CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY

RYAN

I can hardly keep my eyes open, and my body aches. I hear voices, but am too tired to make out the words. I just want to sleep.

The next time I wake, Carson is talking to Elle. She looks upset. I’m unable to speak due to a tube down my throat and beeping machines surrounding me.

“It’s okay,” Carson says, his hand pressing down on my shoulder. “I’m calling the nurses.”

The nurses rush in, pushing Carson and Elle out of the room. They eagerly probe and poke me, eventually taking the tube out of my mouth, which hurts like a motherfucker.

I say, “Ahh,” and stop because my mouth is parched and tender. A nurse hands me water.

They eventually allow my family back in, but Parker isn’t with them. I didn’t expect her to be, but I was hoping.

“You scared us,” Mom says, holding my hand. Dad stands behind her, looking tired. The entire crew looks exhausted. I feel bad for putting them through this.

“I should have waited for backup.” I want to say more, but Nancy’s entrance silences the room, which is strange. She brushes her hand down my arm in a sultry fashion. Even in my condition, I know this isn’t appropriate, especially in front of my family.

“How are you feeling?” she asks.

“Sore but good,” I say.

It’s weird how she’s just standing beside the bed, continuously touching me. I try to move my arm, but I’m hooked up to so many things that I can’t.

“Great,” she says. “They’ll discharge you in a few days. I told the doctor I won’t leave your side. I can move in and take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry.

“What…? Move into my place? No. You don’t need to bother.”

Did I miss something? Why is she acting like we’re together and my family isn’t saying anything? Looking around the room, it’s evident that no one is pleased with her plan to assume responsibility for my care. Did something happen after I got shot?

“It’s no bother,” she says. “I’d be moving in after we got married anyway, so why not before?”

She’s delusional.

I glance at Carson for help. He looks pained, and Elle seems pissed as she stares at Nancy. My parents appear uncomfortable.

At this point, I don’t think Nancy should be working in a hospital; she should be patient in one, on the psych floor, where she can get the help she needs.

“We’re not getting married,” I tell her. “If I said that, I must have been under the influence or mistaken you for someone else.”

I should add that there is only one woman for me, and she’s not here.

“I knew it,” Elle shouts.

“You said you loved me,” Nancy states.

What? The expression in her eyes unsettles me.

“If I said that, I wasn’t talking to you.”

“You dirty…” She runs out crying and I don’t even feel sorry for her. She’s the one who started this mess.

“Is there someone?” Mom speaks up.

“Yes. Parker. I love Parker.”