“Music.”
Denny chuckled.“You’ve already got him figured out.”
“Not yet, but I’d like to find out more.”
“Just be careful.Remember what I said.He’s not a forever kinda guy.”
“Maybe not, but he could be a ‘for now’ kinda guy to get me back on my feet after a huge disappointment.”
“That kind of situationship is his specialty.”
“The fact that you trust and respect him means a lot.”
“I hope I don’t regret telling you this.”
“I’m in the no-regrets part of the program.Don’t worry.I can handle him.”
Denny muttered something that sounded like, “I sure as hell hope so.”
Before she could confirm what he’d said, her phone rang with a call from Jackson.“I have to take this.It’s my new attorney.”She pushed the green button.“Hi, Jackson.”
“Isla… I heard from Gabriel’s attorney that he’s been diagnosed with a serious illness.He’s asking for you.”
The bottom fell out of her stomach.“What kind of serious illness?”
“The lawyer wasn’t at liberty to tell me the details due to HIPAA regulations.Are you able to go to Cedars on Beverly Boulevard?”
“I, um, yes, I will.Thank you for calling.”
“Of course.Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.Thank you again.”
Her hands were trembling as she ended the call and updated Denny.
“I can stay with the kids while you go.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am.Go ahead.”
She kissed Denny’s cheek and ran to the bedroom to change her clothes, brush her hair and teeth and find her keys.
Then she told the kids she had to go out for a little while, and Uncle Denny was going to stay with them.They were thrilled by that news because Denny was always willing to get on the floor and play with them.
“I’m scared,” she whispered to her brother.“What now?”
“Go find out.It may explain some things.”
“Yeah, maybe.”She was filled with dread over what she might hear at the hospital and how it might change her life as well as Gabriel’s.“I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.”
“I’ll be waiting to hear.”He gave her a hug.“Drive carefully.”
On the way to Cedars, she focused only on driving and tried not to think about what this could be about.There was no sense in speculating and making herself crazier with theories.It could be anything at this point.
At the reception desk inside the main entrance, she asked for Gabriel and was directed to a room on the fourth floor.In the elevator, she stared straight ahead and tried to force breath past the weight in her chest.Outside his room, she took another deep breath and released it slowly, preparing herself to see him for the first time since he’d destroyed their home.
Isla was surprised to find an older couple, people she’d never met, standing next to Gabriel’s bed, watching over him.Gabriel’s curly, dark blond hair hadn’t seen a comb in days.He had deep, dark circles under his eyes and a bruise on his cheek.
