Page 36 of Go Cook Yourself

“I believe you, you little psycho. See you soon.”

Ruby is avoiding her parents, her boyfriend cheated on her with a friend and business partner, she’s got no business, and her ex is the only guy she’s ever slept with. I’ve too many questions and emotions when it comes to this woman. She’s going to be the life and death of me, and in a sick way, I’m excited about what’s next.

Chapter Nineteen

Ruby

I rush through the doors of the private hospital with Garett at my heels.

A man holds his bleeding head at the desk while his friend tells a slurring story to the receptionist. I can’t keep still. My feet are trying to recreate a Dick Van Dyke tap dance as the stranger gets to the part of the story about a stripper and a cheese and pickle sandwich.

I avoid confrontation except with sexy chefs, but as my pulse spikes, I sense that ball of pressure sitting at the back of my throat.

Suddenly, Garett’s warm, coarse hand slips into mine. His eyes are wide as he locks my gaze. I take a breath.

“Let’s move this along. No one wants to hear about a pickle in a lady’s frou-frou,” Garett grunts.

I hold in a bubble of laughter at the words frou-frou as the two guys turn and stare.

“But the pickle is important. His head wouldn’t be bleeding if there wasn’t a pickle.”

Luckily, my brother-in-law paid for private care for this pregnancy. At least we only have one drunk to deal with tonight and not a queue of carnage.

“My friend’s sister was brought in. She’s pregnant with twins. We want to see her and make sure she’s okay,” Garett explains as I attempt to regulate my breathing.

The receptionist catches the eye of a nurse who waits to direct us down a corridor while we sign in.

Abstract artwork reminiscent of an art gallery, not a hospital, adorns the cream walls. A water fountain bubbles as we pass it. Our footsteps tap across the linoleum floor, or whatever is beneath our feet, and although they’ve tried to create an atmosphere of a safe space, it’s impossible to miss the clinical scent that’s in every hospital. Garett holds my hand, and it’s all that’s keeping me grounded. I breathe in his cinnamon scent, and my pulse slows a little. I don’t know how I would have managed tonight without him. I was buzzed after watching Neil get upset at seeing me with Garett. All that time, he thought I wasn’t enough, and I’m starting to feel like I was and am. There was also the flirting and near kiss with Garett, but I refuse to linger on that, although it’s burrowed in the back of my mind for later. Amber is all that matters.

A door opens, and suddenly, there’s my beaming sister. At her smile, I well up. Garett hangs back in the doorway as I rush and hug her, careful not to squeeze her too tight. “You’re okay,” I pant, my panic exploding in a rush of breath.

“Of course I am. I told you I was. I’ve got snacks, my own super comfortable bed, and old episodes ofColumbo.”

“You’re so weird,” I reply as Garett moves a chair. It scrapes on the floor as he slides it behind me. “Only you’d be watchingColumboat a time like this.”

I grab her hand, and it trembles a little. I tip my head as she forces a fake smile.

“What’s really going on?”

That’s when the tears flow.

“I’ll leave you two be. Sister time,” Garett murmurs. Maybe crying women freak him out. I appreciate his care. If not for him, I would have crashed my car or had a meltdown in the reception area. “I’ll be in the waiting room.”

“Sorry,” Amber blubs.

“Don’t apologise. It’s more than okay to cry. But this is a moment for family,” Garett says before slipping out the door. He doesn’t want to embarrass her, and that realisation makes my heart flutter, even as cracks appear when I see my sister weep.

The vast width of the private bed means I have space to clamber up. I sneak under her blanket to hold her close. We used to do this as children when something scared us. Usually, it was one of the many crime drama shows we were too young to watch. She tucks her head against my chest, and I stroke her hair as she weeps.

“I miss Kalen so much,” she says between sobs. “I thought he’d be home by now.”

“Have you heard anything?”

“No. I’m sure he is safe, but when things like this happen, I get this terror that he’ll die while on operations. That our babies will never meet him. I can’t bear a life without him.” She hiccups as she sobs. How long has she kept these fears to herself? “I can’t do this alone.”

I squeeze her tightly as sickness rises in my throat. “You’re not alone. You’re never alone. You’ve got Mum and Dad, who will do everything to ensure you’re safe and cared for. I’m so sorry I’ve been selfish for years, but I’m home for as long as you’ll have me. I got in my head that Neil was the only one that mattered, and I can’t change that, but—”

She lifts her head and grabs mine between her hands, shutting me up instantly. Her sobs have slowed, and she glares at me with a fire that reminds me how amazing she will be asa mum. She’s all love but can bring the force of a thousand dragons when she needs to.

---