He waved to a chair and we sat facing each other. “How’s school?” he asked.
“It’s school,” I retorted. “Almost done, though, and I have a job waiting for me at the zoo. I won’t be doing anything much different than I already am, I’ll just get paid more. They’re offering me a really nice package for me to stay.”
“They obviously recognize your talent.”
“I just really love animals,” I countered.
He grinned. “It shows.”
For the next hour, Hatch effectively distracted me from the stress of waiting for Aero. We didn’t check with the nurse or try to find out what was going on, we just waited.
It was torture.
“You don’t have to hang with me, Hatch,” I said. “I know you’ve got stuff to do.”
“The only thing on my agenda today is you, baby girl. Maisie’s got the kids, and my brothers have the club sorted.”
I bit back tears and nodded.
“You hungry?” he asked, and I took a deep breath.
“Starved.”
“I’ll run down and get us somethin’ to eat, yeah?”
I nodded. “That would be great.”
“Whatya want?”
I rattled off my order, then told him what I thought Aero would want and he kissed the top of my head and walked away, leaving me to try and pull myself together as my exhaustion and sadness swamped me.
“Letti?”
I raised my head at the voice of Aero and then I was up and in his arms as I burst into tears.
“Okay, baby, I got you,” he whispered, holding me close.
“I’m sorry. I’m supposed to be your rock and I can’t seem to keep myself from falling apart right now.”
“Youaremy rock, baby, and you’re exhausted. You’re allowed to fall apart right now.”
I sucked in a deep breath and met his eyes. “How’s your mom?”
“She’s awake, but groggy. She had a stroke, but they caught it early enough so there won’t be any permanent damage.”
“That’s great.”
“She’s still havin’ a tough time talkin’. I’m gonna stay, okay?”
“Yes, of course, honey. Whatever you need.” I settled my hands around his waist. “Hatch went to get us something to eat, I’ll grab our stuff and hang in the waiting area.”
“You should go with him,” he countered. “Take a nap, shower, recharge.”
“I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“And I don’t want you falling down because you’re so tired. We can meet back up for dinner.”
“What about you?”
