Page 8 of Bad Business

The nurse efficiently draws Juniper's blood, her gentle hands moving with practiced ease. Juniper winces, squeezing my hand tightly, but the nurse offers a reassuring smile. “All done, sweetheart. You were very brave,” she says, applying a small bandage to the puncture site.

“Thank you,” I whisper, brushing a strand of hair from Juniper’s forehead. The nurse nods and leaves the room, promising to return with the results as soon as possible.

I step into the hallway, the antiseptic smell of the hospital filling my senses. With a deep breath, I pull out my phone and dial Calli’s number at the bar.

“Hey, Calli, it’s Willow,” I say, my voice tight with worry.

“Willow! Is everything okay?” Calli’s voice crackles through the phone, filled with concern.

“No, not really. Juniper’s really sick, and we’re at the hospital. Her fever spiked to 104, and the doctor thinks her tonsils are enlarged. They’re running some tests now.”

“Oh no, poor kid. Do you need anything? Do you want me to come there?”

“No, it’s okay. I just needed to let you know I won’t be able to make it in tonight,” I explain, pacing the hallway. “Can you let Dallas know I’m missing my shift? I just can’t deal with his bullshit right now, and I know he’ll probably have a tantrum when he finds out.”

Calli laughs softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Of course, I’ll handle Dallas. Don’t worry about a thing here. Just focus on Juniper.”

“Thanks, Calli. I really appreciate it,” I say, feeling a wave of gratitude for my friend.

“Anytime, Willow. Keep me posted on how she’s doing, okay?”

“I will. Thanks again.”

I hang up the phone and return to the room where Juniper lies, her small chest rising and falling steadily. I sit beside her, brushing her hair back gently and whispering soothing words. The minutes stretch on, feeling like hours, as we wait for the test results.

Doctor Bradwell returns, her face composed but serious. “We’ve got the results back. Juniper’s white blood cell count is elevated, showing an infection. Given the swelling of her tonsils, it looks like she has a severe case of tonsillitis.”

“What does that mean for her?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.

“We’re going to start her on a course of antibiotics immediately. She’ll need to stay here so we can monitor her response to the medication. It’s a good thing you brought her in when you did.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Relief floods through me, mingling with the residual anxiety. “I was so worried.”

Doctor Bradwell gives me a reassuring smile. “You did everything right. We’ll take good care of her.”

As the doctor leaves, I lean back in the chair beside Juniper’s bed, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and relief. The road ahead still seems long, but for now, Juniper is in excellent hands.

As Juniper drifts into a fitful sleep, I realize I need to update Kara, our nanny, on the situation. I step into the hallway again and dial her number, hoping she picks up.

“Hi, Willow. How’s our girl this morning?”

“Actually, we’re at the hospital,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Her fever spiked last night, and the doctor thinks it’s a severe case of tonsillitis.”

“Oh, no! Poor June bug,” Kara replies, her voice filled with concern.

“The doctor has started her on antibiotics, and they’re keeping her here to monitor her. She’s pretty uncomfortable, but they’re taking good care of her,” I explain, leaning against the cool wall of the hallway.

“I’m so glad I called you. I would have freaked out if I had to take her to the hospital and call you from there,” Kara says, her tone soothing. “Is there anything I can do? Do you need me to bring anything to the hospital?”

“No, we’re alright for now. Just wanted to let you know what’s going on. I might need your help a bit more over the next few days, though. Things are going to be hectic.”

“Of course, Willow. I’m here for whatever you need. Just keep me updated and give Juniper a big hug from me.”

“I will, Kara. Thanks for being so understanding,” I say, feeling a bit of the weight lift from my shoulders.

“Anytime. Take care of yourself, too, okay? Juniper needs you to be strong.”

“I will. Thanks again, Kara.”

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