“If you’re sure.” I can hear him yawning through the line.
“I’m sure.”
“Okay, can I talk to Sissy for a sec?”
The childhood nickname slips out of his mouth so easily.
I hand the phone to her, and she grabs it with her right hand, leaving her left entwined with mine. I give it a squeeze to reminder her I’m here for her.
“Yeah. I think so,” she says, swallowing hard.
“Uh, huh.”
“No, I’m good. Thanks for offering.”
“I’ll let you know.”
I don’t know what her brother would do if he saw the way I was staring at his sister, but I don’t think it would be good. I should end this before it gets more complicated, but I’ve got to be here for her now. No matter what. She needs me. Or someone, and I happen to be here.
“Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you.”
Her smile is tentative, and her pretty blue eyes are still glistening, but she looks a little better now.
“Bye.”
She hangs up, handing my cell back to me, and drops her head back on my shoulder. I slide an arm up hers, pulling her head in for another kiss. Her hair is soft and silky under my lips, and she fits there perfectly. Like she was meant to be there. But that’s wishful thinking. I’m not good enough for her, andI never will be. I may have the privilege of borrowing her love for a time, but I’m not worthy of it on a permanent basis.
Chapter 17
Work In Progress
Cece
A wash of coldair hits me, startling me awake. There’s a sharp pain shooting through my neck, and I blink away the gauzy film blurring my vision. I’m resting on a pillow that smells calming. A leathery, sage scent. It’s warm and moving gently up and down.
“Hey, sleeping beauty.”
The familiar voice is a little softer and gentler than his usual rasp, as if he’s trying not to startle me. Where am I? My fingers get all tingly and my eyes fly open when I remember. My piggies!
“How are they?”
“No word yet. I would have woken you up.”
“Right. How long was I asleep for?” I can’t even believe I fell asleep while my poor babies are lying in there, helpless and sick. It feels like a betrayal.
“Not too long. Half an hour or so,” he says, fingers lightly stroking my head.
I struggle to sit up, but he’s holding me tight to his chest.
“I should check on them.”
“I’m sure the vet will come out soon with an update. She’s probably busy working with them. You don’t want to bother her, do you?”
“No, I guess you’re right.” He loosens his hold to let me sit up but keeps his arm firmly resting on my shoulder.
There are a couple of new people in the waiting room now, and the door is swinging shut after the newest arrival.
“Thanks again for staying with me.”
