw her. No one has heard from her since yesterday. I'm not sure if she ever found a ride or got a tow back to town either. Enough of that, though. When you're home and feeling better, we need to discuss some things regarding her. I just don't want to talk about it right now.”
“Yeah.” He blows out. “I agree. I just...I could’ve sworn she was in my room.”
Curiosity fills me. Is it possible she stopped by before Gemma and Jerry arrived? Absolutely.
Considering he's awake and talking, the last thing I want to discuss right now is Brittany.
“I was worried about you, Noah. I thought...” My voice cracks, and I choke up. “I thought I was going to lose you.”
With a tight squeeze of my hand, he tries to reassure me. “I'm not going anywhere, sweetheart.”
His words make me smile, but I also know we can’t control every situation. “I was scared. The blood and the way your truck looked. I just...I thought the worst.”
Sucking in a deep breath, he turns his body toward me, and I stand to help adjust his pillow.
“It happened so fast,” he says.
I can't even imagine what it was like. “They said the truck hit you off-center, and if it would've been two feet to the right, you probably wouldn't have walked away.”
He tries to suck in a deep breath but winces instead. I give him all the time he needs, and before I say another word, my phone dings. Pulling it from my purse, I unlock it and see a text from Gemma.
Gemma: Belinda just met us for lunch and said Brittany showed up for her shift today and acted like nothing happened. No comment about yesterday. Do you think she knows about Noah's accident?
Katie: If he was going to pick her up and never showed, wouldn't she question it? All of this is strange AF.
Gemma: Yeah, I agree. Belinda did mention she was driving a rental car and had her SUV towed.
I narrow my eyes and reread the message.
Katie: If you wanted your story to be believable, wouldn’t you tow it somewhere too? I’m not buying this, but I'll figure it out. Also, your brother's awake now.
Gemma: I agree. Something weird’s going on, and I'll tell Dad about Noah. Yay! Please tell him I love him and I’ll see him soon. I'm sure we'll be back after we eat. We're just down the street at a cafe grabbing a sandwich.
Noah clears his throat. “Who's that?”
I give him a smile and lock my phone. “Gemma. Just letting her know you're awake. They're eating, then they'll be back. She said she loves you.”
“Tell her I said it back, please,” he says and sucks in a ragged breath. “Were they worried?”
“Yes, we all were. You had a room full last night. Even Owen was stressed,” I say.
Sadness meets his eyes. “I'm sorry. I hate that I’ve put y’all through this.”
“You're alive, and that's all that matters. It was a wake-up call, I think. A reminder that life is short, and we don't always get second chances. Not that I ever have, but I promise I won't take a moment with you for granted, Noah. I just kept thinking...what if I lost you?”
“Might be broken and bruised, but I'm here, baby.”
I lean over and press my lips against his, and the emotion pours through me. When I move back to my chair, I meet his eyes again. The nurse enters, and she's pleasantly surprised to find Noah awake.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Reid,” she tells him. “I'm Tracy, your nurse. How's your pain level today?”
“I'm okay,” he tells her. “Could use some water.”
She nods. “I'll bring some. Anything else?”
“I don't think so, thanks.”
Tracy leaves and eventually returns with a small pitcher of water and some ice chips. “Press your call button if you need anything.”
“Thanks,” he says, and she leaves. I pour a glass of water as he tries to sit on the edge of the bed and put his feet on the floor. “I feel like I got my ass beat.”
I hand him the cup, and he drinks it in a few gulps, so I give him more. “Last night, I just remember wanting to talk to you. You called, and I dropped my phone on the passenger side floorboard.”