Page 98 of Dr. Brandt

“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t demand it,” he answered, then looked at me. “After spending a fair enough time with Jacks, I’m confident that challenging him immediately—starting small, of course—is what he’ll need and where he’ll thrive. The teams will go over all of this in further detail.”

“Thanks, Cam,” I said, forgetting about Warren and hugging Cameron with the sincerity and relief I felt.

“He’s going to surprise all of us,” Cameron said with a smirk, his deep blue eyes sparkling as they stared into mine. “I promise you that, Mom.”

With only a fraction of a second to feel that spark that made me come alive from the inside out, he half-smiled, then pulled away. “Both of you should get your rest. Starting tomorrow, you’ll face many mental and physical demands. And when Jacks is awake, he will need you to be rested and ready to go to work with him.”

“I’ll get her to the hotel,” Warren slid his arm around me and looked at me. “Your parents need to know what’s going on as well.”

“I can speak with them. Where are they?” Cameron asked.

“I don’t think that’s a very good idea,” Warren said, and I pulled away from him the minute I sensed his enjoyment at relaying that information.

I would've been shocked if anyone despised Cameron more than my parents. They were also the most passive-aggressive people I knew. I loved my parents, but they stopped talking to me for a time because I didn’t nail Cameron to the wall for knocking me up and taking off. They didn’t appreciate when I didn’t take their advice, and, as certain people love to do, they got their feelings hurt and made it about them.

I put up with it because I wanted Jackson to know his grandparents, and I hated the thought that my parents were upset with me. It killed me to have that contention, so we worked through it eventually. Once Warren came along, my mother and father adored him for taking on another man’s burden by caring for his child and the woman he’d selfishly left behind.

I avoided the Cameron Brandt discussion with my parents like the plague. And now, here Cameron was, wanting to speak with them. And why shouldn’t he? He was their grandson’s doctor. I just didn’t know how it would play out.

“You may not think that’s a good idea, Warren,” Cameron said, after studying him for a moment, “but they are the maternal grandparents. If they have any questions, I would like to answer them.”

Warren looked at me. “Your parents don’t need to be put in an awkward situation. They’re as stressed as we are, and, as you know, their opinions aren’t very high of Cameron.”

“I’m standing right here, Warren,” Cameron seethed. “And I understand if Rod and Patty don’t want to have the stress of their grandson’s—”

“Is it absolutely necessary?” I cut Cameron off, not wanting the added stress of this. “I can relay the info to them. And honestly, if you’re doing the surgery at four in the morning, maybe it’s best if you get some rest. Focus on Jackson, and I’ll deal with my parents.”

Cameron eyed me, and I didn’t want to know what the man was thinking from his expression. I hadn’t meant to insult him, but I did not need the added bullshit of my parents hating him right now. I couldn’t do it. It would hurt Cam, and it would hurt them. It was just too fucking much.

“If you feel more comfortable giving your mom and dad the information, then fine. I’ll head out since I’ll be back here first thing tomorrow.” He spun around and then was gone.

“Shit,” I said, feeling horrible that I’d inadvertently chosen my parents over Cameron. “I feel awful.”

“Don’t,” Warren answered. “Cameron should know this isn’t the time to be the hotshot doctor and make amends with your parents that way. It’s absolute nonsense, and I, for one, would like to respect your parents’ wishes of never being in his presence again.”

“Jesus Christ, Warren,” I looked at him. “That’s a bit harsh. What they don’t like about Cameron happened sixteen years ago. My parents should be over it by now.”

Warren took my hand and gently guided us out of the room. “Jessa,” he said once we were walking through the hallways and weren’t in earshot of anyone, “your parents love you very much.”

“I know that,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“So, you know their current disdain was renewed after learning that he was apparently flying you everywhere in private jets and playing on the beach when he should have been focused on healing your son,” Warren said, repeating everything I was ashamed of myself for.

“This is bullshit,” I said. My world seemed to be spinning out of control, and I didn’t feel like it was a good idea for me to leave my son. “I can’t leave the hospital. I won’t.”

“You need to get some proper rest, and staying here isn’t going to give you that,” he answered.

“I can make my own decisions, Warren. Thank you.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but the last time I left you to make your own decisions, Jacks ended up in a coma while you were in Mexico.”

I glared at him. “Fuck you,” I growled. “You don’t think I already blame myself for this?”

“I just don’t understand where your mind is anymore, Jessica. None of this has made sense since you flew out here and hunted that man down for help.”

“After the surgery, and when Jacks is recovered, you’ll understand,” I said, suddenly feeling weak from arguing with Warren.

Weak and stupid.

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