We’re on the road to Harborview, before Teddy’s surgery, so he can visit his friends and Mel. The closer we get, the more his tension thrums in the air between us.
I reach over, brushing my fingers against his arm. “How are you holding up?”
“There’s a damn roller coaster inside my brain. One moment I’m relaxed, waiting for my surgery to be over. Then I’m panicking and thinking what happens if I don’t wake up or something goes wrong.” He drags in a shaky breath and blows it out hard, like he’s trying to force the dread from his chest. “This fucking sucks.”
The unguarded honesty of his words twists my insides. I want to protect him from every fear. “There’s nothing wrong in worrying about today.”
“Still doesn’t make me feel any less like a failure. Guess I’ll just have to blame the hospital food for making me soft over the past few months.”
It’s obvious he’s hiding behind his jokes. For now, I let it be. Today’s a big day for him. All I can do is stay steady at his side, giving him something solid to lean on until the storm passes.
Inside the facility, Teddy’s steps grow more purposeful as we make our way toward Aaron’s room. Doublechecking we have the correct place, I knock a few times, the sound echoing down the corridor. A tall young adult with reddish hair opens the door. He’s mid-bite into a Twizzler and wearing a pair of battered high-tops with jeans and a graphic tee.
“Hi there Aaron,” I greet him.
“And who does the lovely voice belong to?”
“Come on, Aaron,” Teddy teases.
“Teddy, my man, you have female company and didn’t warn me!” Aaron’s eyes widen in mock outrage. “I would’ve dressed up.”
I chuckle, glancing at Teddy. “Guess you like keeping your friends on their toes.”
“What can I say? I live for the element of surprise.” Teddy shrugs.
Another slightly older guy, maybe in his mid-twenties, greets us from behind him. He has long dark brown hair in a ponytail and kind, yet sad eyes. “Hi, you two.”
“Aaron and Brian, meet Ivy. Ivy, you know who they are.”
Aaron gasps, his hand on his heart. “Did you sayIvy?”
“Yes. The one and only,” my man confirms with a proud smile.
“Holy shit, no way! I thought she was a product of your imagination, bro. No way a woman of her caliber would find your ugly mug attractive.”
I burst out laughing, covering my mouth with my hand. “You’re lucky I’m flattered instead of offended.”
“You have no idea how I look,bro,” Teddy rumbles.
“Thank god for miracles,” his friend replies and turns to offer me his hand. “Lovely to meet you, my lady.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” I slide my fingers against his and he pecks my knuckles.
Teddy growls. “Unbelievable,” he mutters. “I come to visit and you steal my girl.”
“It’s all my charm. I told ya.”
Brian huffs at Aaron’s cockiness. “Yeah, right.”
“I can’t believe you’re leaving. It doesn’t get better than this, dude,” the younger whines, exaggerating his betrayal.
Teddy pulls him into a hug, muttering words so low I can’t catch them. My heart warms at the easy affection between them and the bond they’ve built—the kind of brotherhood that keeps you afloat when you’re drowning.
Brian steps forward, finding Teddy’s shoulder and pats it. “Good luck. Don’t be a stranger.”
Teddy’s voice turns uncharacteristically solemn. “You guys gave me a reason to keep going when I didn’t think I had one. I’ll carry that with me.”
“Don’t get mushy now,” Aaron comments. “See you later, loser.”
