“Ma? Let us in.”
The reply was muffled, but she’d heard it clearly enough. “Imogen?” She swung the door open. “What in the—” The words died as her gaze landed on Rosa and every tension in her body melted away.
“Thank, God. I was beginning to think we’d have to sleep in the car,” Rosa said, nudging past her and setting the small case down with a thud. “How’s Schultz?”
“Yeah, how’s Grandpa?”
“He’s…as well as can be expected right now,” Billy answered, then quickly pulled Imogen into a hug. Her arms wanted to reach for Rosa too, but Rosa stepped back, chin lifting as if distance could keep her steady. “He’ll be pleased to see you,” she said, kissing the top of Imogen’s head.
“I used the emergency card,” Imogen admitted. “I’ll pay it back.”
“It’s fine.” Billy glanced warily at Rosa. She’d forgotten all about the emergency card she’d given Imogen. “This is an emergency, right?” She ushered them both into the lounge and closed the double doors.
Rosa didn’t look at Imogen as she said, “Imogen booked the flights, despite my saying we needed to speak to you first. Why aren’t you answering your phone?”
“Battery died, and I’ve been at the hospital all day. It’s only been charging for the last hour…and I fell asleep.”
“How’s Meredith?” Rosa asked—and the question underneath it hung in the air: “How are you?”
Billy exhaled. “She’s okay. Exhausted. She’s taken a sleeping tablet, so hopefully she’ll sleep all night. But she wants to be back at the hospital as soon as possible.”
“That’s understandable…I’d be the same,” Rosa said.
Imogen yawned. “I’m going to go up to my room.” She turned to Rosa. “Are you sleeping in with me?”
Billy jumped in, “You can have my room, I’ll take the couch.”
“Thank you, it’s fine. I can sleep in with Imogen.” Rosa smiled, assessing Billy. “You need to get some sleep, too. No doubt it’s been just as exhausting for you.”
Chapter seventy-four
By the time Rosa had finished brushing her teeth and changed into her nightwear, Imogen was in bed, snoring gently.
She smiled at the sight. Ever since the day they’d brought her home from the hospital, Rosa had loved watching her sleep.
For a moment, she sat on the edge of the bed, making sure Imogen was sound asleep, then she got up and tiptoed out of the room and down the hall.
She didn’t knock, holding her breath as she eased the door open.
“Rosa.” Billy smiled and sat up, the small bedside lamp throwing warm light across her face. She tossed the covers back and moved over to make room.
“I can’t stay. She’s sleeping, but—”
“Just for a minute?” Billy patted the space beside her. “You both being here is… I’m grateful.”
Rosa smiled before finally relenting and squeezing into the space beside Billy.
“When you called, all I wanted to do was get on a plane and come to you,” Rosa admitted. “These past few weeks have…made it hard to pretend I don’t want this.”
Billy reached out and stroked Rosa’s cheek gently. “I think it’s time to tell her, don’t you?”
“Yes, but…” Rosa pressed a finger to Billy’s lips, and her own pulse steadied. “This isn’t the time. Right now, here, with Schultz in the hospital…it’s not about us.”
“No, I agree. I just…” Billy swallowed, her voice cracking, “I need you. He looks so frail in that bed.”
She collapsed, falling against Rosa, who didn’t think twice about pulling her close and holding her as her body shook and the tears flowed.
“It’s okay. Let it out. You don’t always have to be the strong one,” Rosa whispered into her hair.
