“I’m not going to do this with you. It won’t help, and it won’t change anything. The best thing to do is just keep talking to him so he knows you’re here.”
I scan over him and my soul aches. “I’ve been doing that, but it doesn’t seem to be helping.”
“It is. You’ve got to believe that. That’s all you can do.” She stands and walks to the window. She waits a few beats and then turns my way. “I gave my notice to Jonah on Friday.”
My eyes fall shut. I do not want to face the fact she’s moving, but I’m done being selfish.
I open my eyes and force a smile on my face. “That’s great news, Mel. I’m happy for you.”
She raises her brows. “Really?”
“I truly am.” I swallow my self-serving tears. “How did Jonah take it?”
“Let’s just say things got a little personal.”
“I bet. Tell me about it.”
“He asked me how long I’ve been planning on moving. When I told him I applied before Thanksgiving and knew on Christmas break, he accused me of breaking up with him so we wouldn’t get closer.”
“He’s got a point, Mel.”
She bites her lower lip. “He thinks if I would’ve stayed with him, I would’ve changed my mind about moving.”
“Is he right?” I try to get a read on her.
She glances off to the side and shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe, but it doesn’t matter because I made my decision. I’m not staying here just to date him and stay with you.”
“What do I have to do with it?” I rest back in my chair.
She rolls her eyes. “Come on, Dori. You’re my best friend. I’d stay here for you over any man. You have to know that.”
I place my palm on my heart. “You don’t know how much I needed to hear that.”
“Yeah, I do. That’s why I said it.”
I can’t help but laugh. “What am I going to do without you?”
Her expression grows serious. “That’s a good question. What are your plans now that this happened?”
“I’m going to help Jami recover. Anything he needs, I’m going to be there for him.” I take his hand. “He needs me more now than ever, and I won’t let him down. Not now, not ever again.”
“So where does that leave Hunter? You told me last week you were willing to stand by him and help him if the baby turns out to be his.”
Her words cause an ache to vibrate through me. I don’t know how to answer her question. There are more critical things to focus on than my relationship with Hunter.
I adjust Jami’s covers around him. “Did you know it was Jami’s birthday yesterday?”
She gasps. “Uh, no. Why didn’t he tell me? Doesn’t he know that calls for mandatory drinks, especially since it landed on a Friday night?”
“Right? He has a hard time understanding your rules.”
She strides over to the bed and gets close to his face. “Jamison Stone, you will not be let off the hook for this. Onceyou are out of the hospital, you’re required to go out to celebrate.
“And I’ll even pick up the check. I have this awesome job in Miami that pays well, so I can afford to get you back for all those times you paid for me.”
His hand twitches. My eyes widen, and I check the heart monitor. It remains blipping at the same rhythm, but I know it’s a sign he’s waking up.
My breathing speeds up. “Mel, he moved. His hand moved when you said that.”
