“It was a car accident, and their business dealings have never been violent. I think this was just an unfortunate incident.”
“Why can’t I go and sit with Eden? And why are you treating him like—”
“Sylvie, enough,” Serena snaps. “You know why you can’t sit with her. And I’m not treating him like anything. Every time you do something, you push them closer together. You got Gavin involved, and now she’s living with him. And you tried to stop him from seeing her.”
“Yeah, and? I’d do it again.” I can’t see them, but I bet she’s crossing her arms like a toddler ready to throw a tantrum.
“Well, what do you think is going to happen next? What do you think he can do to give him all the control and possibly keep us out of her life? You don’t think sometimes. It’s best if you put your energy into fixing your own mess because you’re making things worse.”
Say what you will about Serena Rose, she’s no dummy. That’s exactly what I’m going to do, and it has nothing to do with keeping them out of Eden’s life. She got that part wrong. I’d never do that, but they will never have the chance to push me aside. But that’s not the reason why I’m going to marry Eden. It’s because I love her, and we’re meant to be together forever. When I told her we were forever, I meant it, and I didn’t need the trappings of man-made paperwork, but I was wrong about that. That paperwork is power.
As I’m about to make my presence known, their conversation continues.
“Men like him don’t get married, Mom. This will blow over.”
I hear a deep sigh. “Honey, all types of men get married. That’s just nonsense. Was Levar the marrying type?” All I hear is silence. “Where was this wisdom then?”
“Mom!” The word comes out choked, and if that monster were capable of feelings, I’d think she was hurt.
“I don’t mean to be cruel, but you need to focus on your shit, Sylvie. Stop badgering your sister, because when you do, you push her away from all of us, and you’re not going to make me lose my daughter. Get your own house in order because from where I’m sitting, it’s a shitshow. You’re with a man who treats you and your children like garbage. We tried to warn you, too, but you wouldn’t listen. At least this man cares for your sister. Do you think Levar would be at your bedside twenty-four-seven? You know the answer to that.”
There’s silence until I hear a sniffle.
“Mom, I was only trying to help. I didn’t mean to push Eden away.”
“I know, but you’re not her boss. I know you care about her, but you need to tone it down a bit. Whether we like it or not, this man is here to stay. He’s not my choice for my daughter, but he loves her. He hasn’t left this hospital since she got here. I don’t think he’s slept. I haven’t seen him eat. You’re not helping at all, and that stunt you pulled with Gavin was complete bullshit. What were you thinking? What if he were abusive and you brought him back into her life?”
“I didn’t consider that. Gavin was always so nice.”
“He stole from her. He’s a liar and a con, and that comes in all types. I’m still so pissed off at you, Sylvie. I mean it. Fix your own mess and leave Eden alone. And let’s be real. You didn’t getGavin involved because you think he’s nice. Don’t try that bullshit on me.”
“And you think Ripley is better than Gavin for her?”
“Listen, I have my reservations, but he’s here. He’s a mess. He’s worried, and there’s no doubt in my mind he would switch places with her if he could.”
“He just scares the hell out of the doctors and nurses.”
“That may be, but I’m sure she’s getting the best care. Setting aside everything else, I'm grateful that he’s here.”
I decide to leave them to their conversation and return to the room, but I almost bump into Cori, who seems to have been eavesdropping, too. She gives me a half smile.
“She has some nerve,” she whispers. “Do you know what happened when Sylvie had Micah? Her husband left the hospital before the kid was born. He said it was taking too long. Mrs. Rose is the one who was in the delivery room, yet she has the nerve to talk about you.” She waves her hand. “She’s such a bitch. Anyway, do you want me to go to your house and get you a change of clothes or something? Ms. Hazel sent you food and coffee.” She points to a bag in the corner.
“I’m okay,” is all I say.
“Well, Eden is not gonna take it out on me when she wakes up, and you’re skin and bones. Come on. She would want you to eat. So, if you won’t eat for yourself, do it for her. I don’t know what she’ll do if she can’t talk about your rippling muscles.” She rolls her eyes, and for the first time today, I feel a little better. “I’ll go check on her.”
Chapter 62
Rip
I press her hand to my lips. Her skin is warm, and she looks like she’s in a peaceful sleep, but it’s been three and a half days. Three and a half days without the sound of her voice or her smile. Three and a half days without her leaving her wet towel on my side of the bed or threatening to buy me dinner.
The last time I missed someone, it was my mother, and that was over two decades ago. I don’t remember missing her this much.
“I can’t do this without you, Thorny,” I whisper. I don’t recognize the sound of my voice. “Please wake up. I miss you, and your girls are getting on my nerves. For some reason, they think they’re my friends, too, but the only friend I need is you.”
Eden’s parents are in the waiting room, and it’s almost their turn to sit with her, but I don’t want to leave. I feel better when I’m next to her.
