Page 145 of Billion Dollar Mistake

No. I won’t let her. I’ll explain what I’m doing and how much I care about her.

The doctor leaves and the medication is reduced. Now we play the waiting game. No one wants to leave her room today. We are all desperate for her to wake up.

Twelve hours pass and nothing.

Not one movement.

And then the nurses kick us out.

Meaning I’ll have to wait another 12 hours at least before I can come back in. I’d hate for her to wake up alone. I don’t want her scared.

I reluctantly leave her room.

Returning the next morning, I take the same seat I did yesterday. She looks the same, except they removed the breathing tube from her mouth. There’s oxygen in her nose. I don’t know why I expect her to look different, but I do. I want the flush of color back in her cheeks.

I didn’t bring my laptop today, with hopes she’ll wake up. Work isn’t important. She is. Her eyes opening and seeing me there waiting for her.

I sit silently and when her parents come in, my nerves scoot up higher.

Hours pass but I can’t get up and get food or do anything else. I just sit and wait.

A grunt and a groan come from the bed and I jump out of my chair. Her parents come closer to her bed too. We all watch as she moves, touching the nasal cannula on her face. Her eyes are still closed but her face is screwed up. I want to see her eyes. Those hazel eyes with gold flecks. God, I’ve fucking missed them.

Her mom is crying and soothing the hair on Nova’s face. I feel like I’m holding my breath waiting for her to take hers.

My hand holds hers watching and waiting for her eyes to open when her fingers twitch. I drop my gaze to her hand when she squeezes mine. My eyes prick with fresh tears. God. I’ve wanted this for so long it doesn’t feel real yet. I’m watching intently so I know I’m not imagining it.

“Mom?” She gasps.

“I’m here, love,” she replies, touching her face and bringing her face closer to Nova’s, blocking my view of her face.

“Rem-y,” she rasps.

“He’s here too.” Lydia sobs.

A lump of emotion forms in my throat, so I clear my throat before speaking. “Nova. I’m here.”

Her lashes flutter, and as her eyes open, it feels as if my chest is tearing apart. Those hazel eyes find mine, and a tear escapes from my eye.

My heart feels so much for her. I wish I was alone with her right now to tell her… Tell her, I love her.

Chapter 35

Nova

The instant I open my eyes, I lock my gaze with Jeremy's glassy eyes. However, I don’t miss the tear that falls, tracing a path down his cheek. My hand twitches in his grip. Part of me wants to swat the droplet away, while another part yearns to kiss away the pain etched on his tormented face.

Mom is on one side, and my dad on the other, with Jeremy positioned beside my mom, holding my hand. I know it’s his hand by the familiarity of the touch. A minute later, a nurse enters and asks them all to leave the room. I want to protest, but the quicker she checks my vital signs, the quicker they can return. I’m desperate to spend time with Jeremy, assure him that I’m okay, and emphasize that I don’t blame him.

I move in the bed to relieve some pain, but it makes it worse. My hip area is on fire. And when I ask the nurse, she explains how I have a fractured pelvis.

She leaves and brings me back pain relief that she pushes through the IV. After the nurse takes my vitals, she tells me she’ll let everyone back in.

I expect my parents to come in, but when Jeremy steps into my room alone, the corner of my lip lifts.

“Hey.” My voice cracks.

He takes my hand and sits in the chair closest to the bed. “Nova.” He starts to say in a voice that breaks.

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