He released her hand and got up to help her. She looked around. “What happened? Where is Henry?”
Dante reached for her hand. “Madison—”
“No, don’t. Don’t tell me that.” It all came rushing back to her. “This was routine surgery; he couldn’t have died.”
“I’m sorry. Madison, baby. Don’t cry.” He wiped the tears from her face.
“Where are my parents?”
Dante’s jaw tightened and she looked away.
“My mom didn’t come back or she did and they left?” She didn’t know which was worse.
“They left.”
“Right. Of course.” They didn’t care. Dante came. Why? She still wasn’t sure.
“Can I see him?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m sure we can ask a nurse and she might be able to tell us.”
Madison looked up at the ceiling and swallowed the big lump in her throat. Henry was gone. Her parents had left. Her mom would make it all center around herself. They hadn’t even stayed for her to wake up.
Would they send a counselor around? They had sent a priest, so Henry must’ve put down Catholic on his forms. Maybe a priest or nun would come back. She was in disbelief and denial. She knew she would need help to get through this on her own.
Without Henry, she had no one. Dante and she were no longer together, and she didn’t want to burden Zoe with her grief and make her the sole dumping spot for her sadness and pain.
“Come, let me take you home.” He reached for her hand.
“I can take myself home. I have Henry’s car. Thanks for coming. I appreciate it.” She looked out the window. She couldn’t look at him because her mind had played tricks on her and it looked like Dante had a hurt expression flash across his face. And that couldn’t be.
Why would he be? He had told her how temporary their relationship was. Was he upset that he hadn’t been the one to end it?
“I’m already here, I can take you. Besides, you fainted. I don’t think you should be driving.”
Shit. He was right. “No, thank you. I can call Zoe. Oh no. I have to tell her what happened.”
“I can tell her for you. I’m sure she will understand that I’m going to take care of you. You need someone to stay with you. You shouldn’t be alone.”
“I’ll be fine. Can you please pass me my phone? I’ll let her know what happened to Henry.”
“Madison. I have Zoe’s number. I can let her know. You shouldn’t be worrying about this right now. Let me help you get up and we can go home.”
“I’m not going home with you.” She knew he would try and take over and treat her like a child again. He assumed he knew best.
A nurse came in behind Dante. “Is there a problem?”
“No.”
“Yes.”
Madison and Dante spoke at the same time. The nurse looked between the two. “Sir. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“Madison, baby. Let me take you home.”
“No. Zoe will come get me.”
“Sir, you heard Ms. Bryant. Please leave.”
