3. Hunter

Textbook balanced on my thighs, I take notes on the section I just read, hoping I can decipher my chicken scratch later.

The setup is frustrating. The chairs in the recovery room are uncomfortable. The air is dry and filled with that sterile hospital smell. Various monitors beep. A nurse has been in and out at least a dozen times over the last hour.

Levi hasn't woken up yet, but according to Greedy, he underwent an extensive surgery, and he may be out for a while longer.

The information we have doesn't extend much further than that. Greedy knows little about Levi's current prognosis, and it's clear he's frustrated with the lack of information: both from Levi and from the nurses and staff who keep putting off his questions. He mentioned something about a "dead leg," but that means nothing to me.

I've just gotten my book and notebook balanced perfectly when Greedy strides back into the room.

"Here." He thrusts out a textured Styrofoam cup in offering.

Head bowed over my work, I continue scribbling notes.

"It's coffee," he adds when I don't acknowledge him.

I sigh and shake my head. "I'm good. Thanks anyway."

He scoffs. Loudly. "Just take the damn coffee, Hunter. It could be hours before he wakes up. This'll give you a boost so you can get your schoolwork done."

Greedy knows I'm taking twenty-one credit hours this semester. He knows I'm desperate to graduate in less than four years so I can play catch-up and get control of my life again.

But he has no idea about the internal clock that's ticking or what I'm up against over the next few days.

Just like he has no idea that I haven't touched a drop of dark roast in over two years.

"I don't drink coffee anymore," I tell him quietly. I keep my gaze focused on the notebook in front of me despite the way his eyes bore into the side of my head.

He sits to my right, but he leaves a seat between us.

"You love coffee," he argues, though his tone is low, dejected.

"Loved," I correct. "I loved coffee." I swallow past the emotion suddenly taking up residence in my throat. "The acidity and caffeine don't agree with me these days."

He says nothing, because there's nothing else to say.

We've quickly reached the same impasse we've found ourselves hitting for months.

Greedy desperately clinging to memories of the girl I used to be, reminding me over and over of a person I haven't been for a long time, doing all he can to resuscitate her.

Me wishing like hell he would give up already. Partly because it would be easier to just forget. But also because deep down, I miss that girl, too.

My phone buzzes then, vibrating in the seat between us.

His eyes flit to the screen before I have a chance to grab it.

Heat rushes to my face as I scan the message preview that appears on the screen.

It could have been from Joey, or my mom. Someone from my study group. But no…

The One and Only: I miss you, Mahina

And then, because he has absolutely no chill:

The One and Only:Call me before it gets too dark. You are strong, my love. We may be separated by oceans, but you're never alone.

"Tem—"

I jump to my feet, mentally scrambling for a distraction before Greedy can comment. "I'm going to stretch my legs and grab a coffee. Shit. No. Tea! I meant tea." I scurry for the door. The heat in his eyes and the anger emanating from him are too intense for me to deal with.

Not today. Not this week. Not right now. Not ever again.

But before I can get more than two steps away, another voice calls out.

A deeper, grittier voice.

"Daisy?"

I stop in my tracks and turn on my heel, breath catching as Levi cracks his eyes open.

"You're really here?" His speech is husky, labored.

My heart aches as I look at him lying in that bed, helpless and hurting.

"I'm here." I approach the bed from one side as Greedy stands and steps up to the other.

"I didn't think—I didn't know if—"

I cut him off before his post-anesthesia haze reveals too much.

"Are you in pain? Want me to call the nurse?"

He yawns, then winces. "Yeah. Ibuprofen would be good. And water."

Greedy is already pushing the call button on his behalf.

"Rest, brother. We're not going anywhere. We'll be here when you wake up again."

Levi's eyes are closed and his face is slack before Greedy even finishes speaking.