Dean’s eyes widened. “Lacey,” Dean said, clearly shocked. “What kind of accident? Did she get bitten again? Is she okay?”
“She had a car accident,” June told him. “Lacey is going to be fine, but she took a hard hit.”
“Tell her I’m thinking of her,” Dean said immediately. “And please give her my regards.”
“I will,” June promised.
“I should go,” Dean said. “I want to stop by and see Willa and the kids.”
“You’re not staying at Willa’s?” June asked, frowning.
“No,” Dean shook his head. “With you and Carmen there, I’m staying with Ace.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Dean,” June said, feeling bad because she knew that, like her, Dean loved spending time with his grandkids.
“Oh, no, don’t worry, we’re literally just across the beach,” Dean told her with a soft laugh.
“Why don’t you and Ace come over for dinner tonight?” June suggested. “If you are up for it.”
“I’d like that,” Dean said, then grinned. “And I know Ace will as well. He adores Willa and the kids.”
“I know he does,” June agreed with Dean. She’d always hoped that when the time was right, her daughter would open her eyes and see just how much Ace loved her. In fact, if June were honest with herself, while she’d loved Shaun and he was the most wonderful man, husband to her daughter, and father to his kids, June had always loved Ace just a little more. She had secretlyhoped that he’d win Willa’s heart back when she, Shaun, and Ace had first met.
“I’d better get going before Ace comes looking for me,” Dean said. “I’m supposed to be meeting him, Willa, and the kids at Margo’s.”
“I won’t hold you up any longer,” June told him, stepping aside. “It was good to see you again, Dean, and I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too,” Dean said with a nod. “Me too.” He stepped forward. “We’ll see you at Willa’s later this evening.”
“At about six-thirty?” June suggested.
“Sounds good.” Dean said goodbye and left.
June went to the nurses’ station, found out where Lacey’s room was, and headed to it. June knocked lightly on the open doorframe and stepped inside.
Lacey lay propped against pillows, her right arm in a sling, bruising shadowing her cheekbone and down the side of her neck. A television no bigger than a laptop played quietly, but Lacey was flipping through channels with a level of irritation that suggested the TV was about to lose the fight.
When she saw June, her expression brightened instantly.
“June,” Lacey said, and relief warmed her voice. “Thank goodness. Finally, someone interesting to talk to.”
“I’ll have you know I’m only interesting on my good days.” June smiled and walked inside the room, holding up the bouquet. “These are for you, as are these.”
June put the caramels on the bed.
Lacey’s eyes lit up.
“You’re an angel,” Lacey all but purred. “I was dying for something nice to eat besides this bland hospital food. Everything seems to be white. White chicken, white rice, heck even the gravy is white.”
June set the flowers carefully on the bedside table, eyeing Lacey ripping the box open.
“Do I have to tell you, a medical professional, not to eat them all at once?” June raised an eyebrow, watching Lacey shove one in her mouth like it was a lifeline.
“I’m sorry, but I love caramels, and I don’t care about the cavities right now,” Lacey replied. “I’ll brush my teeth when I’m done.”
June sighed, pulled a chair closer, and sat. “How are you?”
“Ready to leave,” Lacey said immediately. “I hate it here.”
