The EKG beeped through two heartbeats while he waited for me to respond.
Maybe he expected me to argue, but I no longer felt the need.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Matt.”
“Yeah?”
“Can I come see you after your surgery?”
His smile lit up his tired face and put a sparkle in his dark brown eyes. “I’d love that. But only if the nurse approves it.”
“Does it still hurt?”
“A little, but only because the morphine is wearing off.”
“You should go, get relief.”
“Nah, I’d rather stay with you.”
“Matthew.” I squinted as I realized I didn’t know his middle name. “Robinson. Don’t you dare sit here in pain just to see me.”
“You should listen to her,” my dad said as he walked in. “You’ll have plenty of time together after you’re discharged.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
“Madi, your mother and I talked about it, and we’re moving you back in with us while you heal.”
“Excuse me?” First off, I was a grown woman; I didn’t need my parents making decisions for me. Secondly, Jamie needed me.
“Sir.”
“Ashley and Nathan are staying with Jamie and Emily to help out so you can heal in peace and quiet.”
“Sir,” Matt tried interrupting again.
“But—”
“Madi’s staying with me,” Matt cut off my protest.
Seriously? It wasn’t bad enough my parents tried making decisions for me, but now Matt thought he could?
Hell no. We’d be over before my EKG beeped out my next heartbeat if he kept that shit up.
“You don’t get to decide where I live.” I held up a finger to silence them both while I sipped my water so I could continue yelling without a coughing fit. “Neither do you.” I pointed at my dad.
“Madi, it’s for your own good.”
“I appreciate that you have my best interests at heart, but for once will you please just listen to me.”
It was an order, not a request.
Dad’s left eyebrow lifted.
What could I say? I’d learned from the best.
