Heading up the high-rise that housed his rehab facility, nerves tightened her roiling stomach. She stepped into his room and met his mother, a regal woman who carried herself with enough character to have both birthed the incredible entrepreneur who was her boss and deal with an accident Liv tried not to imagine.
“Mrs. Walker, nice to meet you in person.”
“Thanks for coming to visit. It’s thoughtful of you,” she said.
“How’s he been?”
She blinked and studied the floor. “So-so.”
The sound of running water ended. Veronica glared at the closed door, as if her hard stare could navigate through the space between the molecules to see into the bathroom. A squeaking rubber sound and a clink against metal seemed to ease her tension. She relaxed, then after a few minutes, excused herself.
“There’s a nurse’s call button if you need anything,” Veronica said, pointing out the controls on the bedside table. “I’m going to get coffee so you two can talk.”
Then, when he wheeled out, Liv startled for a moment before remembering to get up and go to him. It took a little adjusting to seeing him in the chair. She tried to keep her eyes on his face.
“Hi, Liv.” He took her outstretched hand to pull her towards him. “Thanks for coming.” Still Mr. Walker, because that emanated from within, he kissed her on the cheek. Just that one action made all well for her.
“You’re welcome. I wanted to come sooner but—”
“I know. I wouldn’t let you.” He indicated the upholstered seats beside the round table, and then pushed his chair to follow her. “Sit.”
She obeyed, his voice holding no less power than she recalled.
She rested onto one industrial orange chair, crossed her legs, glanced at him, and uncrossed them. “How are you?” she asked, because she couldn’t say she’d thought of him every day, that she was afraid he’d die, or that she’d taken to praying despite having renounced her faith during college.
He struggled for an answer, and she marveled at the simple truth of the one he finally produced. “Every day is a little better.”
“That’s good to hear.” She relaxed her frozen posture a little. She indicated the pile of white envelopes on the table in front of them. “I’ve brought your mail, but I’ve opened everything and there’s nothing we can’t take care of.”
“I figured everything’s in good hands.”
“I’ve kept up with all your email, and voicemails, too.”
“Just as I always suspected. You don’t even need me,” he said, not reaching for the papers. His teasing tone loosened the lock of her arms against her sides.
“Is this news?” she teased back.
“Ha, I’m so not needed, I should take up golf or something.” His voice faltered as he looked down.
Can you hug a boss?She touched his arm instead, as intimate a gesture as she figured he’d take. “Is there anything I can do?”
He shook his head, eyes searching hers. He seemed to see someone else.
“Oh,” she said, remembering something she’d nearly forgotten. “Orchid Paige called.”
His eyes lifted to meet hers. The old Phoenix was back. “When was this?”
It was hard to recall, since time had blurred since Phoenix’s accident. “A few weeks ago, maybe.”
His head hung again.
“She said to tell you that she’d called. I’m sorry I forgot.” She was searching for the words that would bring back his hopeful expression.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said, eyes focused on the ground.
“I could get in touch with her if you want.”
He shook his head. “We’re not talking.”
