Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

“Hey, old man. Look what I found in the parking lot,” Julian says, pulling me behind him.

The nurse at my father’s bedside moves over, and for the first time in twelve years, I meet my father’s eyes. Tears instantly fill my eyes as I take in his bruised and battered face. His leg is propped up and bandaged, while his arm is in a sling over his chest.

“Karolina?” He sucks in a breath.

“Dad,” I whisper, holding back a sob. In the next second, I’m by his side, careful not to disturb the IVs in his free hand. I gently intertwine our fingers and give a soft squeeze as his eyes lock onto mine, wide with disbelief.

“Am I still in a coma?” he asks.

I shake my head, tears falling down my face. “No, it’s me, Dad. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry it took me so long to come back. That it took this–”

“No, no, no, mi corazón. Perdóname. No, no, no, my heart. Forgive me. I’ve regretted that night every day since,” he says, his voice shaking.

“I was so stupid, Dad,” I reply, choking on my words. The weight of that argument, heavy and suffocating, crashes over me as the floodgates I’ve forced closed finally open.

“Ya, ya, mi corazón,” he says, wiping my tears with the pad of his thumb. “We both made mistakes. It’s in the past. Now,” he pauses, lifting my hand and smiling with pride, “let me look at my daughter, New York Times bestselling author, Karolina Castillo,” he says my name like an announcer, and I can’t help but laugh through my tears.

Julian and the nurse break into applause, their smiles brightening the sterile room. My eyes, however, can’t help but bounce back to Julian. His smile catches me off guard, sending a jolt through me.

I force my gaze back to my dad, the reason I’m here in the first place.

“Lina, I’ve heard so much about you,” the nurse beside Julian says, offering a gentle smile as she walks up to me and places a hand on my shoulder. “I’m so glad you were able to make it so soon.” She gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze before continuing. Her warm, rich voice has a soothing Southern drawl that instantly puts me at ease. I realize she must be the nurse I spoke with the day before. “Julian mentioned your fear of flying, and I wasn’t sure how long the drive from Florida would take you. I’m Eve; we spoke on the phone.” She extends her hand to shake.

“Yes,” I say, shaking her hand. “Thank you so much for calling me.”

“Of course, sweetheart. I’ve known Sergio for a while, and I knew how much having you here would mean to him when he woke up, no matter what Julian here said.” She purses her lips and lowers her thick red frames to the tip of her nose, while giving Julian a knowing look.

“And what did he say?” I ask, turning my attention back to Julian, who is now scratching the back of his head and avoiding my gaze as he takes a seat at the end of my father’s bed. His expression unreadable.

Eve chuckles softly, sensing the tension. “Oh, just that you might be a little hesitant about making the trip. But I knew you’d come through for your dad. That’s what family does, no matter the strife in between.”

“You being here means everything to me, Lina. Gracias,” Dad says.

“I’ll leave you two to catch up. I’m glad to see you in one piece, Viejo,” Julian says.

“Viejo, my ass, punk,” Dad replies, throwing a playful punch in the air toward Julian, who dramatically pretends to dodge it.

“Okay, boys. Let’s not start a brawl in here,” Eve laughs, shaking her head. “Let’s not add to your already extensive list of injuries, Serg. The doctor should be in soon to see you. ”

“Yes, ma’am,” they say in unison, and I can’t help but smile at their playful banter. Twelve years ago, my dad wanted to kill Julian, and now it seems like they’re best friends.

Eve says goodbye, and Julian follows her out. The sheepish glance he gives me before turning down the hallway makes my stomach flutter.

Damn it.

Dad and I try to catch up on as much as we can before the doctor comes in. He fills me in on the accident and how lucky my dad was to just have a couple of broken bones. He details the recovery plan, which will entail close monitoring of the concussion he suffered and physical therapy for at least three to six months. He’ll need to stay in the hospital for a few more days, which gives me plenty of time to get the house ready for him.