“Please don’t ever scare me like that again. I need my big sister.”
“I’m here.”
I didn’t call attention to Jay’s tears on my shoulder, but I memorized the feelings they invoked.
I couldn’t promise I’d never be in danger again—that was outside my control—but I vowed to be smarter.
And to listen to my brothers when the situation called for it.
Jay cleared his throat as he pulled away. I looked at my EKG to give him a moment to wipe his tears while I wiped away my own.
“You need anything?”
“Water. Please.”
After he helped me drink, I asked, “Is everyone okay?”
“We’re all fine, Madi. Why don’t you let us worry about you for a change.”
“Matt?”
“Are you asking if he’s okay, or do you want to see him?”
“Really okay?”
He chuckled. “His arm is going to need surgery and some serious rehab, but luckily he works for a great bunch of guys who provide excellent health insurance.”
I tried not to laugh, but that hurt more than laughing.
“Here.” Jay held the straw to my lips.
My rebellious, troublemaking baby brother made the perfect nurse.
“Like you, he sounds fucking awful. The doctors said you won’t be running any marathons soon, but you’ll both make a full recovery.”
“Thank you.” He hadn’t told me anything my dad hadn’t, but I’d needed to know if Dad was protecting my feelings.
“You’ll be okay.”
“I will.” It’d take time and therapy, but I’d get there.
“You want me to tell your man you want to see him again?”
I didn’t even bother hiding my smile.
“That’s what I thought.”
“You mad?”
“That you wanted to see him first? Or that he pushed his way past me with a growl that would’ve scared a lesser man so he could see you?”
I felt my eyes rounding at his second question.
“He did?”
“Don’t look so happy about it.”
“Sorry.”
