by Marion Myles
“Do you suspect pneumonia?” she asked.
He nodded, pushing his glasses up his nose. “That’s my primary concern at this point.”
“It could be aspiration pneumonia. He fell through the ice two days ago and swallowed a lot of water.”
“Good to know.”
Later that day, Rebecca sat in her wheelchair beside Liam’s bed in ICU. His temperature was coming down, his oxygen saturation going up, and they were pumping him full of antibiotics. Dr. Mendes was confident the situation was under control.
Liam still looked as pale as a ghost and was much too thin, but Rebecca found it soothing watching his chest slowly rise and fall. Even though his vitals were displayed on a monitor on the other side of the bed, she couldn’t help herself from placing two fingers against the radial artery on his wrist so she could feel the beats and count them in her mind. She needed the tangible proof of life.
“You’re going to be fine,” she said softly. “Better than fine. We made it, Liam. Somehow, some way, with all the odds stacked against us, we lived.”
Eventually one of the nursing staff insisted she go back to her room, and she helped Rebecca into bed.
“You need to rest, missy,” Nurse Walker said. “You look like you’re about to keel over.”
“Trust me, I’ve been worse,” Rebecca said.
“I don’t doubt it. Now go to sleep.”
The next afternoon, both Jack and Siobhan arrived. Deliriously happy, Siobhan hugged Rebecca repeatedly while Jack set down a paper sack on her tray table.
“Donuts from The Baking Goddess on Michigan Avenue. They’re considered the crème de la crème of donuts in all of North America. I figured you should have the best.”
“Thank you. That was sweet,” Rebecca said.
Liam’s condition had been upgraded to stable, and it seemed as if he would be released from ICU in another twenty-four hours…if no complications arose. Meanwhile, Rebecca met with an orthopedic doctor who assessed her clavicle bone and ankle.
She’d thought the ankle was purely a soft tissue injury, but it turned out she’d sustained a lateral fracture of the fibula. Whether or not it had been displaced at the time of the injury, now, after all the walking, the break was no longer aligned and would have to be surgically repaired. She wasn’t remotely surprised to hear the collar bone was fractured. The surgeon explained that because there were three breaks, it would require a plate and screws.
“You’re going to be spending a lot of time in my operating room,” he observed.
“Any chance we can do a two for one?” Rebecca asked.
“Sorry, kid, no can do. We’ll do the clavicle first, likely tomorrow or the next day, and the fibula a couple of days later. Have you consulted with plastics yet?”
Her fingers automatically touched her nose. “Jeez, I forgot about my face. Maybe I don’t have to get it done right now?” she said hopefully.
“I wouldn’t hold off too long,” he said. “It will only cause more complications.”
“Okay. You’re probably right.”
It was almost dark when Siobhan stepped into her room. “Liam’s just had his first walk in the corridor. It went really well.”
“I’m so glad,” Rebecca said.
“He wants to see you. If you’re up to it, I’ll take you there.”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
Liam was sitting up when Siobhan wheeled Rebecca into his room. She had a brief second of shock seeing him cleanly shaven again. Siobhan pushed Rebecca right up to the bed, then patted her shoulder. “I’ll leave you two to talk.”
He took off the oxygen mask, and his eyes met hers, the emotion showing so strong and deep she felt the thrill of it all the way down to her core.
“They told me you were fine, but I had to see for myself,” he said. “How long were you walking before you found help?”
“A day and a night.”
“And I hear your ankle was broken all this time. God, you’re the bravest women I’ve ever met. You saved my life—again.”
“You saved mine when I fell down the crevice, so I’d say we’re square on that count.”
He shook his head, eyes closing briefly. “Never square. Not even close. I can’t begin…” His voice hitched, and he paused and swallowed. “I love you, Rebecca.”
Her eyes shimmered with tears. “I love you, too. So much. It was terrifying knowing I might be too late. I was never so scared as when I walked back into that cabin and saw how blue your lips were. I figured you were dead.”
His hand reached across, grasping hers, and he kissed her knuckles. “I hate being in here by myself. I need you with me.”
She laughed. “I know. It feels so strange sleeping alone.”
“They have VIP suites here. Jack’s booking one right now. You and I are moving up there tomorrow morning.”
“That sounds great. I have to have surgery though. They’ll want to keep me on the surgical floor.”
“I’m pretty sure we can talk them around,” he said.
She saw the confidence in his smile. “I’m pretty sure you can too.”
He squeezed her hand. “You’re probably tired, but can you stay for a while?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
When Siobhan returned an hour later—Rebecca, tucked in the bed beside Liam—lay sound asleep. Once the blanket was more securely wrapped around Rebecca, she stroked a hand across her head and smiled over at her brother.
For Rebecca, the next ten days were a blur of surgeries and pain and morphine-induced marathon sleeping sessions. She and Liam shared a suite on the seventh floor in the VIP section of the hospital. Liam finished his course of IV antibiotics, consulted with a respiratory specialist, and hovered over Rebecca.
“I’m feeling better today,” Rebecca announced, using the controller to lift her bed up to sitting position.
Siobhan clapped her hands together. “Wonderful. Do you want me to order some food? We’ve found a great Italian place that delivers.”
“Um…maybe not just now. I wouldn’t mind going for a spin.” She pointed to the wheelchair.
“Perfect because it’s time for Liam’s walk.”
They helped Rebecca into the chair and Siobhan pushed while Liam strode on ahead.
“Wow, he’s looking good,” Rebecca said.
“He really is. I can’t believe how seriously he’s taking his recovery. Now, all we have to do is get you back on your feet. Well, I guess not literally on your feet, but you know what I mean.”
“Yeah. I do. I’m thinking it’s going to be mighty tough using crutches with my broken collar bone. Maybe a walking stick would work.”
They rounded the corner and Rebecca saw two men in dark suits standing by the elevator. “Good evening, Mrs. Baxter.”
“Hi, Victor. Nathan. How’s it going?” Siobhan said.
“Nice and quiet up here. We’ll make sure to keep it that way.”
“Good. No more problems with that woman?”
“The situation is under control.”
“Excellent. This is Rebecca.”
The two men nodded at Rebecca. One of them, she wasn’t sure which, said, “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“Same,” said Rebecca. “What was that about?” she asked once Siobhan had wheeled her out of earshot.
“Liam’s security. Once word got out he’d been found and was staying here, the hospital’s been overrun with paparazzi and fans. They started sneaking onto this floor. Liam woke up in the middle of the night last week, and two girls were in the room with you. They took pictures and posted them on Instagram.”
“What? Are you kidding me?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“That’s just…”
“I know, but unfortunately it comes with the territory. And right now, Liam is the hot story. Everyone wants an interview with him. Jack has decided it’s better to hold a press conference. They’re doing it tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh, I didn�
��t know.” She paused a beat. “How’s he doing? Liam, I mean. No problems with the drinking or anything?”
Siobhan’s breath came out in a rush. “None so far. I wondered if he’d want me to get alcohol, but he hasn’t asked for it. He says he doesn’t need rehab. That he’s all cured,” she said in an undertone. “Do you think that’s true?”
“I don’t know. I hope so.”
“You don’t sound like you believe it.”
“It seems like magical thinking, doesn’t it?”
“Shush, he’s coming.” Siobhan picked up the pace. “Hey, you lapped us,” she called over her shoulder as Liam approached from behind.
“Going to do one more before my turn to push Rebecca,” he said, brushing by them.
“Anyway, since Liam’s doing so well, I’m heading home tomorrow,” Siobhan said. “I have to get back to my kids. You’ll keep an eye on him?”
“Of course.”
Rebecca waited until later when Liam had settled in beside her on the bed to watch TV before she broached the subject.
“How are you feeling?”
“Pretty darn decent…if I do say so. I still don’t have a ton of energy, and I’ll be glad to ditch the cough…but considering, I’d say I got off lucky.”
“And the rest…the alcohol and drugs?”
Although he kept his arm around her, she felt him stiffen subtly. “It’s all good. I’m not interested in starting up with that stuff again.”
“That’s great. I’m so proud of you. Still, I wonder if it wouldn’t be smart to have a plan in place just in case.”
“I told you, I’m fine.” He picked up the remote and changed the channel.
“Yes, but, we’ve been cloistered up here in the hospital. It might be different out in the real world. Everyone needs support from time to time. There’s no shame in it. At least think about it, okay?”
“It seems like you don’t believe I can stay sober,” he said in an accusing tone. “That hurts.”
“Of course I believe you can stay sober, but we have to remember you have a disease. It’s not your fault. The same as it’s not someone’s fault for having…I don’t know…type one diabetes. Nobody looks down on the diabetic person for needing insulin. And there’s nothing wrong with you joining AA or finding a therapist who specializes in addiction or whatever else you think might help.”
“I’m good.” He continued flicking channels. “How about a Big Bang Theory marathon? I love that show.”
“Sure. That’s fine.”
He was quiet for the next few hours and finally went back to his own bed claiming exhaustion. She tried not to worry, but even with the somnolent effects of her pain meds, found herself lying awake and re-running the conversation in her head. Could she have done it differently somehow and helped him understand the importance of having a support system without causing offense?
In the morning, Dr. Carlyle, the plastic surgeon, removed the splint from Rebecca’s nose. “Looking good, Ms. Diaz. There’s still swelling of course, but the healing is on schedule. You’ll want to follow up with someone when you get home.”
“Thank you. I think we’re going home tomorrow.”
Liam was in a cheery mood, and Rebecca didn’t sense any residual resentment from the night before.
Siobhan arrived with lattes and bacon and egg croissants. “My flight doesn’t leave until eleven, so I thought we could have a last breakfast together. How’s everyone feeling today?”
“Good,” said Liam. “Can’t wait to get the press thing done.”
“It’s nice to see your whole face again,” Siobhan said to Rebecca.
“I don’t know. It’s pretty swollen still. I’m wondering if I should be wearing a mask.”
Liam leaned toward her and dropped a soft kiss on her lips. “You look beautiful, Becks. Just like always.”
“Get a room,” Siobhan teased.
Liam’s new cell phone signaled. “Good morning, Jack. Yes, I’m ready.” He rolled his eyes at Rebecca. “I got it. Yeah. Come on, man, you know I’m used to handling the press. Yeah…okay…see you then…Great. Maybe I can hang with them after.”
“Everything okay?” Rebecca asked.
“Just Jack being Jack. He’s always worried I’m going to say something off script.”
“Gee, I wonder why that is?” Siobhan said, rolling her eyes exactly as her brother had seconds before. “It’s not like you have a history of being drunk on your ass and spouting off whatever comes to mind.”
Rebecca giggled, and Liam shot her a dark look.
“Not today. Guess what? Lars and Ben flew in this morning. They booked into the Four Seasons, so we’re going to hang out after I do my dog and pony show.”
“Oh…that’s nice.” Siobhan shot Rebecca a worried look.
“Yeah, it’ll be good to see them.” Liam took another bite of his breakfast sandwich. “Man, this is seriously good. Have you noticed that everything tastes ten times better since we got back to civilization?” he asked Rebecca.
“I know what you mean.”
“Except chocolate.” He grimaced. “Think it’ll be a good while before I want any of that stuff.”
Rebecca sighed. “I’m worried I won’t ever be able to eat it again. For as long as I can remember, it was my go-to comfort food. I don’t know who I’ll be without chocolate in my life.”
Siobhan finished her sandwich and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Well, guys, it’s time for me to go, so it looks like this is it.”
She walked around the table, leaned down, and hugged Rebecca. “I’m so, so glad you’re alive. Thank you for saving my brother’s life. And you.” She approached Liam. “Stay out of trouble and take care of your girl, okay?”
He stood and smiled. “Will do. Now come here.” When she stepped close to him, he wrapped his arms around her and hugged tight, lifting her off her feet. “Thanks for always being there, Sis. You’re the best.”
Liam released her and Siobhan dabbed at her eyes. “I know I am. Dammit, goodbyes are always hell on my makeup. Do I look okay?”
“You look perfect.” He winked at her. “Now get out of here, and go back to your family.”
Later that afternoon, Liam dressed in the fashionably ripped black jeans and grey T-shirt Siobhan had bought him for the occasion. He walked over and sat on the couch beside Rebecca.
“Sure you don’t want to come?”
“Positive. Go, be adored by the press and public. I’ll be fine here.”
He drew her close and being careful of her nose, kissed her long and deep. “Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. I’m dying to get you home.” His hand stroked up her waist, skimming the side of her breast. “And with no nurses and doctors checking on us, it’ll be interesting to see what we get up to.”
“Won’t it just,” she said, a pulse beating between her legs.
Finding her lips again, this time the kiss was soft and sweet. He sighed against her mouth. “That will have to hold me,” he whispered.
Drawing back, she smiled and traced a finger along his lower lip. “Good luck.”
“Thanks. Don’t forget I’m having dinner with Lars and Ben. I shouldn’t be too late.”
“Have fun.”
“Miss you already,” he said, walking toward the door.
Chapter Thirty
When Rebecca judged it was time for the press conference to start, she turned on the TV and flicked until she found one of the entertainment channels. A ticker tape scrolled along the bottom of the screen with the latest breaking gossip news. Liam’s name rolled slowly by with a countdown clock to his press conference.
The channel switched over to the room in the Four Seasons, and she leaned toward the screen and scanned the crowd but couldn’t find Liam. A reporter from the channel talked in hushed but excited tones, listing details of Liam’s overdose, Marisa’s death, and the plane crash. Rebecca’s name was mentioned, and a picture of her face flashed on the screen.
God, she looked awful
. Was that her hospital ID photo? How on Earth had they accessed it?
Jack stepped up to the microphone and addressed the crowd, explaining that Liam would read a statement and then do a fifteen minute Q and A. There was a pause, and the camera panned the room, which was packed to capacity. When it swung back to the podium, she saw Liam enter with his two security men.
He unfolded a piece of paper and set it on the lectern before tapping the microphone and addressing the crowd. She already knew the contents of the statement since he’d practiced a few times that morning. The cameras flashed, and reporters held microphones forward.
Her breath caught. Although she obviously knew he was famous, she’d somehow forgotten the effect of Liam Connors the celebrity. He looked larger than life on the television, and all those present in the room seemed to hang on his every word. Like her, others would be watching on TV and even more following the live stream. Thousands upon thousands of people cared that he’d gone missing and wanted to hear every last detail of what had happened.
The day before, Jack had mentioned all the networks were angling for an interview and Saturday Night Live wanted Liam to host the show next weekend. Tundra, the company who’d made the boots he’d been wearing when they’d crashed, had offered him an endorsement deal for their product line. And Vega, manufacturer of the protein powder Rebecca had brought on the trip, was clamoring for a meeting. All told, Liam stood to make several million dollars.
Once he had finished his statement, and the floor opened up for questions, the reporters went crazy, launching out of their seats and yelling to get his attention. He crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head.
“That’s not how it’s going to work, folks. Raise your hands, and I’ll pick one at a time. If anyone shouts out a question, security will escort you from the room.” Liam’s eyes tracked across the crowd and lifting his arm, he pointed to the back of the room. “You. The woman with the purple top.”
“What was the worst moment for you?” she asked.
Liam didn’t even hesitate. “When Rebecca Diaz fell into the crevice.” He gestured to a man in the front row. “You’re up.”
