He shrugged. “You were right. She got too serious, too fast. She told me how much she loved me, and I freaked out.” He placed his grandmother’s hand back on the bed and, with a quick glance through the window, saw Ash standing there, talking to Mike and Rachel. “I didn’t love her, and I’m never going to fall in love with her. So I told her, but in a nice way.”
Nana nodded with approval. “Good. I knew she was crazy about you, and you didn’t feel the same way. It wasn’t right for you to string her along. She’s a sweet girl, but not the right person for you.”
Nana held his gaze, and he shifted on his feet, a little embarrassed. For some reason, he thought she wanted to say more, but then the orderlies came in to transfer her to her regular room.
“Nana, I’ll see you later.”
He got out of the room to allow the two men to do their work, and joined his sister and friends. Drew could tell by the side looks Rachel kept giving him that she was dying to get him alone to talk about him and Ash.
Because he loved her and they were so close, he decided it was only right he talk to her first. But not with Mike. “They’re transferring her to a room for one more night of observation.” He smiled at Rachel. “Everything looks normal.”
Rachel hugged him. “Thank God. I don’t know what I’d do if…well, let’s not think about it anymore.” She held on to him.
“Mike.” Drew held onto Rachel. “I want to borrow my sister for a while, all right?”
His friend had his bad ear turned toward him and didn’t hear him. When he went to tap him, Rachel put a hand on his arm.
“Don’t.” Her voice was quiet, her eyes sad. “He’s still jumpy from the attack, and if you startle him, it makes it worse.” She left his side to stand in front of her boyfriend. “Hey, sweetie. I’m gonna go talk to Drew for a few.”
Drew watched them closely. Rachel was really wonderful with people, he realized, and the look on Mike’s face as they spoke was almost worshipful. His sister deserved nothing less.
She returned to his side. “Okay, I’m ready.”
He and Ash had already decided on their way to the hospital that while he talked to Rachel, Ash would go back to the office for an appointment he needed to make. Drew smiled to himself, satisfied he’d be seeing the man tonight.
He and Rachel left the hospital and went to the diner across the street. They settled into a booth and the waitress brought their coffee right away, but she didn’t take a sip, instead jumping right into the conversation.
“What’s going on with you and Ash?”
Here goes nothing. “We’ve sort of started a relationship.” He took a quick sip of his iced coffee, welcoming the shock of cold as it traveled a path down his throat. A quick glance at her face let Drew know, yep, she was surprised.
Her eyes narrowed. “Jordan said he’d take advantage of you. I like Ash but—”
“Listen.” He could sense his anger rising and struggled to keep it under control. “I’m tired of everyone telling me who they think is right for me and who I should or shouldn’t date, sleep with, marry, etc.”
“But you have to admit I was right about Jackie.” Rachel shot him a pointed look.
“Yes, Rach, and I said it, fine. You were right about that. But it’s my life. You all need to stop thinking you have the right to tell me what to do and not do. You treat me like a little kid instead of your older brother.”
“But Drew, you and Ash? I like him. I really do, but Jordan says he’s a player. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Exasperated, he rolled his eyes. “So what? What if I do get hurt? It’s my life and my choice.”
“Well, you chose Jackie, and look what a bad choice that was. So maybe you need someone to tell you you’re making a mistake.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And you’re really sleeping with him? You’re not gay, so what are you doing?”
His stomach dropped. One thing he’d always thought he could count on was support from Rachel. If he didn’t have that, he might be lost. “Would you be upset to find out if I was? I thought you of all people didn’t care about things like that.”
Now it was her turn to roll her eyes and make a disgusted sound to go along with it. “Don’t be a jerk. I’ll love you no matter what. I don’t care if you’re gay or straight, but this seems so sudden, that’s all.”
“It actually isn’t,” he admitted. “I’ve been attracted to Ash for a while now but denied it to myself. Things happened the other night, and now this is exactly where I need to be.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “He’s a good man, Rach. His childhood was so unbearable. I’m in awe of what he’s made of himself.” His lips tightened. “I won’t let Jordan bad-mouth him. If he has a problem with Ash, then he either needs to deal with it or not be my friend anymore.”
A small sound of dismay slipped out of Rachel’s mouth. “Drew. You’ve known Jordan all your life. You can’t cut him out like that. He’s practically family.”
“Family should stand by you and support you. That’s what I’m asking. As long as you’re there for me, for us, that’s all I need.” He stood and kissed her cheek. “I have to get to the clinic. Are we good?” He held his breath, waiting for her response.
She jumped up and flung her arms around him. “Of course. I love you no matter what. And I promise to try and back off.” Being Rachel, she had to get in her parting shot, like she always did. “But if Ash hurts you, all bets are off.”
He laughed, shaking his head as he left the diner.
