“No change.”
“How’s my boy?”
“In bad shape. Paige has been talking to him about going back to the tour. How many concerts have they canceled so far?”
“Just tonight’s. They didn’t have a show scheduled tomorrow night.”
“Something happened at the arena, right after Liv’s accident. A close family friend was there. He was competing in another event, and saw what happened. He waited with Liv while the medical team called for an ambulance. She was conscious.”
“And?”
“She told Billy not to let Ben come if he tried.”
“Why not?”
“She said that she and Ben had promised one another, but that was all. Has something happened between them in the last couple of weeks?”
“I don’t know.”
“Paige is convinced Liv can hear us, that’s why it’s so important we keep talking to her, but not say anything that might upset her.”
“So she wants Ben to leave?”
“Yes. She does.”
Billy Patterson came off the elevator with Dottie and his dad.
“Where’s our girl?” Dottie asked Mark.
“I’ll take you to her. Give me just a minute. Have you met Bud? This is Ben’s father.”
After they were introduced, Mark asked Bud if he minded waiting while he took Bill and Dottie back.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll wait here, but before you go, can I talk to you for just a minute?” Bud went to the window, and Mark followed.
“Do you want me to talk to Ben?”
“Paige will, but she wants your help convincing him. We’ll keep in contact with him and let him know if there’s any change, but she thinks he should leave.”
“I know my son. It won’t be easy to talk him into leaving.”
Mark nodded. “I completely understand.”
Paige and Renie came out, and Dottie and Bill went back in their place. Ben came out a few minutes later.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hello, son,” Bud answered.
“What the hell is he doing here? She doesn’t want him here,” Billy shouted.
“Billy!” Paige put her hand on his arm. “Please take Renie downstairs and get her something to eat, and bring me back a cup of coffee.”
Billy pointed at Ben. “You be gone when I get back.” Mark stepped in front of him and turned him in the direction of the elevator. “Not now,” Mark said to him.
Ben turned to Paige. “What the hell was that about? And what is Junior doing here?”
Bud put his hand on his son’s arm. “Ben, please sit. Paige needs to talk to you.”