Page 32 of Screw Christmas
“Oh babe, I’m sorry. What can I help with?” Leaning forward, he placed a tender kiss on my forehead.
“When did we get married?” I didn’t mean to crinkle my nose up as if in distaste of the idea, but it seemed so surreal to me. I lifted my left hand up for him to see my ring finger. “There’s no hint of a ring. I’m confused. And where’s my phone?”
He chuckled softly and grimaced. “I told the hospital a little fib. I told them we were married so they’d let me stay with you and give me information. I don’t imagine that would work for many people, but they let it slide without many questions since I was in uniform. Without a next of kin in the city to watch over you, I assumed you would be fine with that.”
I suppose it made sense. “So, we’re a couple though?”
Without missing a beat, the reply came. “Of course. I’ve been meaning to propose. I’ve been wanting to, but our lives have been so hectic. There never seemed to be the right time.”
“Yes, well, it’s even more hectic now.” A part of me didn’t want him to propose. Again, I was overwhelmed by the feeling that something wasn’t right about this whole thing. “I’m still a cop though, right?”
“One of the best. Everyone at the station is worried about you.”
“Where’s my phone? Do you know?”
“I’m not sure. Back at your apartment. I reacted. I grabbed your purse, locked the apartment, and came with the ambulance to the hospital with you. I went back long enough to grab you some pajamas and I also brought a change of clothing for you earlier.”
I closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose attempting to sort out my jumbled thoughts. “Just so I’m clear. Dylan was there?”
“Yes. We had a confrontation. He refused to leave and that’s when it got physical.” He motioned to his nose which appeared slightly disjointed surrounded by discoloring of the skin around the sinuses. “Courtesy of your brother. Long story short, the neighbor called the police and when they arrived, they took him into custody. During the altercation, he punched you, you fell, and hit your head on the corner of the fire extinguisher casing on the wall.
I touched the bump at the side of my head then winced despite the pressure only being slight. “Where is Dylan now? Why did he show up?”
“I’m not sure, I think he wanted money from what I could tell. He’s got a warrant for his arrest back in Washington and now he’s up on charges for assault on police officers. It’s not a great situation for him.”
“Oh my God!” As much as I hated Dylan, I really didn’t want to see him in jail. We’d been friends once, hell he’d been my best friend at one point in time. I didn’t know where his life had led him over the years, but something wasn’t adding up. “What was the warrant for?”
Aaron’s hand went to the back of his neck. “It was for an unpaid speeding fine.”
I frowned. “That’s not a big deal. Did he just pay it? Was he not willing to pay it? He’s in jail now?”
The nurse from earlier knocked on the door and then poked her head in the room. “Hey you two. I’m sorry to interrupt, but it’s time for our patient’s medications.” She gave us both a smile, her focus ultimately landing on me.
With a sigh, Aaron slapped his knees and stood up. “Guess that’s my cue to leave, I’m sorry I couldn’t stay longer, it’s been crazy at the station, and I’ve got a bunch of things to do to make sure you’re comfortable when you get home. I’ll be here after work tomorrow to pick you up and take you home.”
“Okay.”
Leaning into me, he kissed me tenderly on the lips. “Until tomorrow baby.”
Relaxing a bit, I gave in, kissing him back. “Okay. Good night.”
“Love you.”
“I love you too.”
He was about to leave when I called out to him. “Aaron, did you get hold of my mother?”
“I did. She’s on the way. She should be here tomorrow or the next day.”
“I couldn’t get ahold of her. I’ve tried a few times now.”
He shrugged. “Hard to say. But I did talk to her right after it happened, and she said she was going to come. She was pretty worried, but I made sure she knew you were in good hands.” Giving me a wink, he turned and made his way out of the room.
I nodded. Maybe she’d have information on why Dylan was here. She hadn’t been together with his dad for quite some time, but they still kept in contact, so you never knew. They seemed to have an on-again-off-again type of deal going on. I’d figure it out.
The nurse shook a little plastic cup with some pills in it. “These will help you sleep and keep down the pain.”
“I’m not feeling terrible.” But just being awake for this short time had me tired already. “But I’m on board if it means I get out of here tomorrow.” Maybe once I got home, I’d get a better idea of what was going on. Maybe the head injury was causing me issues and making me paranoid? But the sooner I got back home, the better. The uncertainly wasn’t sitting well with me—not one bit. I couldn’t get my memory back a moment too soon and sitting in this hospital bed wasn’t making that happen. Accepting the pills, I popped them into my mouth, drank down the water being offered, and went back to sleep.
