Don rested his hand on Devon’s shoulder. “Of course. You’re going through a tough time; nobody expects you to be any more or less than what you are.”
Any more or less. There was nothing left inside him, no feelings, no emotions. He’d emptied himself of it all, knowing he would turn into a raging monster hell-bent on revenge if he didn't. He had to bide his time, and he’d made peace with that. Hailey would always come first, but until she woke up, there was nothing. It was hard to remember to be polite or grateful. He was just numb.
At noon, Caleb came and Don left. It would almost be funny if it wasn't so pathetic. They all watched him closely to ensure he didn't crack permanently. If only they knew it was too little, too late.
Taking the seat beside his brother, Caleb asked, “Anything?”
Without taking his gaze off her face, Devon answered the same question he’d heard a dozen times in the last six hours. “No, nothing.”
At least Caleb didn't sigh as it seemed everyone else did.
They sat in silence for half an hour until Devon remembered he should ask about Lori. “How’s my sister-in-law?”
“Worried, but good. Her blood pressure has stayed down since they found Hailey. She’s been bored, I think. She’s used to having something going on all day and sitting in the house watching soaps isn't her thing.”
Devon hummed. He knew about boredom. “Is the nursery ready?”
“Yep. She’s washed and folded everything, rearranged the closet five times, and stocked the drawers of the changing table.”
“Any customer complaints?”
Caleb shook his head before realizing Devon’s focus wasn’t on him. “No. They understand the situation. I finished the table for the Wescotts since it just needed another coat of lacquer. Vince delivered it yesterday.”
“We have to have someone to fill in for Lori. You know, eventually.” Assuming he ever had a reason to go back to work and make a living the way he used to, he would need a receptionist while Lori was on leave.
“She had some ideas about that, but I told her she should run them by you first.”
Devon snorted. “Why? She can make that decision herself. I trust her.”
“She’s worried she’ll pick someone you don't like.” Sitting back, Caleb crossed an ankle over the opposite knee. “She’s considered Chloe, Katrina, and Olivia.”
Devon drummed his fingers on his knees. “Chloe has a job. Katrina is, what, in high school or barely out? Olivia might be a good pick. I thought she worked at the Thriftway.”
“She does, but apparently it’s ‘the worst.’ Lori likes Chloe, that’s why she considered her.”
“I don’t see her giving up her job as a dispatcher to be an interim receptionist for eight weeks.”
“Probably not. According to Anna, Chloe is friends with John and his wife, Hailey’s teacher.”
Devon recalled seeing Alicia at the search where she informed him she was Mrs. Hurley. “I like Alicia. Too badshehas a job.”
They both fell silent, watching the bed and praying for any sign Hailey would wake up. It was an awful kind of vigil, at least for her father. He used to have a full, rich life which centered around his daughter, his family, and his job. He had hobbies like reading the occasional spy thriller, watching sports on TV, and running. Now he had nothing more than staring at a hospital bed.
Vince came in the room, pulling the remaining chair over to Devon’s other side and clapping him on the shoulder before he sat down. “Anything?”
“Nope.”
“I heard Lori is looking for someone to fill in for her.”
Devon squeezed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “I’m liking Olivia for it. Katrina is too immature for me to put up with her for long. Whoever it is will stay on and be an assistant to Lori when she comes back.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Vince paused. “I picked up another round of gifts from your house. I brought the stuffed animals here and gave them to the nurse at the desk to donate to other children.”
“That’s fine.”
Silence fell again.
“Do you need anything?” Vince asked after a few minutes.
