Page 60 of Dr. Weston

At any rate, I need to gather my things so I’m ready to head out bright and early tomorrow. I have an early flight, and even though my private jet is parked at the Ian Fleming Airport, less than an hour away, international travel is tricky. I’ll need to be prepared.

I wish I could have Poppy fly home with me, but that could potentially open a whole new can of worms. At least I know she’ll be more comfortable on the drive back to Kingston than she was on her way here. I’ve made sure she has access to the VIP lounge at the airport. And, of course, upgraded her seats to first class. Hell, it might cause undue suspicion, but if she can’t return with me, that’s the very least I can do to make sure she’s comfortable.

After finishing my emails, I hit the gym, shower, and ask Porter to drive me to the adult only sister resort to this location. It beats hiding out in my room pretending to attend a conference. I’m curious to see how different the two properties are. If I’m ever able to come back, I’d love the chance to really unwind.

Like a normal person.

Of course, I can’t help but imagine Poppy there by my side. Strolling along the white sandy beaches, lounging in a private cabana, or actually staying in a secluded over the water bungalow. Do they even have those in Jamaica?

Who am I kidding? I could stay almost anywhere with her and be happy. I’m almost certain of it. Not that I would. Once I don’t have to pretend I’m somewhere under false pretenses, there’s no need to settle for anything but the best. Let’s just hope once she finds out what I’ve done, I’ll still have that chance.

Returning to the resort, I decide to grab my things and head to the pool cabana I’ve rented. Might as well. I’ve had it all week and not used it once. Maybe I’ll convince Poppy to head down to the beach and go snorkeling. Yet, as I enter the main lobby, I notice her standing at the registration counter with her bags beside her. What the fuck?

“Hey.”

She turns to me, eyes red.What the hell?Is this because of last night? Jesus, has she already figured out why I’m here? Why we’re both here?

“Pop, what’s going on? Are you okay?”

She shakes her head, a tear spilling from her eye. “My brother called. My mom might have had a stroke. He doesn’t know much yet, but he said she’s in the hospital.”

“Our hospital?”

“Yes.” She sniffles.

“When did you find out?”

“About an hour ago. I don’t have international cell service. My brother had to reach me through the hotel. I’m kind of a mess. I’m trying to see if there’s any way I can catch an earlier flight, but you have to be there three hours early for international flights, and the airport is two hours away…” She starts to choke on her sobs, and I pull her into me.

“Shhh. Shhh. Don’t worry about any of that. I’ll get you home.”

“But how? You don’t leave until tomorrow.”

“Do you think I’d stay here when you’re going through this? Come on.” I take her hand, pulling her over to a settee before grabbing my phone. “Porter, could you come to the lobby and assist Ms. Danforth with her bags? And there’s been a change of plans. We’ll need to get back to Hanover as soon as possible. Can you and Stu take care of everything?”

“Yes, sir. Are you packed?”

“Almost. It won’t take me long.”

“I’ll get right on it.”

Disconnecting the call, I wrap my arms around Poppy and kiss her on the top of her head. “Listen, try not to get too upset. It’s always worse when you don’t know what’s happening. But we’ll be headed home soon.”

I can feel her nod underneath my chin. I start to reach for my phone to see if I can find someone at the hospital who can update Poppy, but how will I explain this to anyone? Why we’re both here.

“Do you mind coming back to my room with me? I can try and find out where she is, and you can use my phone to talk to the nurse while I finish packing.”

“Oh, Broadie. Thank you. That would make me feel much better.”

“Come on.”

Moments later, I open the door to my room and usher her inside. I don’t miss the look of shock on her face when she takes it all in.

“Wow. And here I thought my room was ridiculous. Who knew places like this were even a thing?” She meanders about the space, and I get nervous, wondering if there’s anything incriminating here. “And right down the hall from mine.”

Shit.

“Here, let me get the hospital on the phone for you.” Pulling out my phone, I call St. Luke’s main number. “Hi, this is Broadie Weston. Could I have the nurses’ station for…” covering the receiver, I ask, “Poppy. What’s your mother’s name?”

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