Now I wish I had learned.
“I know someone who can,” he begins, “but it’ll take hours, and it's probably too cold right now to work on it, but visitation ends at—”
“I could drive you.”
“No, I couldn’t let you do that. Plus, Declan should be home soon, and you have your project.”
“I’m driving you,” I say, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Come on, let’s go.”
I don’t give him time to argue before slamming the hood and dragging him to my car.
“Buckle up.” I start the car as Zeke puts his seatbelt on. “Alright, so where am I driving?”
Zeke gives me instructions, and before I know it, we’re pulling up toWestlake Medical,which is about an hour away from campus, but apparently the best medical facility in Illinois.
“Do you want to come in?” he wonders.
“I don’t want to impose. Plus, Declan said you usually don’t like for people to come with you to the hospital, and they only see her when she’s home and—”
“Em, has anyone ever told you that you ramble when you’re nervous.” He chuckles. “Plus, you’re basically a celebrity to my mom. Come on.”
I can’t remember the last time I was in a hospital aside from a plastic surgeon when I was a kid. But they’re exactly how I remember. All the rooms give off the same vibe.
Except one. The room at the end of the hall. And the second I see her, I know she’s Zeke’s mom. He doesn’t even need to tell me… he looks just like her.
“Hey, mom.” He dips down to kiss her cheek.
“You didn’t have to come down today,” she replies. “Your first week back at school has to be overwhelming.”
“Never too busy for my favorite girl.”
He takes the chair beside her bed as I stand awkwardly in the doorway. I don’t know why, but I didn’t expect his mom to look… healthy. I don’t know much because Zeke’s a pretty closed book regarding his mom, but I know she’s been sick for a while.
“Zeke,” her voice is soft, “you see the girl in the doorway too, right?” She grins. “I’m not seeing things?”
“No, Mom, you’re not seeing things.” He motions for me to take the chair next to him.
“She’s beautiful,” she whispers, blocking her mouth as if it will prevent me from hearing her. “Good job.”
We laugh.
“No, Mom, we aren’t dating.”
“Well, that’s a shame, Zeke.” She turns her attention to me. “My son doesn’t know a good thing when he has it. You have to find yourself a girl, son. I haven’t fought cancer this long for you to sleep around and possibly impregnate someone. Not that I’d be opposed to being a grandma—”
“Mom,” he laughs again, “please stop.”
“So, he doesn’t want to label it, but does he at least treat you nice?” she asks, and I curl my lips in to stop myself from laughing.
“Mom, we aren’t dating,” he repeats. “This isEmber.”
“Oh.” Her jaw drops as she puts the pieces together. “You’re Declan’s girl.”
“I am,” I reply. I still get butterflies every time I hear that… I’m hisgirl. I think it’s my favorite thing to hear.
“Well, if Declan ever screws up, my son would—”
“Alright, Mom. If you ever wonder why I don’t bring people with me when I visit, I want you to remember this moment.”
