“I don't think any of us did. He’s always so worried about all of us that he never really thinks about himself. He never wants anyone worrying about him.”
“What about you?”
“What do you mean?” I cocked an eyebrow at him.
“Well, you seem like you don't want people worrying about you either.”
“I don't. I mean, I know my family does, and Ryan does, but I just don't think it's necessary.”
“Ryan?” his eyebrows rose.
“He’s a neighbor.”
“Only a neighbor?” Chris questioned.
“I'm not sure I understand what you’re asking.”
“Is he your boyfriend?”
“Ryan?” I laughed so hard I almost shot coffee out of my nose. “Ryan is most definitely not my boyfriend.” I saw an odd look leave his expression, and I wasn't sure I liked it.
“Just a friend then?”
“You could say that. He is almost like an older brother. A very annoying, nosy, in your face older brother.” I laughed thinking about Ryan and his antics. He kind of was the older brother I never thought I wanted.
I finished off my coffee and looked down at my phone, noticing the time.
“Oh, I have to run. I promised Mom I’d meet her at the hospital. Good luck this weekend.” I said while leaning in to hug him.
“Thanks. It's like a practice before the season. So we shall see.” He smiled and pulled me into his arms.
***
Wh
en we separated, I walked quickly across the street and hopped into my truck, heading for the hospital. I drove the twenty minutes and found my way up to the third floor. When I arrived, my mother and grandmother were standing in the hallway.
“Hey, honey.”
“Hey Mom.” I kissed her on the cheek, “Mimi.” I leaned over and kissed her too.
“They are moving him to a new room. We are just waiting for them to get him ready, and then we are just gonna follow them.”
I smiled and hugged both of them before peeking into the room. He was fussing about being able to get up, but they wanted him to stay in bed, and I couldn't help but smile.
“Stop standing there smiling, and help me explain to these nice ladies that I can walk to my next room.”
“Granddad, just do what they ask, okay?” I stepped into the room, helped him lay back down, and helped the nurses secure him for transport.
“This is stupid,” he grumbled.
“Stop being a brat. It will be over soon, and you'll be home in a few days. Just suck it up, buttercup.” I punched him soft and playfully on the arm and then turned and walked out of the room.
They got him all set up in a new room, and we talked about what needed to be done over the next week. I told him I’d taken care of everything in his urgent folder but that I had to get back and get my papers written and collect samples. He seemed okay with Chris handling things at the office for a week or two before he got back. I knew that the doctor had told him four weeks, but I also knew he would be back as soon as possible because that's just how he was. Work had never been his number one priority, but it was something that he did well and wanted to make sure that my grandmother, me, and mom were always taken care of.
Chapter Thirteen
Luke