Page 10 of Promising You
“He’s from New York. He’s supposed to be really good and he knows a lot about MS. I have no idea why he decided to take a job in Des Moines, although I think he’s splitting his time between New York and here. Anyway, he’s been working with Dad. It sounds like he’s going to get him on some different medications.”
“Is Frank getting out of the hospital soon?”
“Probably on Saturday. I wish I’d known you were coming home. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get time off from work while you’re here.”
“That’s fine. Garret’s flying out a week later, so I can do stuff with him when you’re at work and Frank’s sleeping.”
“Oh. Okay.” Ryan still doesn’t fully approve of my relationship with Garret. He doesn’t like the fact that I hang out with Garret more than I hang out with Harper or other girls. “Is he staying at a hotel again?”
“I guess he will. There’s not really room at the house.”
“He could sleep on the couch if he wants.”
Garret’s so tall he’d never fit on their tiny couch, but it’s nice of Ryan to offer.
“I’ll let you know. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you I’ll be home soon. I’ll call you later this week. Tell Frank I said hi.”
“I will. See ya, Jade.”
After I hang up with Ryan, I go to Lilly’s room and play with her for a few hours. I feel bad that she doesn’t have anyone to play with. Then again, when I was her age I didn’t have anyone to play with either. But I didn’t like it. And I’m sure Lilly doesn’t like it either.
While Lilly and I play, Garret has physical therapy. When he was shot, the bullet went into his upper chest near his shoulder, affecting the muscles he uses for swimming. The physical therapist is showing him different exercises he can do in the pool so he can hopefully start swimming again soon. He won’t be able to compete on the swim team, but he wants to be able to go to practice.
At 7, we all sit down for dinner. Garret and I usually go out for dinner so we aren’t stuck sitting with his dad and Katherine, but tonight we decided to stay in. A winter storm came rolling in earlier today and I didn’t want to go out in the bad weather.
“Any plans for New Year’s?” Mr. Kensington asks Garret as the server plates our food.
“Jade and I are going to New York. I thought I told you that.”
Mr. Kensington nods. “Yes, you did tell me that. I just didn’t remember. So when are you leaving?”
“Tuesday and coming back Friday. And then Jade’s flying to Des Moines on Saturday. I’m meeting her there a week later, remember?”
Mr. Kensington doesn’t answer. He seems deep in thought. Finally he wakes up from wherever his mind was and looks at me.
“Jade, you must be excited about going home. By the way, how is Frank doing?”
I’m always surprised when he mentions Frank. I never talk about Frank or Ryan around Garret’s family.
“Frank is fine. He’s still in the hospital.”
“I hope he’s getting good care. It’s hard to find competent medical professionals these days. Does he have a good physician?”
“Actually, I talked to Ryan earlier and he said Frank is seeing a new doctor. Some guy from New York. He’s supposed to be really good.”
Mr. Kensington smiles. “Excellent. I hope he can offer some assistance to Frank. I know he means a great deal to you.”
Garret’s eyes dart to his dad, then back at me. He seems just as confused as I am about his dad’s interest in Frank.
“Where are you two staying in New York?” Mr. Kensington asks Garret.
“I got a hotel in Times Square for New Year’s Eve. I thought we’d stay at the apartment for the other nights. Unless you need to stay there for work.”
“No, I won’t be in the city next week. I’d actually prefer that you stay at the apartment rather than a hotel. It’s in a very secure building.”
Secure building? Why do we need a secure building? I almost ask Mr. Kensington what he means by that, but then he starts talking again.
“You’re taking the car service, I presume?”
