“Yeah.I am, too.”
He wasn’t on good terms with his grandfather, not after everything with Patrick.From what he told me when we were at the cabin, the entire family is a powder keg.I still feel bad for my part in it.He’s reassured me that Patrick’s actions weren’t my fault, and I know this intellectually.Emotionally, though, it’s harder to believe.
“Which hospital?”I move to the kitchen area—a gorgeous room done in muted browns and creams—and go straight to the fridge to see what kind of food I can bring.
“Margaret Chung.”He clears his throat.“Leah, you don’t have to come?—”
“I know I don’t.But I want to be there.For you, for Danica.”For everyone else?I guess that depends.
“I don’t know how my family will react to you being here.”
I pause, my exploration of the fridge on hold.“Do you want me to stay away?If that’s more helpful, I’ll stay home.”
“No.”His voice is low and quiet.“I want you here.”
“Then I’m on my way.”I end the call.
Gage has been watching the entire exchange.“What can I do?”
“Nothing, I don’t think.Dmitri’s grandfather had a heart attack.I’ll meet him at Margaret Chung Medical, keep him company.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.”
Gage takes out his phone, dark eyes sorrowful behind his glasses.“I know a cardiologist there.She’s one of the best.I can call her, if you’d like.”
“I’d like, thanks.”I gather some apples from the crisper drawer while Gage presumably calls his friend.How is he so perfect?It’s unfair.He could hate Dmitri, but instead, he’s calling in a favor on Dmitri’s behalf.Heart melting in my chest, I place some fruit and a knife on a cutting board.
A minute later, Gage finishes his conversation and steps around the long island.“She’ll keep an eye out for him.”
“Thanks.”I get to work slicing the fruit.“Can I take a few of your protein bars with me?”
“Of course.”
“Thanks.”I pop the apple and orange slices into a plastic container.Chances are nobody will have much of an appetite, but if they’re going to be waiting long at the hospital, this will beat the vending machine.
When I reach into the cupboard for Gage’s protein bars, my hand knocks against something metallic.I pull it out—it’s a flask.
“I forgot I had that.”Gage takes it from me.“Should I put some whiskey in here for you to take?”
“Not a bad idea.”I’m half joking, but he gets what I’m sure is an expensive bottle from his liquor cabinet and fills up the flask.
Gage tucks the flask into my tote bag.“Tell Dmitri I’m thinking of him.”
“I will.”I throw my arms around him.“I’m sorry you didn’t get to pick out my dress for tonight.”
He gives me a brief smile.“Another time, little girl.Do you want me to drive you to the hospital?”
“No, I can get there.Thanks, though.”
Thirty minutes later, I walk into Margaret Chung Medical Center and follow the signs to cardiology.I find the waiting room, an open space with lots of windows looking out over the city.Taking up residence in plush, royal-blue chairs is Dmitri’s family—his parents, Danica, his aunts, and his cousin Rachel.
Patrick, thankfully, is nowhere to be seen.
Danica sees me first.Her gray eyes narrow before she turns away.
Standing next to her, Dmitri looks up.“Leah.”
“Hey.”I hold out the tote bag.“I brought snacks in case anyone needs fuel.”
