Page 165 of Nocere

Sam nodded, then returned her attention to me.

"A whole family affair here today. Three whole moms looking out for us. Look at your mom, Sam. She's worried for you."

"I am, Sami." Mrs. Flynn held her uninjured hand to her daughter. "We are all okay."

With some hesitation, she accepted her mom's gesture and held her hand. Mrs. Flynn caressed her knuckles with her thumb and Sam rested her chin on top of my head while she held me.

"Let Stella in?" I looked up at her and she nodded her agreement.

Faye stepped away to open the door and Sam's fingers dug into my hip. This time, however, there weren't any guards by the door, only Rebecca and Stella as promised. I waved them in and Mrs. Flynn released Sam's hand.

Stella approached us, then handed me her hospital I.D. badge. "My office is across the hall. Sami, I think Rosie needs a tour of my medical books. What do you say?"

Sam glanced between her and her mother, but it was Rebecca who broke the quiet.

"I'll look after your mom." Rebecca didn't hesitate a fraction to give Sam's forearm a squeeze. "It'll be good for us to introduce ourselves." She ended with a few Italian phrases that made both Sam and Mrs. Flynn chuckle, leaving the rest of us in the dark.

"All right," she agreed, and I took Sam's hand before leading her out the door.

Her eyes scanned the hallway, but no security guards could be found anywhere near us. She pointed out Stella's office, and I used her badge to swipe the electronic lock. Once inside, silent tears tumbled down Sam's cheeks.

She leaned against Stella's desk and I stood in front of her, stroking her arms while she attempted to calm down.

"I freaked out," she croaked.

"I know, baby. You're okay now."

"Security is here every day and I manage. Why today?"

"Because you were scared for your mom."

"I'm embarrassed." She choked on a sob. "I told Stella to fuck off."

"She understands, honey. Look at me, please." I held my hands up to her and she laced her fingers with mine. "I love you. You're safe. Your mom is safe. Everyone is safe."

"Is Farid here?" She squeezed my hands and I shook my head.

"No. Just us."

"I have to be in surgery in an hour." She dropped her forehead against mine, and drew in a slow breath.

"Baby, is there another covering doctor?"

"No. I have to do it. I already prepped the patient." She covered her face for a moment before looking up at the ceiling. "Mom can't be alone right now."

"Honey, your mom is okay. Rebecca and I will take her home—"

"No! You can't go there alone." She grabbed my wrists and I cupped her face in my hands.

"Sam! We'll take her to Rebecca's. Listen to me right now." My sharp tone seemed to shock her out of her second freak out. "You can't look after a patient while you're this upset. So we have to work on coming up with a plan and calming down together. Okay?"

"I hate when you see me upset. I feel like a failure. You shouldn't have to take care of me, Rosie."

"I love you and love means taking care of people sometimes." I placed my palm in the space between her breasts and she clasped my hand with both of hers. "Rebecca and I will entertain your mom with Italian food and violin while you finish your shift. Then you can come to Rebecca's and we'll figure out a plan from there."

"Okay." She let out a slow breath. "Okay."

Eventually, her shoulders relaxed and her shallow breathing returned to normal. She placed a sweet kiss between my eyebrows and I smiled.

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