“Can we see her?” Judy asked. She gripped Andy’s hand so hard her knuckles were white.
“You can. Try not to overwhelm her. You can answer any questions she has, but if she keeps repeating a question, let me know. There’s a chance she’ll have some short-term memory issues. I’m going to get a neurologist to look at her, and she’ll be able to tell you more.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” Judy released Andy’s hand and was off like a flash to Bren’s room.
Andy turned to Sara and smiled for the first time. “She’s awake.”
“She is.”
“She’s lucky to have you, Sara.” His hug was warm and kind, and Sara wanted to cry some more, even though she was pretty sure there were no tears left in her system. “We’re lucky to have you.”
“Thanks. I think I have to make a few calls. There’s a team of people that need to know she’s going to be okay.”
Two hours later, the waiting room was again full of people. This time there wasn’t such a pall hanging over them. Bren was awake and asking questions, talking to anyone that came in, and even joking about the color of her bruises matching the color of her hair. It warmed Sara’s heart to know she’d be okay.
In the midst of all the quiet celebration, she noticed Izzy wander off alone. It wasn’t like Izzy to do that, so she followed her into the hallway and around a corner. When she reached her, Izzy was on the floor, leaning against the wall, her knees bent and her arms around her legs. She was sobbing.
Sara dropped to her knees and pulled Izzy into an embrace. “Hey, it’s okay. She’s going to be fine. Just a couple more tests, and they’ll probably move her to another room. I bet she’s home in no time.”
“I hope so.” Izzy swiped her hand across her tear-streaked face.
“Why the tears?”
Izzy turned her big brown eyes on Sara then looked away, as if she were afraid Sara might see something there. And Sara did. Izzy had a big heart. Everyone knew that. She was playful and boisterous and loved to gossip, but she was kind and sweet as well. Sara couldn’t be sure, but she suspected there was more between Izzy and Bren than just a friendship.
“Talk to me.”
“I can’t. You’re Bren’s girlfriend. It wouldn’t be right.”
“Hey, look at me.” She lifted Izzy’s chin until they were face to face. “I’m not her girlfriend. We go out sometimes, and we have a lot of fun, but we’re not seriously dating each other. I only said I was her girlfriend because I figured they’d let me see her, and I was right.”
“Does she know you’re not her girlfriend?”
“She does. It might not be what she wants, but that’s how it is. Bren’s wonderful, but she’s not wonderful for me.”
“So you’re not her girlfriend?”
Sara allowed herself to laugh softly. “No. I’m not. Why? Do you want to be her girlfriend?”
“She’s too blind to see me that way, but I’ve been in love with her forever. We’re best friends, and I didn’t want to screw that up. Then she got hurt, and I was scared she’d die without ever knowing how I feel about her.”
“And now?”
“Now I’m afraid to tell her.”
“You can tell her you love her. Friends love each other, Izzy.”
“Not like I love her.”
Sara stood and helped Izzy up. “Tell her you love her and you’re there for her. Make sure she knows that, and when the time is right, you’ll tell her there’s more to it.”
“Even when I see her going out with women that aren’t right for her? No offense.”
“None taken. And yes. Even when you see her making mistakes. You’ll know when the time is right.” Sara put an arm around Izzy and led her back to the waiting room. “Trust me on this.”
Izzy nodded, entered the room, and made it known she was next in line to see Bren.
Terry hugged Sara and pulled back to take a long look at her. There was something different about the way Terry stared at her, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
Terry said, “I think it’s time you went home, young lady. You need to sleep for a couple of days at least.”
“I think you might actually be right this time.”
“Oh, you’re officially rescheduled for next Sunday at one. This is from Felicia, by the way.”
“Is it?” Sara sported a silly grin and didn’t care. She was light and happy for the first time in forever. “Does she often make her own appointments?”
“All the time. Even has a calendar she keeps on the fridge to make sure Mom and I know when and where she needs to be.”
That made Sara laugh outright, until she saw the expression on Terry’s face. “You’re serious?”
“I am. You’ll see.”
“I can’t wait.” It was then Sara realized she stood in Terry’s embrace. Her hands rested on Terry’s hips, and if she leaned in a little… She forced herself to move away, breaking their warm contact. It wasn’t the right time, and she couldn’t be sure Terry wanted to be kissed. Despite the look in her eyes.
“My car’s here, but I’m really tired. Would you drive me home?”
“Of course.”
“Have I thanked you today?”
Terry smiled and led Sara to the parking lot. The drive home was spent in companionable silence. Once at her house, Sara dug the keys out of her purse, which Terry was smart enough to grab before their hasty retreat, and opened the door of the truck.
She stepped out and leaned in to say, “Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad Bren’s doing better.”
“Me, too.” Sara hesitated before she asked, “Would you like to come in for a bit?”
“I thought you were going to bed?” Terry laughed nervously.
“I will, once I’ve had a chance to calm down. I could really use the company.”
Terry turned the engine off and was out of the truck faster than Sara thought possible. It made her feel slightly giddy. “I can’t say no to you.”
Sara captured Terry’s hand, and they walked into the house together.
****
Liv couldn’t stop smiling. She stood in the kitchen of Sara’s house and listened to her talk about Terry. And talk and talk and talk. After nearly a week, Bren’s recovery was going well and she was glad to see Sara return to what passed as normal. Currently, Sara was digging into a packet of Pop-Tarts. She offered one to Liv.
“Strawberry. Your fave.”
Liv took the treat from her and enjoyed the sweet taste. “It is and that’s the only reason you keep them here. Will you tell me how things are going with you and Terry?”
“What do you mean?” Sara leaned against the countertop, clearly savoring her food.
“You know exactly what I mean, Sara Hyatt.” Liv pointed at her with the Pop-Tart. “You and Terry. Not just friends.”
Sara rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. “We are absolutely just friends. I can’t do more than that right now, much as I want to. Maybe rushing into the relationship the first time got us into this mess. If there’s a relationship to be had, we need to take it slow.”
“Why? You know you love her, and I’m willing to bet she returns the feeling. Go for it, Sara.”
“Livvy, you do realize not every relationship works like your and Gracie’s, right? You two were like a couple in ten minutes.”
“So were you and Terry.”
“Exactly my point. Besides, even though I’m not dating Bren anymore, I’m still her friend, and right now, she needs me to spend time with her.”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t spend time with Terry, too.”
“You are the most obstinate woman I know.”
“I accept that. But you’re avoiding the issue. What are you going to do about Terry?”
“I can’t answer that. I don’t know what’s going to happen with Terry. She’s still got this custody stuff with her f
ather-in-law hanging over her head. I don’t think she knows exactly how to deal with it.”
“That’s what the lawyers are for. But she’s letting you meet Felicia. That’s huge, right?”
Sara nodded. “I don’t think we can move forward without doing it. I mean, I can’t let her into my life unless she lets me into hers.”
“Which tells me she’s looking to the future. A future with you in it.” Liv finished the last of her Pop-Tart and brushed her hands on her jeans. “You need to trust me on this.”
“Trust you? The world’s worst matchmaker? Seriously?”
“I’m not that bad. I put you and Denise together, didn’t I?”
Sara blushed at a flash of memory about Denise. They were good together for at least one thing. Though if she were honest with herself, sex had never been an issue for her. “Denise was great, but where is she now? Not here. She’s married and living in Montreal.”
“That’s not the point. You guys made a nice couple.”
“Matchmakers are supposed to find you a match for the rest of your life. Not a few months, goofball. You so suck at this.”
“Hmm. You and Terry. Work on it.” Liv hopped off the counter and embraced Sara. “Seriously. The woman never left your side at the hospital unless Gracie or I took her place. When she wasn’t there, she was sending me text messages to check up on you. So trust me, there’s something there.” Liv glanced at her watch. “I need to meet Gracie at the community center. We have to go over some stuff about the reception. You going to be okay?”
“Sure. I’ve got your wonderful advice to consider.”
Liv stuck her tongue out at Sara. “Don’t be an ass. You know it’s sound advice, and you’re just mad because for once you’re going to do what I tell you to.”
“Get out of my house,” Sara groused while gently pushing Liv toward the door. “I don’t like you anymore.”
“Bullshit.” Liv gave her a kiss and left before she got into any more trouble.
****
Exhaustion slammed into Terry like a hurricane. Long days and nights with Sara at the hospital wore her out. She desperately needed sleep and regretted having gone to the office this morning. She never worked on Saturday, but she needed to get caught up and barely managed to stay awake on the short drive home.
Sara planned to visit tomorrow and finally meet Felicia, now that they knew Bren was going to be okay. Despite her lack of energy, Terry was excited about the visit. But her excitement waned when she noticed the elegant black sedan in her driveway. She parked her truck next to it and practically ran to the door. She had her fingers on the handle when she heard William’s voice.
“You will not take my grandchild from me!” He stood in their living room, towered over her mother, and waved his finger in her face.
Shirley’s eyes glared with anger. “You get the hell out of my house! You’re not welcome here.”
“I’ve got a right to see her!”
Terry bolted into the house and got between them. “William, get out. You don’t have a right to be in here yelling at my mother like this. You lost your case. I never wanted to keep Felicia from you. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you before you believe it. But right now, you’re getting very close to having the police called to force you to leave. Felicia is going to be home any time now from her play date with our neighbor’s daughter. I don’t want her coming home to this.”
“You took her from me,” William said. His face was flushed from yelling, but he retreated a couple of steps from Terry. “You took them both, and I’ll not have it. I want to see Felicia.”
“I never took anyone from you.” Terry tried hard to reason with him, but her patience ran thin. “I told Jackie to set up a visitation schedule with your lawyer. I want Felicia to know your family, but I’m not going to let her get upset or caught in the middle of something that’s completely unnecessary.”
“You expect me to fly out here every other weekend?”
“If you want to see her, yes. Jennifer seemed okay with it. Why aren’t you? Don’t try to tell me you don’t want to spend the money. I know damn well you can easily afford it.”
“That’s not the point. I shouldn’t have to do all this. She belongs with her real family.”
“I am her real family. I’m her mother.”
“No. My daughter was her mother. Not you.”
Terry felt Shirley’s hand on her shoulder and took a deep breath to calm her rising temper. She let it out slowly before she spoke. “I was there when she was born. I held her in my arms, changed her diapers, took her to the doctor, enrolled her in school, bandaged dozens of cuts and scrapes, and held her when she realized Ann wasn’t ever coming home. I’ve spent hours fighting for her when a kid at her school called her a retard—a word, I might add, you’re fond of using. Don’t you dare tell me I’m not her mother.”
William opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out.
Terry continued. “I’m going to ask Mom to call the police. I want you out of here. I’ll make sure my lawyer knows about this stunt. Jennifer can come see Felicia whenever she wants to. I’ll decide later whether or not you can.” Terry marched to the door and held it open. “Leave.”
She heard Shirley talking quietly on her phone. For a moment, she wasn’t sure William would go. He stood, rooted to the spot. But something in his demeanor changed. His shoulders drooped slightly, and his eyes met Terry’s. For the first time, she saw defeat on his features.
It was clear he didn’t want to deal with the police as he slowly made his way to the door. He stopped on the threshold and said, his back to Terry, “I loved my daughter. I might have made some mistakes with her, but I loved her. I wanted to try and do right by Felicia. She’s all I have left, and I want to be part of her life.”
“I understand. Ann was the love of my life.” Terry gentled her voice. “But you can’t burst in here and take control of Felicia’s life. You can’t. Go home. We’ll talk in a few days.”
He nodded and walked away. Terry watched him get into his car and drive off before she softly closed the door.
“I didn’t actually call the police,” Shirley said. “I had a feeling it was all bluster. He’s hurt and angry and taking it out on us because it’s the only thing he has left to do. I might feel the same way if I couldn’t see Felicia.” Shirley put her hand on Terry’s arm. “I love you, and if the situation were reversed…I can’t help having some compassion for him.”
“I know. I just want him to stop being such an asshole.”
“I think you made your point. I’m proud of you, honey.” Shirley kissed her on the cheek. “Now come in here so I can feed you. Then you can tell me how Bren’s doing.”
“Deal.”
****
Sara took off for the hospital after Liv went home. Izzy sent her a text message that Bren was finally up to seeing visitors other than her parents. Sara went there once or twice to check on her, but each time Bren was either with her parents or Izzy or asleep. This time, Izzy promised Bren would be awake. Apparently she’d been sitting up and talking longer each day. By the end of the week, she’d be strong enough for the surgery on her leg.
According to the messages Izzy sent her, Sara understood that not only was Bren improving, she showed signs of no lasting brain damage. That alone enabled Sara to sleep better at night.
Around two in the afternoon on Saturday, she arrived at Bren’s room. She peeked in, and Izzy motioned her to come forward. Sara was greeted with an enthusiastic hug from Izzy and a gentler one from Bren.
“How are you feeling?” she asked Bren as she settled in a chair beside her. Izzy leaned on the windowsill on the opposite side of the bed. Sara noted her eyes rarely left Bren.
“I’m better. Still have a headache, and my arm itches like crazy.” Bren held up her left arm to show off the cast. Someone drew emojis all over it, everything from a smiley face to a slap-on-the-forehead face. The cas
t on her leg had matching art. Bren said, “It makes for a great conversation piece, thanks to Izzy.”
Sara laughed. “I’m sure it does. Look, Bren, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about all this.” Sara waved her hand in the air to indicate the hospital room. “I feel responsible for it.”
“That’s nuts, Sara. You didn’t run over me. Angel Harrison did.”
“I know, but I egged her on with the police reports and hanging up on her when she called. I should never have engaged in any contact with her to begin with. That includes the first time she asked me to dinner back in the summer. I had a feeling she was bad news. I mean, I remember when she and Liv went out and how toxic she was for Liv. I should have known…”
Bren touched the side of Sara’s face with her good hand and smiled sweetly at her. “You had no idea she was so unstable. No one did. It’s over now, and I’m going to be fine. Stop blaming yourself, okay? This wasn’t your fault. I just happened to be at the right place at the wrong time.”
Sara took hold of Bren’s hand and kissed her fingers. “You’re a dear person, Bren. I wanted to kill her for hurting you. No one will let me talk to her, but I have a feeling she was either going for me or Terry next. I’m still sorry you got involved in this.”
Bren shrugged and squeezed Sara’s hand. “Don’t worry about it. I wouldn’t trade a minute of our time together. Regardless of the consequences. Okay?”
“Okay,” Sara said. She glanced over at Izzy, who looked woefully uncomfortable. “When do you get out of here?”
“I’ll probably have surgery on my leg at the end of the week, then maybe two more days in here after that. If I’m good.”
“That’s great.”
“Izzy told me you wouldn’t leave the hospital while I was in the coma. Not even when your mom tried to drag you away. Then my parents told me you kept sending them text messages about my condition, so they could know what was going on.” Bren gave her that beautiful smile, and Sara blushed.
“I couldn’t leave you, Bren. You’re my friend. I had to make sure you were okay.” She looked over at Izzy. “And that one there was making herself crazy with worry. Her moms did manage to drag her out of here a couple of times, but there were times when she and I shared a lumpy, vinyl couch in the waiting room. Trust me, it was worth the wait. Neither of us was going anywhere.”
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