Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series

by Amanda Shelley

  “Look…” I start but don’t know where to begin. When she doesn’t say anything, I go with the truth. “I’m sorry. Few people know about my past because I don’t want them to think any different of me. You’ve been nothing but kind, and I’m a complete douche for reacting like this. Please, forgive me.”

  I look to her with pleading eyes, hoping she won’t hold my knee-jerk reaction against me. She sighs heavily and readjusts her hands on the wheel.

  “You’re not a douche, Drew. Prideful, maybe. But you’ve just been put into a situation where circumstances were stacked against you. You’re a fighter, just like Summer. I won’t hold that against you. And by the way—I don’t feel sorry for you. In fact, if anything, I feel admiration. You’ve been through so much, and you don’t give yourself enough credit. There’s no way I would’ve picked myself up as you have, and still manage to reach your goal. Am I sad you had to go through this? Yes. But I don’t feel sorry for you. I feel empathy and compassion. Pity is for someone who you feel is beneath you. If anything, I look up to you.”

  Abby gives me a sly smile, and reaches out to pat my hand once more. Instead of letting her pull back, I clasp my hand in hers and squeeze it tight. Her simple touch brings me a sense of peace.

  11

  Abby

  By the time we arrive at the hospital, I’m exhausted and stiff from hours of being in the car. I park in the closest parking lot to the emergency room. As soon as we’ve exited the car and walk to the emergency room doors, Drew grabs my hand, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. He’s hardly let go of it since I made it clear I never felt sorry for him.

  Tension rolls off him in waves as we enter the emergency room door. His grip remains firm. He quickly asks the woman behind the desk where to find his parents.

  After tapping his information into her computer, she tells us we’ll need to go to the seventh floor to meet with Dr. Reagan’s team. She asks us to go through some locked doors, where a nurse will show us where to go.

  The entire ride up the elevator, I can tell Drew’s barely hanging on. His clasp on my hand tightens, while his other hand fists and releases, as if he’s preparing himself for the worse. His breathing is slow and steady, almost as if it’s calculated. My heart aches for the pain this is causing him. The fear of the unknown is always greater to deal with.

  I lean closer to him and whisper so only he can hear, “It’s okay. It’s gonna be okay.”

  Drew remains silent, but when I feel him squeeze my hand twice, I know he’s heard me. From the look on his face, I doubt he can say anything, even if he wanted. His pale complexion lets me know his nerves have taken over.

  When we exit the elevator, the nurse introduces herself as Janice. She has us stay in a waiting area, assuring us she’ll send someone out soon with an update. We sit next to one another on the couch and wait.

  It feels like forever before a woman in blue scrubs approaches. “Drew Jacobs?”

  Drew immediately stands. “That’s me.”

  The doctor looks from him to me and back. Drew gives her a quick nod, and she proceeds by reaching out her hand to shake his. “Hi, I’m Dr. Reagan. I’ve worked on your dad’s case. He’s out of surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. We’ll keep him in the hospital for a few days to monitor the progress of his lungs, and he’ll be on crutches until his leg completely heals. We had to put some pins in, which will be removed in about eight weeks. I’ve just spoken with your mother’s surgeon, and she’s out of surgery, as well. She’s still in recovery but will be transported to share a room with your father when she’s ready.”

  Drew’s deep voice cracks when he asks, “Can I…” He clears his throat and repeats himself. “Can we see him?”

  Dr. Reagan nods. “Follow me, and I’ll take you to his room.”

  As we approach the door, I wonder if I should go in. The doctor walks in ahead of us, but I stop at the entry. Drew looks to me with concern, and I whisper, “Do you need time alone?”

  Drew pins me with his deep blue eyes and pleads silently for me to not make him do this alone. “Please?”

  The look of sheer desperation on his face as his eyes bore into mine, make my decision for me. I know I’d follow him anywhere. I take in a deep breath and prepare myself for what’s on the other side, as I follow him through the door.

  When we walk in, a man is lying in a hospital bed, with his face turned away. From where I stand, it’s evident he’s tall as he takes up most of the bed. The bed’s adjusted so that both his chest and legs are raised. The doctor walks immediately to him and checks his vitals, as well as reading the machines.

  Without letting go of my hand, Drew walks to stand beside his father. Wordlessly, Drew places his free hand on his father’s shoulder, causing him to stir. When his head slowly turns in our direction, I’m shocked to see an older version of Drew staring back at us. He has the same dark hair and shade of eyes as his son. The only difference between the two men is that the man in the bed has a few wrinkles around his eyes and has started to gray at his temples. He also has a few cuts and scrapes and slight bruising from the accident. But other than that, I’m staring at what Drew will likely be in thirty years.

  The moment he recognizes Drew, his face lights up. With a weak smile, he croaks, “Drew… You’re here.”

  “I’m here, Dad.” Drew pats his shoulder softly, and a matching smile mirrors his dad’s. Drew’s rigid posture eases as he lets out a low chuckle. “There was no need to go to quite the theatrics. If you wanted me to visit, you could’ve just asked.”

  His dad shakes his head and ignores his smart-ass comment as he explains, “I… I didn’t see the other car coming until the last minute. I swerved, and we must’ve hit a patch of ice. They said your mom’s still in surgery. Have you heard anything?”

  Drew nods. “Yeah. She’s out now. They say she’ll make a full recovery. You guys were damn lucky.”

  Drew’s dad takes a labored breath and winces when it causes him pain. It’s all I can do just to sit back and watch. “I’m… I’m so glad she’s okay. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

  “You and me both, Dad. You and me both.” Drew lets out a deep breath, and I feel his body relax next to mine. My heart aches at the stress he must be under. I can’t imagine what I’d be like if my parents were in this situation.

  The doctor turns her attention from the monitors to us and says, “Mrs. Jacobs should be back in the room anytime. Mr. Jacobs, don’t you worry about a thing. We have you taken care of. Is there anything I can get the two of you? I know you’ve traveled quite the distance to get here.”

  “We’re good, thanks,” Drew answers for both of us, and I nod in agreement. I can get whatever I need after we know Drew’s parents are okay.

  “Well… if you need anything,” she looks between the three of us, “just ask for the nurses. I’ll be back in a bit to check on him.” With that, she leaves the room.

  Before I can return my attention to Drew’s dad, I hear his deep voice. “Well, son… who’ve you got here?”

  Drew releases my hand and gestures from his dad to me. “Dad, this is Abby.”

  Mr. Jacobs nods in my direction and says, “Nice to meet you.”

  I reach out and touch the hand laying in front of me and give it a gentle squeeze. “It’s nice to meet you, too.” Mr. Jacobs gives me a warm smile, but confusion flits across his features as he takes me in. Knowing he’s likely wondering what I’m doing in his hospital room, I say the first thing that comes to mind. “I’m really glad you’re out of surgery and doing better.”

  “You can say that again.” Drew reaches out to hold his dad’s hand. His dad gives Drew’s hand a squeeze, but neither of them let go.

  Mr. Jacobs’ head relaxes into his pillow, and his eyes blink but remain closed for longer than normal. Exhaustion or maybe it’s the effects of the medicine from surgery that make him drowsy. His eyes spring open when Drew releases his hold on him. Drew pats his dad’s
arm reassuringly, and Mr. Jacobs’ tension fades.

  “Get some rest, Dad. We’ll be right here.” Mr. Jacobs sighs and nods sleepily in acknowledgement.

  After a few moments, it’s evident Mr. Jacobs will be out of it for a while. Drew turns to me and states just above a whisper, “Want to sit with me for a while and wait for my mom?”

  There’s only one chair in the room, and Drew looks like he could use it more than me. If I sit down and get too comfortable, I’ll likely pass out. I quickly offer, “Why don’t I ask the nurse for an extra chair? I don’t know about you, but I could use some caffeine. Want me to get you anything?”

  “Why don’t I come with you. We haven’t eaten anything in hours and now that I know my parents are on the mend, I’m finally hungry.”

  After running into Janice in the hall, she reaffirms Drew’s mother won’t be out of recovery for some time yet. She also encourages us to grab some food and lets us know she’ll bring in a chair to the room when she points us in the direction of the cafeteria. On the way to the cafeteria, I spot a restroom and quickly excuse myself, and Drew does the same, telling me he’ll meet in the hall.

  Once I’ve done my business and wash my hands, I notice my reflection. Exhaustion has overtaken me. My eyes are puffy, and my hair is lifeless. I quickly pull my hands through my hair, making it look more presentable as well as splash some water on my face. The cool water is refreshing and makes me look less sleepy. Taking a paper towel, I dry off my face and hope that it doesn’t appear as if I’ve spent time primping in the bathroom.

  Drew’s long body leans against the hall outside the women’s room. His dark hair looks as if his fingers had just run through it, as well. The moment I exit, he steps off the wall and greets me with a smile that makes my spine tingle and my nerve endings on hyperdrive. How can he look so good after driving countless hours and being under tremendous amounts of stress? As I walk toward him, he steps off the wall and effortlessly reaches his hand out to mine. When he takes my hand once again and holds it, like we belong together, I remind myself I’m only here for support. This doesn’t mean anything.

  Though the main part of the cafeteria is closed at this hour, we each manage to grab a few things to tide us over until breakfast tomorrow. Drew suggests eating in the cafeteria, so I follow him to a table by the window.

  Not realizing how hungry I am, I take my first bite only to discover I’m ravenous. My mouth waters as I eat my chicken salad sandwich. Neither of us had much of an appetite on the way to Spokane, so the snacks I suggested we pack were left untouched. Apparently, both of our appetites have returned with a vengeance. When finally I look up, Drew’s tray is half empty.

  When Drew’s eyes meet mine, they soften, making me wonder what’s going on in that head of his. It’s the most relaxed I’ve seen him since we got the news, and I feel a smile form on my lips.

  Drew wipes his mouth with a napkin and clears his throat. “In case I’ve forgotten to mention this, thank you for today. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

  “It’s no problem,” I pass off dismissively, but his facial expression tells me that’s not an option. “Seriously, Drew. I’m glad I can be here for you.”

  “I’m glad you’re here, too. After we make sure my mom’s stable, and I’ve seen her with my own eyes, what do you say we head to my parents’ house to get some sleep for a few hours? You have to be exhausted after driving all this way.”

  “I could sleep,” I admit and as if my body knows there’s rest in sight, I stifle a big yawn, causing Drew’s dimple to show.

  “Hopefully, Mom will be out of recovery soon.”

  By the time we return to his parents’ room, there’s another bed in the once open space. Janice is putting the IV drip on the pole and greets us with, “Did you find something good to eat?”

  “We grabbed a few sandwiches and a couple of drinks,” Drew offers. “How’s my mom doing?”

  “She’ll be in and out of it for a while. When she woke up, she asked about you. I told her you were grabbing a bite to eat.” Janice shakes her head. “I’m not sure she’ll even remember our conversation. She’ll likely be sleeping heavily for the next few hours.”

  Relieved everyone’s no longer in severe danger, the tension I’d been holding on to releases from my body. I look to Drew, and he’s nodding eagerly.

  “That’s great.”

  “If the two of you want to take off and get some rest, we’ll be here taking care of everything. If anything changes, I’ll be sure to give you a call. I leave at seven tomorrow morning, but I’ll let the person who’s replacing me know where you can be reached.”

  “Thank you. We’ll stay for a while, then head home to get some sleep.”

  Janice nods in approval, then reassures us with, “I seriously doubt they will wake anytime soon. Take your time and get some rest.” She looks between the two of us, and her face fills with concern. “You both look exhausted. Do you have far to drive?”

  “We live here in the valley, so only about twenty minutes from here.”

  Janice gives a knowing nod. “Well, since It’s nearly two in the morning, make sure you drive safe. There’s no need to make this entirely a family affair.” It may come off as sarcastic, but there’s no malice to her tone. She simply cares. Her smile is wide as she pats Drew once on the arm as she stands near him.

  “We’ll be safe,” Drew assures her. “I think there’s more than enough of us taking up beds in this place. I promise we won’t add to the count.”

  “You do that. You need to remember to take care of you, too. Or you’ll be of no help to them.” With that, Drew nods, and she exits the room.

  Drew makes my heart melt when he walks to his mom and brushes the hair from her forehead. She isn’t as bruised as his father, but her cast and IVs still attached show that she’s been through a lot. Drew simply leans over and kisses her as he whispers, “I love you, Mom.”

  My heart pangs with emotion. If it were my mom lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV, I’d feel completely helpless. My mom and I have always been close, and if it weren’t nearly two in the morning, I’d call her to tell her how much I love her. But calling at this time would cause a heart attack. After she recovered, she’d likely come through the phone to rip my arms off and beat me with them for the unnecessary worry I’d put her through.

  Drew says something so quietly, I can’t make out the words then turns to sit next to me. Reaching out his hand, he pulls me close. The only thing I can do is rest my head on his chest and listen to his steady heartbeat as he holds me against him. After a few moments, he inhales deeply, squeezing me tighter. I know without a doubt, he appreciates me being here. I thought it would feel awkward being here with him, but knowing I can give him this moment of solace, I’d sit here all night if necessary.

  I sigh heavily as I relax into his masculine body and process the events of the day. I can’t believe only hours ago, we were in lab together, and everything was so different. I remember feeling nervous when he asked me to dinner, but my nerves have completely disappeared when it comes to Drew. He needed a friend, and I’m happy to be here for him. If our roles were reversed, I’m sure he’d do the same for me. The moment I fully relax into him, I feel him do the same. The constant strum of beeps from the machines and the steady breaths from his parents are all that can be heard while Drew and I watch his parents sleep in silence.

  I’m not sure how long we sit here like this, but eventually, Drew’s deep gravelly voice comes out just above a whisper. “There’s nothing we can do for them now. Let’s go home and come back when they’re awake in the morning.”

  I sit up and yawn heavily. “Sure.” Drew chuckles.

  “You’re exhausted. Give me the keys. I’ll drive us home.”

  “Are you sure you have room? I don’t have a lot of money, but I’m sure I could find a hotel.”

  Drew pins me with his dark blue eyes as he deadpans. “No. I thought you’d be sleeping in the c
ar. Or better yet—maybe I could see if there’s room at the youth hostel in town.” He shakes his head as if he’s clearing his thoughts. “Seriously, Abby, you’re coming home with me. It’s ridiculous to think anything else.”

  Before I can utter another word, he grabs my hand and practically drags me out of the building.

  12

  Drew

  As if I’d let her stay anywhere but at my place. It may not be much, but it’s home. Abby’s traipsed across the friggin’ state for me. I’m not about to let her leave now. Besides, it’s late, and we’re both running on fumes. From the way she felt heavier the longer she leaned against me, I doubt she’ll hold out much longer.

  Abby’s quiet on the ride home. I have no idea if it’s because she’s nervous or about to pass out from sheer exhaustion. While we’re waiting at a light about five miles from my house, I see her eyelids finally give up the fight they’ve been diligently battling since we entered my darkened SUV.

  Selfish as I am, I’ve hardly let her hand go, since the whole ordeal began at dinner.

  Has it only been a few hours? God, it feels like months have passed.

  Abby’s a true miracle. She’s been a solid rock. Her unwavering support means the world to me. I seriously don’t know what I would’ve done without her.

  I hit the button to open the garage as I pull into the driveway. Once the door opens, my heart squeezes, and the reality of today’s events set in. Only Dad’s truck is inside. A shiver runs up my spine, knowing I could’ve lost them both today.

  Don’t even go there. I scold myself.

  Mom and Dad are okay. Don’t borrow trouble.

  I quickly force my mind to focus on the simple task of driving.

  Instead of parking in my usual spot on the driveway, I pull into the garage. It feels strange parking in Mom’s spot, but it also means I won’t be spending time scraping the windows tomorrow morning, when we return to the hospital.