* * *
As the team from transport wheeled Chad down the hall to the Operating Room, Emma walked beside the bed. She would stay until Rob arrived. The irony of the situation struck her. In her head, she’d devised many scenes when they met and she’d said her bit before walking away from the ghosts of the past. This meeting had never entered her thoughts. Anger and hurt had prevented her from imagining a time when she felt sorry for him. How odd to know he had no one who cared. She had never thought of a time when he would beg her to stay.
When they reached the wide doors into the operating area, she pressed his hand. “Good luck.” The urge to kiss him shocked her. She stared at the closing doors, fighting the bubbling emotions she didn’t want. She pulled out her cell phone. Claire received the first call. “I’m still at the hospital and will be here for several hours.”
“Is Manon all right?” Claire asked. “What about the baby?”
“Both are great. My reason for staying is another matter. Think of a blast from the past. I’ll fill you in later. I’ll be home in time for dinner and the movie.”
“Good enough.’
Though Emma felt sure Rob’s phone was unlisted, she could slide through a side door. His wife was a nurse practitioner with a pediatric group and had become a consultant and a casual friend. Emma hit the number and smiled when she heard Andi’s response.
“Emma, I’m not on call this weekend.”
“I know. I need to speak to Rob about his friend who was supposed to arrive at your house today.”
“Got you…Rob, there’s news about Chad.”
A moment later Emma heard Rob’s deep voice. “How is he? I figured the mangled mess towed from my gate post was his. I called the hospital but they denied he was a patient. Is he…”
“Alive and battered. He uses a different name when traveling. He’s at Fern Lake General and asked me to call you. He’s headed to surgery. Both legs fractured. Tibia and fibula. The left was a compound.”
She heard a bark of laughter. “Though it’s not funny, he’ll hate being inactive. Just who are you?”
“Emma Grassi, a friend of Chad’s from high school.”
“I remember you. Didn’t you come to all his track meets?”
“I did.” She released a sigh. She didn’t want to dwell on the memories Rob’s words had raised. “He asked me to stay until he’s out of the OR.”
“I’ll join you. Glad it’s Saturday and I don’t work on weekends. See you in twenty.”
Emma walked to the single cup coffee maker and prepared a cup. She thumbed through a magazine but her thoughts circled around what she needed to say to Chad. That meant confronting him and spewing all the pain his dropping her had caused. He’d moved beyond a high school romance. She had to do the same.
Memories of the track meets where he and Rob had competed rose. They’d been a matched pair. Though back then, though she and Rob had been friendly, they didn’t move in the same circles.
Just as she finished the coffee, Rob entered. “Any news?”
“Nothing.”
Rob sank onto one of the colorful plastic chairs. “Looks like Fern Lake will be a center for reporters and photographers.”
“Maybe not. He’s on the patient list as Ian Greve. Security knows. He also said the only visitors he wanted are you and me and anyone we vouch for.”
Rob’s brow wrinkled. “That’s a change. The last time we were together he said every occasion was a promo op. Wonder what soured him.”
Emma shrugged. “Before today, I hadn’t seen him since he left for Hollywood. For many years we kept in touch. Then fame happened and he became tabloid fodder. Do you suppose he’s in some kind of trouble?” She could think of several scenarios, especially when she recalled all the photos and stories she’d heard. Though she didn’t want to believe the stories, she no longer knew him. Was there pregnancy, a child support issue, a broken contract, some kind of sexual harassment suit facing him?
“We won’t’ know until he wakes.” Rob tapped his fingers on the chair arm. “I know a way to keep the curious from ambushing him. My cousin is a partner in a security firm. He could provide guards.”
“Better ask Chad first,” Emma said. “As I remember, he never liked others making decisions for him.”
“Bet that’s changed. Having an agent means giving up a lot of control.”
Just then, Dr. Markham stepped into the room. “Surgery is finished. Right leg casted. Left has a plate. He’ll be in traction until the wound heals.”
“He won’t like that,” Emma said.
“Doesn’t have to like it, but he’s got to deal with it.” He turned to Rob. “Shame you no longer own the nursing home. He’ll need some place like that until the bones heal. Then he’ll need rehab.”
“Though there’s a good program there, I don’t think he’d be happy with all the visitors and activities. How long will he be here?”
The surgeon shrugged. “Depends on when we can remove the traction and the wound heals so we can cast the leg. I’d say a week, maybe two. He said his insurance is platinum.”
Rob chuckled. “With the way he bounces about in those movies, he needs good insurance. He does his own stunts.”
Dr. Markham frowned. “He may need to find less strenuous roles.”
“His spine?” Emma asked.
The doctor shook his head. “Spine is fine. A bit of whiplash, some bruising and strain from the crash. By Monday the stiffness should abate. He’ll need a lift in his shoes and he may have a permanent limp.” He turned and walked to the door.
Rob turned to Emma. “He might grow up and stop playing this Storm character.”
“Doubtful.” Emma didn’t think her Leo friend could give up the attention he received.
“Let’s visit him. Then I’ll head home.” Rob walked into the hall.
Emma strode beside him to the Recovery Room. Chad was one of two patients. She noted the intravenous in his arm and the smaller bag of antibiotics. The other arm had a second intravenous and a pump for self-administration of pain medication. She studied the traction and the leg in a sling. Finally, she looked at his face. He didn’t appear to be someone who had been ill. His tanned skin held the glow of health. She noted Rob made the same inspection.
“Chad,” Rob said.
Chad opened his eyes. “I feel like I’ve been dragged. Guess I’ll be late to lunch.”
““You’re in good hands. Markham is the best.”
“Thanks.”
“You need to rest now.” Rob clasped Chad’s hand. “I’ll be in tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Emma changed places with Rob. “Surgery went well. You’ll be here for a week or two.” She touched Chad’s fingers. “I’ll check in tomorrow. Rest.”
As she turned away one of the nurses pulled her aside. “Why is he wearing two arm bands with different names?’
Emma winked. “HIPPA rules. You’re not to talk about him and if people start asking questions, shrug. If they persist let Security know. If you have to say something, ask them why Chad Morgan would come to Fern Lake.”
“Got you.” The nurse’s eyes widened. “I bet there are people who would pay big bucks to see him.”
“Is losing your license worth the money?”
“I guess not.’
Emma walked away. She hoped Security was alert. She stepped into the hall and nearly did a U-turn. Janice Stone strode toward her. Emma’s shoulders stiffened. She didn’t like the blonde supervisor who thought every man in the world desired her.
“Emma, a moment.”
Though she wanted to retreat, Emma halted. She hadn’t worked with the other nurse since Manon had returned and hired her as office nurse and encouraged her to finish her education. “Is there a problem?”
“Just wondering how well you know Chad Morgan.”
“We dated in high school but I’m here to visit Ian Greve.”
Sandra laughed. “I’m the supervisor and must know all abo
ut our patients. I’m aware of the false name.”
Emma drew a deep breath. “Then you know the reason for the secrecy.”
“I do. Don’t worry. I won’t tell.”
Emma turned away. Good luck, Chad. Though Janice was older than the young actresses Chad preferred, she did fit his type. Blonde, beautiful and bold. Why did that make her gut curdle? Her hands clenched. She wouldn’t be drawn back into the dream of being with Chad. She had to look at this encounter as a way to end her yearning for him.
As she left the hospital a drizzle began and soon changed into a steady rainfall. Emma arrived home just before her sister and nephew. She hurried upstairs to change into shorts and a tee shirt. The rain continued and the air steamed. When she reached the kitchen, Brian ran to her. “We had fun at the park. I swung so high I nearly touched the sky.”
Emma ruffled his hair. “Sounds like fun.”
His dark eyes shone. “Did you have fun, too?”
“A long but interesting day.” Emma helped her sister unload the insulated bag from Burger Bounty. “Manon’s doing great and the baby is handsome.”
“You said you were staying and you would tell me why later.”
“I identified a car accident victim.”
Claire waved to her son. “Wash your hands and face.” She pulled catsup from the fridge. “Someone we know?”
“Emma nodded. “Chad.”
“As in Fern Lake’s claim to fame? Action hero, Storm, Hollywood’s darling? Is he here to make a movie?”
“A movie,” Brad shouted. “Is he coming to the house?”
Emma shook her head. “He’s in the hospital.”
Brian bounced on his chair. “Wait ‘til I tell my friends my Mom and aunt know a movie star.”
Emma touched his shoulder. “You can’t tell anyone he’s here.”
“Why not?”
“He was hurt and he needs quiet to get better so he doesn’t want people bothering him.”
Brian sighed. “Could I meet him? I promise not to tell.”
“Someday.” Though she saw disappointment in his eyes, she knew he wouldn’t say anything. She vowed she would find a way for him to meet Chad.
After dinner, Emma popped corn. They went to the living room to watch a movie. As the credits rolled, Brian yawned. Claire lifted him from the couch. “Bed.”
“Night, Aunt Emma.”
“Happy dreams.”
When Claire returned, she poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Emma. “So tell me about him.”
Emma sipped. “Seeing him was a shock. He’s as good-looking as he was years ago. More muscular. Seeing him in person sent me back to those old dreams. I must really cast them out.”
“So why did you stay?”
“He asked me and I felt sorry for him. I called Rob Grantlan to let him know about the accident and surgery. Chad was on the way to Rob’s house.” She set her glass on the end table. “Janice Stone was on her way to vamp him. She’s his type.”
“Did that bother you? I understand that woman has her eyes on every man she sees. Will she add another notch on her bedpost?”
Emma shrugged. “I’m sure he can handle her.”
“Do you wonder if you and he could regain what you’ve lost?”
Emma finished her wine. “Too late for that.” She rose. “I’m for bed. See you in the morning.”
Thoughts of Chad followed her to sleep. Instead of California, she had to face him here. But not yet.
Chapter 3
Chad groaned and opened his eyes. Green curtains covered both sides and the front of his room. What was behind the side curtains? He turned his head and saw a large plastic bag with a tube leading to his arm. He blinked to focus on the dim light. He stared at his left leg suspended in a sling. Thin pieces of metal protruded from the skin. He could see ropes that must be attached to something.
Where was he and why was he in a bed with sides? Storm never ended up in a hospital. This wasn’t a movie role then, something had happened to him. What?
With the force of a flash flood breaking through a dam, memories of the wreck arose. Excruciating pain and…Emma. Rob had also appeared in the dream. He had to move and escape to learn where he was. He pressed his hands against the pillow but he couldn’t sit or move his legs.
Waves of pain flowed from his toes. “Help.” Was that wimpy voice his? He swallowed and shouted again, this time with more force.
What was this place? A torture chamber? Was this part of a script for a movie? If so, why did the pain escalate like a rocket headed to the stars?
The front curtain slid open. A young woman wearing blue scrubs entered. “Ian, how can I help you?”
For a moment he opened his mouth to correct her. Though his middle name was Ian, few people knew. What had he done? “Water,” he croaked.
She filled a plastic glass and bent a paper straw before holding the glass so he could drink. “Are you having much pain?”
“Yes.”
She placed a button in his hand. “On a scale of one to ten, with one being the lowest, how would you rate your pain?”
“Ten and soaring.”
“This button connects to a pump. If you click it, you’ll receive a dose of pain medication. What you must remember is to use the pump sparingly.”
He pressed the button. Something heated flowed through his vein. “Am I in the hospital?”
She nodded. “Fern Lake General.”
“What day of the week?”
“Sunday. Six AM.”
“Is the doctor around?”
“Dr. Markham will be in later. If you need a doctor there’s one on duty here.”
He shook his head and closed his eyes so his concern wouldn’t show. “I have a dozen questions Dr. Markham can answer. I’ll wait.” The pain medication had begun to dull the edges of the agony. “Other than my legs, what’s the damage?”
“A lot of bruises from the airbag and the seatbelt.”
“My spine?”
“Just some whiplash damage.” She winked. “I fear your car is totaled.”
“I’m sure. Anyone else hurt?”
“Haven’t heard of anything major. You were the only person admitted.”
She left the cubicle. Chad dozed off. At least there wasn’t an injection with a foot long needle this time.
A second nurse entered the area. “Would you like a glass of juice? I can also scrounge up some yogurt. Breakfast isn’t until eight.”
Chad shook his head. “I’ll wait.”
Before the meal arrived, he woke to see a machine wheeled to the bedside. An X-ray technician positioned a plate to take shots of his left leg. “Is it all right?” Chad asked.
“Won’t know until the doctor has a look.” The machine rolled away.
Chad considered using the medication pump but breakfast arrived. The nurse raised the head of the bed so he could eat. He uncovered the items on the tray. Oatmeal. He hadn’t eaten that since he was a child. Rubbery scrambled eggs, dry toast, milk, orange juice and tea. Tea when all he craved was coffee. Hunger drove him to eat while thinking about his usual morning meal. Fluffy omelets, slices of ham or sausage or bacon. Waffles or pancakes. Cups of steaming coffee.
He had just finished the tasteless meal when the stacked blonde who had approached his bedside yesterday entered and closed the curtains. She glided to the bedside. “I hope you’re feeling better.”
Chad shrugged. “About the same.”
She slid her hand along his arms. “If there’s anything more you need, just ask the nurses to page Janice Stone. You’ll soon be transferred to a private room.”
Her gaze roamed from his chest to his groin. Chad’s hands clenched. She checked him the way a butcher eyed a slab of beef. “I’m fine.”
“I could make you feel better.” She ran her tongue over her lower lip. “I know who you are but trust me to keep your secret.”
Chad swallowed the words he wanted to say. She had nothing to offer him but sex. �
��I get you but no.”
“I’ll return when you’re in your room. I’ll bring you food. You’ll be able to have visitors.”
He shook his head. “There are only two names on the list. Security has them. If any are added, I will do the adding.”
“You’ll be so lonely.” She stroked his arm. “I know ways to end your loneliness.”
Something in her manner made him fear she would betray his presence if he didn’t leap on her offer. Not happening. He couldn’t tell her to get lost. He couldn’t tell her she left him cold. His jaw clenched. He hated the reputation he had developed during the past few years.
The curtain blocking the cubicle from view slid open. Chad didn’t care who had arrived. He’d been saved. Emma entered. The look on her face troubled him but the sight of her brought a rapid response. The blonde moved away.
Emma smiled. “Janice, are you supervisor for the entire weekend. Isn’t that unusual?”
Janice nodded. “Regina had an emergency with one of her kids so I volunteered.” She turned to Chad. ““Since your medical attendant is here, I’ll go and return later.”
Chad prayed this was a promise she wouldn’t keep. Emma’s glare gave him hope.
Emma moved closer to the bedside. “You’re looking better.”
“I feel like a bulldozer flattened me. They’re moving me to a private room today. I worry about being invaded there.”
“You’re right to worry. There are photographers and reporters outside looking for a story.”
Chad shook his head. “I hope Security is tight here. I won’t see anyone but you and Rob.”
“Unless you hire private nurses, there will be people entering your room. The nurses, care aides and other personnel.”
“I know. I mean outsiders.”
“How will you prevent them? I imagine someone working here could be bribed to sneak someone in.”
“I’ll find a way.”
“I’m not sure how often I can visit. My partner just had a baby. Office hours will be hectic but I’ll try to pop in after rounds.”
He closed his eyes. “You’re abandoning me?” He hated the whine in his voice.
Forgotten Dreams Page 3
