"I don't know. That TIA could be a precursor to a bigger stroke."
"Well, if that happens, he's where he needs to be."
"Tonight, but what about the rest of the time?"
"Let's just worry about the next two days. If the fall was just a result of the lack of medication, maybe everything gets sorted out, and he's okay."
"That would be the best-case scenario."
"You can go home, Kaia. You've seen him, and he's in a foul mood. Why put yourself through that?"
"You're doing it."
"He's not as bad with me. Go home. I'll call you if anything changes." He turned to Jax. "Thanks for bringing her."
"No problem."
"I'm going downstairs to get some coffee," Ben added. "I'll walk you out."
When they got into the car a few minutes later, Jax didn't seem in a hurry to start the engine, turning to face her with a concerned look.
"I heard what your dad said to you, Kaia. He was bellowing so loudly, I think everyone in the hallway heard him."
"Great," she said with a sigh.
"He had no right to speak to you like that."
"He can't show weakness around me, so the anger is what usually comes out."
"I'm surprised you didn't say something back."
"I had to bite my tongue a few times, but there was no point. He's sick, and he doesn't need to be in a fight with me." She took in a deep breath, still feeling tense and charged up. "I'm glad he seems to be stable, though, and I hope it's just the medication issue, but it could get worse. If it does, I don't know how we'd get anyone in to help him. He's too proud. And it's not like we have any family to move in and take care of him. Even if I wanted to do it, he wouldn't let me. And he won't let Ben stay for more than a night or two."
"Does he have a sister or a brother?"
"His sister is older and lives in Minnesota. She wouldn't be of any help."
"Well, maybe you won't have to deal with that problem yet. Do you want to get something to eat, maybe look around this area? I've never been here."
"Really? We could go to Palm Springs; it's not that far away and has a cool vibe with an old-time Hollywood feel mixed with modern, trendy architecture, restaurants, and high-end stores."
"Great. Let's do that."
"I'll look up restaurants for lunch." She took out her phone. "Do you have any preferences?"
"When it comes to picking restaurants, you haven't let me down yet. I trust you."
"I'm hoping one day you might trust me with more than just a restaurant pick."
"That could happen."
She was surprised by his response but didn't want to make too big of a deal. That might make him want to take his words back. So she looked for restaurants on her phone, wanting to find just the right spot.
Chapter Eighteen
Palm Canyon Drive felt like another planet compared to the sterile halls of the hospital. The desert air was hot, but there was a slight breeze, making it bearable to walk under the palm trees and into a Mexican restaurant that smelled of grilled peppers and salty chips.
The hostess gave them a cozy booth in the air-conditioned restaurant that was decorated in bright colors and southwestern décor. Mariachi music floated through the air as a trio played in the patio near a sparkling water fountain. But Kaia was happy to be inside where it was cool.
