Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Dean

I don't feel the least bit bad for sleeping in this morning. As soon as I get out of the shower, I put a call in to the hospital for an update on Mr. Hillman. The news isn't what I was hoping for and I wonder if Liz has been notified yet. I don't doubt that she can take care of him, but she's certainly going to have her hands full. With two broken legs, it"d be a struggle for anyone.

She answers her phone after the second ring and I can tell by the way she says hello that she doesn't have a clue it's me.

"I hope I'm not calling too early?"

"Dean? How did you get my number?"

"It was on Mr. Hillman's paperwork when you checked him in at the ER."

"I totally forgot about that. I'm sorry, my head was all over the place yesterday."

"Were you able to get any rest?"

"Surprisingly, yeah, I slept very well. I did some stuff around here to try and keep my mind off things but now I'm pacing the floor. I was hoping Mr. Hillman's son would call me with an update. I'm worried sick about him."

"I checked in with one of the doctors and Mr. Hillman's finally been moved to a regular room. I'm free this morning if you'd like me to take you down to the hospital. He's scheduled for surgery right after lunch and I know he'd love to see you."

The phone goes silent and I wonder if she's still on the other end.

"Liz?"

"I'm here. I didn't anticipate his injuries would be this bad."

"Dr. Anderson wanted to consult with another surgeon first and they both feel that adding a metal plate will help with his recovery."

"Are you sure you don't mind?" she asks.

"Not at all."

"What happened to the painting you were going to do?"

"It can wait for another day."

Liz gives me her address and in half an hour I pull up outside of her apartment. Mr. Hillman's home is quite lovely and I can see why she feels fortunate living here.

I can't help smiling when I see her walk outside. Wearing a light blue dress and beige sandals, she's perfect in every way imaginable.

"Hi. You look very nice."

"Mr. Hillman is always saying blue is my color, so thought it might make him feel better. I also brought a few of his favorite snacks. You don't think they'll mind him having them?"

"Not at all. It's actually very thoughtful of you."

"Some of the nurses keep a few things on hand, but nothing like that." Seeing the bag filled to the top with crackers and snack cakes, it's no wonder Mr. Hillman enjoys having Liz around.

When we arrive at the hospital, several employees turn and look back at us walking in together. I slip my hand behind her back, lightly touching the fabric of her dress, and lead her inside the elevator. The scent of her perfume fills my nostrils and I must admit, there's nothing any better than a woman who smells nice.

Mr. Hillman seems in good spirits despite the condition he's in. I can tell by the way he talks, though, that he's on some powerful pain medication. I excuse myself after a few moments and allow him and Liz some alone time.

"I'll be out in the hallway. Take your time," I whisper into her ear then wave goodbye to Mr. Hillman.

I stroll down to the window at the end of the hall and stare out at the ocean. The Atlantic is actually calm today, considering the storm we had blow through over the weekend.

I jump when Liz walks up behind me. "What are you looking at?"

"Want to take a walk on the beach?" I ask.

"Sure. It's crazy to live this close to the water and I can't recall the last time I've had my feet in it."

"Same for me."

We get back into my car and I drive down to one of the public beach access points. Liz takes off her sandals and drops them down into the floorboard of my car.

"Be careful that you don't step on anything." I tell her as we walk down to the shore. I'd be pissed if she got something in her foot and needed stitches like the young man yesterday.

"I will," she says and wiggles her toes in the sand. "Hey, what are all those?"

I turn my head to see what she's pointing towards. "They're the shells from horseshoe crabs." I kick one with my shoe, noting the pointed tip on the end.

"I guess they washed up during the storm we had, huh?"

"Along with all those shells."

"Holy crap. There's hundreds of them," she exclaims.

"More like thousands." I lean down and scoop up a handful of broken and mismatched pieces. Though most are dull gray in color, a few are actually kind of pretty.

Liz sticks her feet in the water and it swirls around her ankles. "Ohh, it's really cold," she says and rocks back on her heels. "Which way should we go?"

I point to the right and pull her along.