Page 15 of Embers of Love

Ember turned. She didn’t realize somebody was in the room with her. It was her mom, who looked like she hadn’t slept.

“Mom?” Her voice came out hoarse. The simple act of moving her lips was exhausting.

“Hey sweetie.”

Her mother came to her side and ran her hand gently through her hair. She smiled down at Ember, the sides of her eyes crinkling. Ember could feel the relief oozing off her mother.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Becky laughed. It was on the weaker side. She sounded more exasperated than amused.

“You were in an accident. Worry about yourself more.”

They lapsed into silence for a moment before Becky stepped away.

“Doctor Brown assured me that you were going to be fine, but I better let them know that you’re awake now.”

“I’m okay?” Ember asked. She remembered the accident.

“Yes,” Becky nodded confidently. “Thanks to Joan. I’m glad you took all those safety measures with the seatbelts and the roll cage.”

“Oh,” Ember looked away. “And Joan, is she…?”

Becky frowned. “Joan is in a bad way, I’m afraid. But don’t worry about that for now. Just make sure you’re okay first.”

Ember screwed her face up. She knew Joan was just a car, but she loved her. It had all happened so fast, so suddenly. One moment she was driving home and the next her car was tumbling down the highway.

“Hey.” Her mother took her hand. “Be happy you’re alive.”

Ember nodded. Her mother was right, of course. What was she thinking? She could always get another car. Another life was not so feasible.

“I’ll be back soon.” Her mother stepped out, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She didn’t have to be alone for long. Her introspections were interrupted by a loud commotion outside.

“Your daughter was in accident?! And you didn’t even give me a call?!” The woman sounded affronted.

“I asked for you, but you were just done with your shift. I didn’t want to make you come back in. She’s alright anyway, thank god.”

“Becky!! I would have come back in and made sure she had the very best doctors we have.”

Her mother sounded strangely subdued. Ember wondered who the hell could talk to Becky Thompson like that. Certainly nobody from Phoenix Ridge. Must be that New York friend she kept talking about. Josephine something… some weird surname. Mars. That was it. Dr Josephine Mars. The surgeon. They were approaching the room she was in. The conversation quietened as they got close.

The door opened and her mother walked in first. The friend paused at the door, she seemed to be going over something in the clipboard. Ember could see her elegant ankles in heels and a pencil skirt under her doctor’s coat. She only stopped for a moment before she entered the room fully, revealing her face.

Ember froze. The doctor glanced at her and went stock still, mirroring Ember’s expression.

“Oh, great, you’re still awake,” her mother said, oblivious to what was happening.

“This is my friend Doctor Josephine Mars. Remember I told you; Josephine has just taken on the job as Head of the Hospital. Josephine, this is Ember, my daughter.”

Ember and Josephine stared at each, realizing in the same moment that not only did they lie about their ages, they also clearly lied about their names the night they met up and had sex with each other.

Lots of sex. All night. Hot sex. Hot woman. Her mom’s friend. Oh fuck.

Becky glanced between the two of them when she noticed they weren’t saying anything.

“Do you two already know each other?”

“No.” Ember said quickly.

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