Chapter 41

41

JASON

The call came in just after six. Mr. Jacobs called to let us know Drea was awake and aware enough to recognize she was in a hospital. She'd been agitated and scared, but they'd gotten her calm enough on her own that they hadn't needed to sedate her again. She'd fallen asleep shortly after, but I could hear Mr. Jacobs's voice through Zach's phone, and it was by far the most animated I'd ever heard him.

Zach and I had showered and dressed quickly, not wanting to waste a moment getting to the hospital, especially considering Zach's flight was scheduled to leave in about twenty-four hours. It felt like we were on borrowed time.

The drive out of Astaire was slow-going, as roads hadn't yet been plowed, but I drove carefully, and my truck did a pretty good job handling the conditions. Thankfully, the streets were in much better shape as we got closer to the city, and we arrived at the hospital without incident.

I thought Zach would be happier, that the excitement of possibly seeing Drea awake and responsive would have eased some of the tension from his body, but that wasn't the case. He'd been snippy before we'd left the house, and now, as we rode the elevator up to Drea's floor, his jaw was set and his shoulders were stiff with tension. I ran my thumb over the back of his hand to offer comfort.

On the ICU floor, we headed down the hall toward the girls' rooms, the path now familiar as we'd traveled it throughout the week. I waited outside the door to Drea's room, torn between wanting to see Drea and be there for Zach and wanting to check in with my own family. Mandy was possibly going home today, and I wanted to make sure I offered them my support as well.

As if he understood my dilemma, he squeezed my hand and then released it. "Go on. Go check on Mandy. I'll let you know if there's any news to report."

"Alright," I said softly, kissing him on the forehead.

He turned and slid open the door. I gave Mr. Jacobs a wave through the window as he looked up, and he tipped his chin in return. I could see Drea through the window. With her eyes closed, she appeared to be resting peacefully. I wanted Zach to get a chance to talk to her before he flew back, but selfishly, I wanted to see her too. I missed her combination of fiery spirit mixed with old soul. I'd have time to see her later though. Zach was the one who needed to see her now.

I walked down the hall to Mandy's room, where I could see through the window that she was sitting up. Mom caught my eye and gave me a huge smile and a thumbs-up, which I took to indicate she was indeed going home. I smiled back, my eyes stinging with unshed tears of relief, knowing she still had a long road to recovery but was out of the worst of it, at least.

Because both of my parents were in the room and appeared to be talking to one of the doctors, I headed down to the waiting area, not wanting to be in the way. I couldn't help but look into Drea's room as I passed, but I didn't see much change from a few moments ago, other than Zach's presence in the room. He appeared to be talking to his dad.

In the waiting room, I pulled out my phone, realizing it had been a couple of days since I'd checked my email. I deleted some of the junk, then opened a message from Chief.

Jason-

Attached is contact information for a couple of counselors in our area who specialize in working with first responders after a tough call. Unfortunately, our department doesn't currently have the budget to contract with these individuals to provide services free of charge, but they do work with several popular insurance providers, or if you find that you will need to pay out of pocket, they offer a reduced rate for first responders. The use of these services is at your discretion, but because of the nature of the situation with your sister and you being so new, I thought you might find this information helpful.

Currently, we have you on the schedule for the day shift Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday of next week.

See you Monday.

Chief Anthony "Tony" Capello

Astaire Fire Department

I took a moment to type out a quick response, offering my thanks and letting him know I was looking forward to returning on Monday. The thought had my system flooding with nerves, but I knew myself well enough to know that I had to get back on the horse, so-to-speak, or I would only tie myself up in knots to the point I wouldn't be able to return at all.

I was about to pocket my phone when a message came through from Zach.

Zach

Change of plans

He'd attached a screenshot from his weather app indicating another, more significant chance of snow coming in overnight.

I'm rebooking my flight for this afternoon to try to get out ahead of the storm

My heart sank right through my stomach and into the floor. I'd been looking forward to one more night with him. One more night of holding him. Kissing him. Sleeping with him. I'd planned to soak up every bit of Zach-time I could get.

Damn

That sucks

Those little bubbles appeared and disappeared a couple of times before another message finally came through.

I know. I'm sorry

The short message made me wonder what he'd been debating on saying. I had an odd sense of foreboding—really, I'd been feeling it since sometime yesterday afternoon—that I couldn't shake. On the surface, he hadn't done or said anything that should have me feeling that way, but I couldn't shake the feeling, nonetheless.

What time does your flight leave?

3:25

Shit . That only left us a few hours, especially considering we'd need to get him there early so he could get checked in and through security. At least we wouldn't need to run back to Astaire to get his bag since he'd brought it with him this morning in case we went back to my house tonight.

How's Drea?

Dad said she was awake again just before we got here, but she's been asleep ever since

Hopefully she'll wake up soon and you'll have a chance to talk to her before we go

Yeah

I waited for more, but when nothing came, I pocketed my phone, unsure why things felt like they were unraveling and even less sure what to do about it.