“Yep, that’ll do it. I get mean when I’m hungry.”
I chuckled and turned back toward the chart, but my eyes kept moving toward Room 814 even though I couldn’t see through the closed door. I wondered what they were saying in there. I wondered if Marvelous was telling him I had been the one who handled his belongings. I wondered if Lev had walked in already knowing everything and that was why he looked at me the way he did.
My phone started vibrating beside my thigh, pulling me out of my thoughts. Rome’s name flashed across the screen for the second time in less than ten minutes, and I silenced it again without answering. After the scene at the mall and me taking his truck, he had gone from angry to apologetic to acting like none of it happened, which was typical. He had shown up here with flowers and another lie and I let him talk. I even let him think I forgave him, but I hadn’t spent one night in that house since my furniture had been delivered. As far as Rome knew, I was staying with Lulu because I needed space. The truth was I had been sleeping better than I had in years, alone in my own place with my doors locked and my phone on silent. Another message came through right after the call.
Rome:Where you at?
I rolled my eyes because he knew exactly where I was. He had my schedule memorized better than I did sometimes, but Rome never asked a question because he needed an answer. He asked because he wanted to make sure my answer matched whatever he already believed.
Me:Work.
The bubbles appeared immediately.
Rome:What time you get off?
Me:Same time I always get off.
Rome: I’m coming to get you.
My stomach felt tight and I stared at the message for a few seconds before responding.
Me:No need, I have my car.
Rome:I didn’t ask if you had your car. You still my wife and I’m taking you to eat tonight.
I locked the phone and slid it into my pocket before my irritation showed all over my face. Rome had been doing that more lately, popping up at my job, showing up at Lulu’s house without calling, sending food I didn’t ask for, and pretending it was love when really it was surveillance with a smile on it. The closer I got to being free, the more he seemed to sense something changing, and that made him hold on tighter.
I had just finished reviewing my second patient’s labs when the door to Room 814 opened. Lev stepped out alone and looked toward the nurses’ station before walking in my direction. I kept my eyes on the computer even though every nerve in my body noticed him coming closer. He stopped on the other side of the counter, and Kendra looked up first with a smile.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” he answered. “He asking for something to drink besides water.”
Kendra chuckled. “He can ask all he wants. He’s still on clear liquids.”
“That’s what I told him.”
“Then you already know the answer.”
Lev nodded without a smile before his eyes moved toward me. “He said his medicine due soon.”
I looked at the time on the computer. “In about fifteen minutes.”
“Aight.”
He didn’t move right away, and I could feel Kendra looking between us, probably hoping one of us said something worth gossiping about later. I refused to give her the satisfaction and kept my attention on the screen.
Lev finally spoke again. “You was the nurse downstairs when they brought him in?”
I looked up slowly. “I was part of the trauma team.”
His face didn’t change. “He said you handled some of his belongings.”
My heart dropped straight into my stomach, but I kept my expression calm. “Several of us were handling his care. I completed part of the property inventory.”
He nodded like that answer made sense. “Everything get logged?”
“Yes.”
