Chapter Five

Josie

Exactly as I predicted, the moment Lexi’s father was made aware of what had happened, he stepped in and took over.

Fortunately, by the time he was able to get to the hospital, I’d gone home, so I didn’t have to see him. Orla told me the following day that he’d made a tremendous fuss, though. He said he should have been informed immediately.

“He didn’t care about her boyfriend, and he didn’t even mention you.” He wouldn’t. In fact, I doubt he even knew of Manuel’s existence, and he will have forgotten me years ago. “And then he started shouting at everyone because he wanted to take her body back to New York with him straight away.”

In a way, that didn’t surprise me. It was the sort of thing I’d have expected of him. “But surely he understood there has to be a post-mortem.”

“He seemed to think there was no need, and even when Doctor Walters explained the protocol to him, he thought there should be some kind of exemption for him… or his daughter.”

He would.

“Did he ask about Maisie?”

She shook her head. “No. Not once. I was surprised by that.”

I wasn’t.

“Did you arrange for Manuel Ortega to see Lexi’s body?”

“Yes.” I was pleased. I felt sorry for him, especially as I knew Lexi’s father wouldn’t allow him at the funeral… any more than he would me. At least he’d got to say goodbye. Orla was staring at me. “Are you sure you did the right thing? Not seeing her yourself, I mean?”

“Yeah. I didn’t want to remember her like that.”

She smiled sympathetically, although I couldn’t feel sorry for myself. I still can’t. I’ve got Maisie and Drew to think about. Lexi would have wanted me to focus on them, not grieve for her. I didn’t get the chance to say any of that, because Doctor Walters came up and thanked me for taking care of Mr. Ortega the previous day.

“I’m really sorry I left you to handle that,” he said.

“It’s okay. I know how busy you were.”

He shook his head. “Busy or not, it should have been me who spoke to him, not you.”

“Am I in trouble?” I asked, slightly fearful of his answer.

“Hell, no. The poor man would have been waiting until the early hours of the morning if you hadn’t dealt with everything. I imagine he was just as grateful as I am.”

I couldn’t be sure about that, but it was good to know I hadn’t breached any kind of protocol… and that I’d hopefully given Manuel more comfort than anyone else could have done at such a horrible time.

It’s been three days since the accident and although I haven’t seen Maisie since Livia took her to Newport, I’ve seen plenty of Drew… a lot more than I anticipated, in fact.

I wondered at the wisdom of helping him shower on that first day, but it’s a part of my job, and he’d have thought it strange if I’d asked someone else to step in… especially as we’d been flirting. He started that, when he discovered the back of his hospital gown was open, and I took the chance to flirt back, which he seemed to like. Of course, I didn’t expect him to say he wanted to shower, but once he had, I could hardly refuse to help… could I?

I could hardly fail to notice his arousal, either. That happens sometimes with male patients, and they usually get embarrassed, or try to hide it. Drew didn’t. I wasn’t sure what to make of that, but I kept it professional, helping him into the shower and showing him how to work the temperature controls.

Once he was occupied, focused on what he was doing, I took a moment, leaning back against the wall to admire him. There’s no getting away from it… his body is divine. He has the broadest of shoulders, rippling abs, and a narrow waist, which lead down to the most perfectly formed penis… thick and heavy, all ridges and veins, with a bulbous head. Whenever male patients get aroused, I ignore it… but it was impossible to ignore Drew, or the effect he was having on me. I was struggling to breathe, sucking in lungfuls of air, trying to stop myself from sliding down the wall. My nipples were so hard they hurt, my pussy was slick with longing for him, and I had to bite on my thumbnail to stop myself from groaning out loud.

I’ve loved him for so long, but I’d never wanted him with such a visceral need.

He’s been aroused several times since… and not just in the shower. But I can’t act on it. Not only because I wouldn’t know how to, but because it would be unprofessional, and wholly inappropriate. Besides, I can’t even be sure his arousal has anything to do with me. I want it to, of course, but as I’ve already explained to him, the brain works in mysterious ways and his reactions may be nothing more than simple reflexes…

Although I hope they’re not.

Over the last three days, his physical health has improved significantly. He can shower and dress himself now… which is a shame, although I offered to help him shave yesterday. He hadn’t done so since the accident, but rather than accepting my offer, or suggesting he’d manage by himself, he simply rubbed his hand across his chin and shook his head.

“I don’t know whether I used to shave before, but I kinda like this,” he said.

“You do?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you thinking of growing a beard?”

“I’m not sure.”

I smiled at him. The stubble suited him, and I had a feeling a beard would, too.

His headache seems to have passed and although he still has occasional bouts of dizziness, they’re very few and far between, and usually the result of him standing up too quickly. At the doctor’s request, Hunter brought him in some clothes, so he no longer has to wear a hospital gown during the day.

“More’s the pity,” he said, when I gave him the holdall and explained the contents to him. I couldn’t help blushing, but I don’t think he noticed. I had to admit – even if only to myself – I was going to miss the sight of his delectable ass.

As for his cognitive abilities, he’s still struggling. He has recall over certain things. For example, he knows what a cup of coffee is, and when I brought him one yesterday, his anticipation of how it would taste made me laugh. He knows my name and says it every time I come into his room… with the broadest of smiles on his lips. Even outside of his personal life, which is still a blank to him, there are holes, though. He can’t remember the name of the President, and when I showed him a photograph of the White House, he just said it was a big building… but he didn’t recognize it for what it was. We’ll keep working on it, and I’m sure he’ll get there.

In the meantime, the other problem is his short-term memory, which is absolutely shocking. He can barely remember anything for more than a few minutes at a time, and yesterday I did some memory exercises with him, which he failed dismally, finding the whole thing exhausting.

We’re having fun together, though. I love how his face lights up whenever I come to see him, and the way he laughs so readily… even at his own predicament. We enjoy his moments of triumph together, and on the rare occasions when it gets too much, I do my best to distract him, so he doesn’t dwell on the negatives.

Of course, I realize these improvements – no matter how small – will one day lead to him being discharged from the hospital, and from my care, but I’m trying not to think about that.

“Nurse Emerson?”

I turn at the sound of Doctor Sweeney’s voice, surprised to see Hunter Bennett standing beside him. I haven’t seen him in person since the night of the accident. He’s still wearing jeans and a button-down shirt, but he looks a lot less stressed, which isn’t at all surprising. He smiles as I approach, looking down at me

“Doctor?”

“We’ve just been looking for you,” he says with a nod of his head.

“I was on my way to Drew Bennett’s room.”

“Hmm… can you join us in my office for a moment?”

“Of course.”

I follow them to the end of the corridor, going through the double doors that lead out of the department, and waiting while Doctor Sweeney opens the first door on the left. It brings us into a large office. Opposite us, the windows overlook the city, while the wall to the left is lined with bookshelves. I doubt he’s read very many of them. They look too new… too perfect. The wall to our right is filled with photographs and certificates and it’s to that end of the room that the doctor leads us, over to his desk. There are two seats on this side of it, and Hunter waits for me to sit in one before taking the other himself, while Doctor Sweeney lowers himself into the chair opposite, gazing at me, his eyebrows raised.

“Mr. Bennett called me this morning,” he says, glancing at Hunter before returning his gaze to me. “He’s suggested that, rather than his brother continuing with his treatment here in the hospital, it might be better if he could go home.”

I feel the panic rising inside me, my throat closing over and my palms sticky with sweat. I wrack my brain, trying to think of a reason – or an excuse – to keep Drew here, but I’m coming up blank.

“I—I see.”

“I think it’s an excellent idea. Drew’s general health has improved. There don’t seem to be any lasting physical effects from the concussion, and I can’t see a reason to keep him here in the hospital. As you know, I’ve always believed that – where the patient can tolerate it – the introduction of familiar objects and surroundings can aid in their mental recovery.”

“You think he’s ready for that?” I ask.

He nods his head. “As long as it’s done properly, yes,” he says.

Part of me knows he’s right. Doctor Sweeney has always advocated this approach, usually with outstanding success. The problem is, I know how scared Drew is. I’ve seen it in his eyes. And I promised I wouldn’t let anything happen to him.

“In this case, though…” He holds up his hand and I stop talking.

“I haven’t finished yet, Nurse. Drew is still going to need professional help, and it’s obvious to everyone here, even after just a few days, that he responds better to you than he does to anyone else. So, his brother has suggested that you continue to care for him at his home.”

I turn in my seat, looking at Hunter. “You want me to come and visit him every day?”

He smiles. “No. That wouldn’t be practical. Drew’s home is in Newport. I couldn’t possibly ask you to drive down there every day to see him, as well as working here. That’s why the doctor and I were wondering if you could come to stay. I’ll pay you, of course, and Doctor Sweeney has agreed to release you from the staff at the hospital on a temporary basis.”

“Your job will be waiting for you when you get back.” I turn to the doctor, my head spinning. “I can’t imagine Drew’s recovery will take very long. Once he’s in the comfort of his own home, I think he’ll get the boost he needs for his memory to return to normal.”

“What do you say?” Hunter asks and I look back at him, unable to take it all in. I’m not about to say ‘no’… not if it means I get to spend more time with Drew.

“If it helps, of course I’ll do it.”

He smiles and Doctor Sweeney gets to his feet. “Shall we tell the patient?”

Hunter and I both stand, following him from the room. Out in the corridor, I make a point of getting ahead of them, wanting to be the first one through Drew’s door. He’s still nervous around other people… even other members of staff, and I don’t want him to be anxious.

I open the door to his room. He’s sitting in the chair by the window, wearing jeans and a t-shirt and, as usual, his eyes light up, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Hi, Josie. I wondered…” His voice fades as he sees I’m not alone, a frown settling on his face.

“It’s okay.” I go to him, noting the panic in his eyes as he sits back in his seat.

“Why is the doctor here?” he says. “And who’s that guy?”

I consider it a minor breakthrough that he’s remembered who Doctor Sweeney is, but I don’t make a fuss and instead I stand beside him, my hand on his shoulder as Hunter approaches.

“Don’t you remember me?” he says.

“No. Should I?”

“I was here the other night with my wife… after your accident.”

“Your wife?” Drew says, frowning.

Hunter smiles. “Yes. Blonde… beautiful… surely you remember her, even if you don’t remember me.”

Drew shakes his head, not seeing the funny side.

“It doesn’t matter now,” I say, before Hunter pushes any further, and he glances at me, nodding his head, before he turns back to Drew.

“No. Of course not. What matters is, I’ve come to take you home.”

Drew looks up at me, fear lining his face. “I—I don’t want to go home.”

“It’s okay,” I say. “I promise. I’m coming with you.”

His face clears, and I hear his gentle sigh. “You’re coming home with me?”

“Yes… until you get better.”

He tilts his head. “Okay. But where is my home?”

Hunter steps a little closer, but Doctor Sweeney moves more quickly.

“We can’t tell you that,” he says. “I’m sure Josie’s explained to you, it’s better if you try to remember things by yourself.”

Hunter shakes his head. “That’s not fair, Doctor. I’m asking Drew to leave a place where he feels safe, and just take my word for it that he can trust me. He doesn’t even know who I am. At the very least, let me explain where I’m taking him.” The doctor hesitates for a moment, then nods his head, and Hunter crouches in front of Drew. “You have a house on our family’s estate.”

Drew shakes his head. “That doesn’t make sense. Why would I have a house on your family’s estate?”

“Because we’re brothers.”

Drew pushes his chair back, so it hits the wall with a thump. “No. That’s not possible. I’d know if I had a brother.”

Hunter stands, holding up his hands like he’s surrendering, and my heart goes out to him as I take his place, kneeling rather than crouching, and looking up at Drew. “That’s the whole point, though,” I say. “You wouldn’t know. And you’re gonna have to trust us on this. Hunter is your brother.”

He frowns, looking from me to Hunter, like we’re mad.

“It’s okay,” Hunter says. “I get how confusing this must be for you, but you don’t need to be scared about who I am, or about coming home. Your house is separate from the main building. You won’t have to see me – or anyone else – if you don’t want to.” He glances at me, then looks back at Drew. “I’d have said you could go to your apartment, but that’s never really been your home…”

“I have an apartment, as well as this house you’re talking about?”

“Yes. It’s here in the city, but it’s not practical for your needs right now. It’s not that big, and if Josie’s going to stay with you and help you, then you’ll be better off at the house. She can have her own room there, and you can walk in the grounds and use the pool…”

“There’s a pool?” Drew shakes his head. “Am I rich, or something?”

Doctor Sweeney steps forward again, clearing his throat. “That’ll do for now, Mr. Bennett. You’ve already given him more than enough information.” He looks down at Drew and I get to my feet. “Are you happy to go home? We can’t force you, but I think it’ll help your recovery.”

Drew pauses for a moment, looking from him to Hunter and then to me. “I guess. As long as Josie’s with me. I mean… what choice do I have?”

That seems to be all the answer the doctor needs, and he turns toward the door, although Hunter hesitates. He glances at me, the pain in his eyes asking the silent question; is he doing the right thing? I nod my head and he moves away, following the doctor from the room.

“Don’t go yet,” Drew says, grabbing my hand and holding on to it.

“I won’t be long. I just need to make the arrangements.”

“Please wait.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I—I wanted to apologize.”

“What for?”

“Because I think I just came across as very ungrateful. I’m sure you’re all putting yourselves out for me, and I didn’t mean to sound so unappreciative. It’s just that, if I’m being honest, I’m even more frightened than I was before.”

I kneel down again, a little closer than I was before, our locked hands between us, and I look up into his eyes. “That’s understandable, but you have nothing to fear, Drew. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“I know, but… who is that guy?”

“Exactly who he said he is.”

“That’s ludicrous. How can I have a brother and not know him?”

“Try not to think about it.”

“That’s easier said than done.” I go to get up, but he keeps a firm grip on my hand, pulling me back down again. “I meant what I said, Josie… about being okay with this, as long as you’re with me.”

“Good.” I smile and he smiles back, although I can still feel his uneasiness as I get to my feet. “I need to arrange your medication and deal with all the discharge papers, which shouldn’t take too long. Why don’t you pack your things and get ready to leave?”

“Okay.” He nods his head, releasing my hand, and I turn away, heading for the door, although when I open it and glance back, he’s still sitting in the chair, staring at me.

“It’ll be okay, Drew. I promise.”

He smiles, and I go out into the hall, surprised to find Doctor Sweeney and Hunter are still out here, their heads bent together in conversation.

Hunter sees me and steps back slightly, shaking the doctor’s hand before he turns to me, Doctor Sweeney heading for the nurse’s station.

We wait until we’re completely alone and he looks down at me, worry furrowed on his brow.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” he asks.

“Of course. I’m a little intrigued by how you got Doctor Sweeney to agree to keep my job open indefinitely, but…”

He shakes his head. “Money talks, as ever. After I offered to make a very generous donation to his department, I think I could have asked for his first-born child, if I’d been so inclined.” I laugh and he joins in, just briefly, although the clouds quickly return to his eyes. “I’ve just been talking to him about my sister.”

I hadn’t realized he and Drew had a sister, but I do my best to hide my surprise. “What about her?”

“Ella lives at the house in Newport, too. That’s to say, she’s got an apartment in the main building. She lives there with her fiancé, Mac, and their baby boy. But the doctor’s just said it’s probably going to be best if she keeps her distance for a while. Is that right?”

I nod my head as I recall him mentioning someone called Ella on the day of the accident. I think I heard the name ‘Mac’, too, although I can’t be sure. “Yes,” I say. “It’s best to let Drew call the shots… to come to her when he’s ready.” He lets out a sigh. “I’m sorry. I know it’s gonna be hard for her, just like it is for you, but he needs time, and to be honest, his recovery needs to be managed.”

“What do you mean?”

I wonder if I should have said anything, but I’ve started now, so I may as well go on. “Drew’s got a lot to cope with. He’s got short-term and long-term memory problems.”

“Is that why he couldn’t remember me being here with Livia the other night?”

“Yes, and to be honest, reminding him won’t help. That’s why I stepped in just now. He remembered your visit at the time, because he asked about you later on that night, but the memory is gone now, and in reality, he’s got bigger things to recall… like who he is, who you are, and what your relationship is to him, as opposed to why you were here.”

“I see.” He nods his head. “We’ll be guided by you, Josie.”

That’s a relief . “I can’t claim to be as knowledgeable as Doctor Sweeney, but I can promise to put your brother’s needs first. You might not always agree with what I’m doing, but…”

“No,” he says, interrupting me. “If it’s in Drew’s best interests, we’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll call ahead before we leave and let Ella and Livia know what’s happening. They’ve been going quietly insane over the last couple of days, but hopefully, the relief that Drew’s coming home will be enough to appease them for now. I’ll also arrange for the kitchen at the cottage to be re-stocked with food.”

“Re-stocked?”

“Yeah.” He nods his head. “Drew asked me to get our housekeeper to stock it up for him before his flight back from Rome, but after the accident, she divided the contents of Drew’s fridge between the main house and Ella’s apartment, rather than just let everything go to waste.”

“I see. So, can Drew cook?” I ask him.

“Yes. Why? Can’t you?”

“I can. I just wondered whether he could. It might be a good trigger for him.”

“Oh, I see. He likes to cook, but never had much time to do it.” He pulls two phones from his back pocket, shaking his head. “I’m getting into such a muddle. They gave me Drew’s phone, but it’s identical to mine.” He looks up. “To be honest, I’d turn his off, but I guess I shouldn’t in case someone important calls, wanting to know how he is.”

“It’s probably wise.”

He pockets one phone, looking down at the other. “I’ll give you my number and if you need anything or you have any questions about him… about how he was before the accident, just call me.”

“Okay.” I pull out my phone, adding his number to my contacts. “Do you want to take mine, too?” He nods his head, putting it into his phone. “And I guess you’d better give me your address in Newport so I can drive down there.”

He frowns. “Sorry… I kinda took it for granted you were gonna come with us. Drew would be more comfortable with you in the car, wouldn’t he?”

“Yes, but I’ll need to go home and collect some things.”

“That’s okay. I’d assumed you would. I thought we could go there first and then I’d drive us all to the house in Drew’s car. It’s more practical than my Ferrari, and I figured that way, he’ll have a vehicle in Newport if he feels like driving anywhere himself.”

I shake my head. “He won’t be driving for a while, but maybe sitting in a familiar car will help. It might trigger a memory. Did he used to enjoy driving?”

“Yeah, he did. He’s had quite a few cars over the years, but he bought the Range Rover because he can fit all his equipment inside.”

“His photographic equipment?” I ask and he nods.

“Yeah. When Drew’s ready, I’ll drive us all over to your place. You can pack whatever you need, and I’ll take us to Newport.”

“Thank you.”

He frowns, shaking his head. “Don’t thank me, Josie. What you’re doing for Drew… for all of us…” His voice cracks and I put my hand on his arm.

“It’ll be okay.”

“I know. I just hate that he has no idea who we are… or who Maisie is.”

“It’s hard.” I hate having to keep Maisie from him, but I can’t say that out loud. “What are you doing about Maisie? Will she be at the house in Newport?”

“Yes. Livia says all her things have been moved over to the main house now, so Drew isn’t gonna walk into one of the bedrooms at the cottage and wonder why there’s a crib in there, or anything like that. Of course, I guess there’s a chance that he’ll see her in the grounds, but there’s nothing I can do about that. We can’t keep her locked up in the main house until Drew gets better.”

No, they can’t. It wouldn’t be fair… but then, none of this is fair. “Is your wife looking after her?”

“She is. Along with our housekeeper, Pat, and my sister, although she’s got a newborn of her own, who Drew’s never even met, so…” He pauses for a moment, swallowing hard. “Maisie’s not short of people who care for her, but she needs her father. And I think he needs her, too.”

I can’t disagree with that. “Try not to worry. He’ll get there.”

I turn to leave, but he calls me back. “I meant to ask on the night of the accident, was Lexi’s sister notified of her death?”

I suck in a breath, feeling the blush creep up my cheeks. “Yes, she was.”

“Good.” He smiles, a very slight twinkle in his eyes.

“What’s so amusing?”

“Oh… it doesn’t matter. I just hope Drew’s memory comes back soon, and that when it does, he remembers her.”

“Who? Lexi?”

“No, her sister.” I have no idea what that means, and I can hardly ask… not without giving myself away. He looks down, his eyes fixed on mine. “Tell me… am I being selfish?”

“Selfish? No. You’re doing what’s best for your brother.”

“Even if part of the reason I’m doing it is that my wife is in Newport, and I’m here… and I miss her.”

I smile. “We all do selfish things from time to time, but that doesn’t make them wrong.”

I’m thinking of myself as much as him. I’ve chosen not to reveal my identity to Drew or his family. If anyone were to ask why, I’d give them the same reason I gave to Orla… I want to help Drew and Maisie. That’s not a lie. It’s exactly how I feel.

But it’s not the whole truth, because I’m also doing it for myself.

Because I love him too much to leave him… or to be left behind.

***