“She’s got a husband and a new baby at home,” Cash told him. My eyes swung wildly over to the man I thought was on my side. The doctor blinked and pursed his lips, taking in our predicament.
“Mr. McCoy just went through a terrible accident. He needs support right now. I wouldn’t recommend telling him right this moment, but perhaps in a few days once he’s a little more coherent. That way you only have to tell him one time, rather than again and again,” he murmured as he turned and left the room, shaking his head all the way.
“Thanks for that,” I snapped at Cash. Dallas and him shared a look and then started laughing.
“What?” he smirked. “It’s a tense situation. You gotta laugh. You heard the doctor. He’ll remember in a few days. Stop worrying about it.” Cash waved me off.
“Okay and what do I do in between? It’s not like I can go in there and give him a kiss. I can’t stay all night with him, and how do I tell him that? What excuse am I supposed to give him?”
They thought about it for a moment.
“Why don’t you just go see him and then figure out what you want to do? Maybe seeing you will trigger his brain or something.”
I looked skeptically at Dallas, who had just about as knowledge on the subject as I did.There was no way to say that could happen or not.
“That’s not a terrible idea,” Cash added. I sighed, and then stood up. I guess it was now or never.
Checking with the nurses before I went to his room, I was given the all-clear and headed his way. I paused at the closed door, taking in some deep breaths before opening it and stepping inside.
The lights were off, with only slivers of natural light coming in through the closed curtains. That made sense. He probably had a massive headache. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust but as I went further into the room my eyes found the bed and I stopped breathing.
Tears instantly surfaced and sprung from my eyes. My lips quivered as I stared at the bruised and battered shell that was Ronny.My Ronny.
I couldn’t move. I was frozen to the floor as I cried for the man laying in bed, beaten and broken. His head was bandaged, his right arm was in a sling all the way up to his shoulder, and both of his legs were in full casts. Dark purple bruises covered his face and other various splotches of exposed skin. How did he manage to survive?
He must have heard my sobs, despite me trying to stifle them. He groaned and opened his eyes with much effort. He didn’t see me at first. I stood completely still and waited for him to react to my presence. When he finally saw me, he smiled and then grimaced.
“Baby, you’re here,” he croaked. I hurried over to him, reaching for his free hand.
“Oh Ronny. I’m so sorry. I can’t believe this. Thank God you’re still here.”
He attempted a laugh and curled half of his mouth upwards.
“I know, right? I can’t even remember it happening. Doctor said a drunk driver got me. While I was parked. What are the odds?”
I nodded, taking one hand and wiping my wet cheeks.
“He got me good. Everything hurts,” he chuckled.
“I bet.” I relaxed and looked around for a chair. Reluctantly, I let go of his hand to grab the chair from the corner and bring it towards the bed. Once it was close enough, I sat down and reached for him again. He turned his head towards me.
“I’m glad you’re here. When your brother and Cash came in first, I was starting to worry that you weren’t coming. Thought maybe you were in the van too or something.”
I shook my head and stroked the top of his bruised hand with my thumb.
“You were the only one in the vehicle. I came as soon as I was called.”
He nodded and closed his eyes again, relaxing back into his pillow. I stayed, holding onto his hand as he rested. Seeing him now, I knew I couldn’t just leave him like this. Even with Tate and the baby at home waiting for me. Ronny needed me more than they did right now.
I stayed until a nurse came in and recommended I leave to give him some time to rest. I told her I’d be in the waiting room, but she recommended I go home and get some sleep myself.
“He’s going to be here for a few weeks. You need to stay healthy for him. Go home, take a shower, maybe a nap, and come back later. He’ll still be here. He won’t even know you’re gone, and you being here when he’s asleep isn’t doing anyone any service.” Her assuring words helped me to say goodbye to him.
I stopped by the waiting room to find it empty. I brought out my phone and called Cash. Him and Dallas were downstairs getting lunch. I blinked, realizing the time. I hadn’t realized I’d stayed that long. I told them I was leaving and they promised that they’d take turns staying with him.
I drove home almost in a daze. I was too tired to think, so by the time I got back to my apartment I went straight to my bed and was out. I hadn’t even bothered to say hello to Tate.
I woke up a couple of hours later, stiff from falling asleep still in my clothes and on top of the comforter. I sat up and blinked away the sleep. It was awfully quiet. That was weird for this place. I stretched and climbed out of bed to find Tate and the baby.
