“He found you,” she says quietly. “Carried you off the beach. I called the police at first, but then Brandon told me where you were. Sean picked me up and we drove over. We put you in his van to keep you out of the rain.”
“My phone?” I whisper, unable to take my eyes off Brandon’s sleeping form.
Her face tightens. “Sean and I went back at dawn to search for it, but no luck. Don’t worry—I called Mum for you.”
A pang echoes through me. “How is she?”
“She’s worried out of her mind, of course. She kept asking if you were warm enough, if you were awake, if you needed anything. Typical Mum—she’s already planning to fly over and smother you.”
“Is she?” I ask, my voice full of hope.
Her face falls. “No, sorry. That was a bad joke. I shouldn’t have said it like that.” She smooths a hand over the blanket. “But she’s asking for updates nonstop. You’d think we were about to amputate or something.”
She takes one look at my face and winces. “Yeah…my bedside manner is trash.”
“Little bit,” I agree.
Everything is still washed-out from the fever. A sharp ache twinges behind my eyes. My face feels puffy, my whole body heavy, and exhaustion is stitched into my bones. I want to cry, but even that takes more energy than I have.
“Want us to call Mum now?” Ellenor offers.
I hesitate. The thought of hearing her voice makes my chest ache. God, I miss her. I wish she were here, sitting beside me, brushing my hair back, holding my hand.
But then I think of the stream of questions she’ll inevitably ask. Words feel like too much. I just want her near.
“Later,” I say, sinking deeper into the pillows. Worriedly, I add, “Can you tell her I’m doing well? Please?”
ThatI’m doing better than I am?
Ellenor nods, squeezing my hand. “Of course. I’ll tell her you’re happy as Larry—three meals a day, extra pillows and blankets, not to mention an amazing view.”
“A car park?” I venture blandly, unable to tell from my vantage point.
“I meant Brandon,” Ellenor smirks, waggling a suggestive eyebrow.
I try to smile as my gaze drifts back to him. He shouldn’t have had to save me, but he always shows up when it matters. Something tightens in my chest—part gratitude, part something I’m only just beginning to understand.
Following my gaze, Ellenor snaps her fingers twice in his direction. “Oi, Brando!”
I’m too fatigued to reprimand her.
He stirs, his head lifting groggily as he blinks himself awake. When his eyes land on me, he bolts up.
“You’re awake,” he says, his voice ragged with fatigue and relief. “How long…?”
“You haven’t missed anything—she just woke,” Ellenor informs him, rising to her feet. “I’ll go get us some coffee. Give you two a moment to debrief.”
She leaves.
Brandon crosses to my bedside. His eyes are bloodshot, deep shadows lurking underneath.
“How do you feel?” he asks.
“Honestly?”
“Please.”
“Like I got hit by a car.”
