Page 64 of A Break in Communications

“Was fully already planning on it.”

She gave me a look I couldn’t read, meeting my gaze with something loaded, and she held it for a second before she said, “I’m… I’m glad you’re here.”

I felt my face prickle, and I looked away. “Would have been here earlier if you’d said something.”

“Guess that’s on me. What kind of communications director am I?”

“A terrible one who’s not going to get the promotion before me. Now go.”

I watched her go down the hallway, slumping as she went—all the exhaustion catching up to her finally, I could only imagine. Didn’t matter. I was good at what I did. I could manage the workload while getting her back on her feet, make sure her grandmother was fine, andstillbeat her for the promotion.

I really… really liked her. How long had I felt this way, anyway? I’d taken her for granted so much, always having her around, maybe these feelings had predated the weekend with my family…

Didn’t really have the time to deal with these realizations right now, though. The nurse from before was waiting outside B604 when I got there, taking notes on a tablet, and he lowered it with a smile my way.

“You’re Lucy’s girlfriend?” he said, and I paused for a second.

“Uh—yeah. Did she mention—?”

“Charlotte did. She and Lucy have been talking about you nonstop. Seems like Charlotte’s been anxious for you to come visit.”

“Ah…” I swallowed, shifting from one foot to the other. “I have a huge project coming up at work and Lucy was minimizing this to try to save me from worrying about it, so I didn’t know how serious it was… ran here as soon as I found out. I already laid into her. Don’t worry, I’ll be around.”

He smiled warmly my way. “Honestly, Lucy needs the care more than Charlotte does. That woman’s burning herself out. We’re all glad you’re here, Anna.”

Lucy’s girlfriend.Did I want that? Some part of me did, judging by the nervous feeling in my chest when I thought about it.

But I’d think about that later. I finished pleasantries with the nurse, who introduced himself as Elliott, and I got inside the room to where Charlotte was sitting up in bed with a sling, and she shot me a withering look the instant I got inside.

“Anna Marie Preston,” she said, and I didn’t even want to know how she knew my middle name. “What the hell took you so long to get here? And where’s my damn chili?”

Seemed like she was doing all right after all. I beamed. “Blame your granddaughter. She was pretending everything was fine. I found out you were in the hospital about fifteen minutes ago and came here as fast as I could. I’ve been freaked out fordays about why Lucy hasn’t been around as much, but she’s been pretending everything is fine.”

She scowled. “That damn woman. Okay, Anna, you win this round, I believe that from her.”

“But don’t worry, Miss Charlotte, I’ve already got a meal in the crockpot I can bring around soon so Lucy doesn’t have to do all the cooking. I’m trying to learn more recipes so I can spoil her, and this is my personal favorite three-bean chili. I think you’ll like it.”

She settled back in the bed, relaxing, a small smile finding its way across her features. “Miss Charlotte.Making it sound like I’m a little twenty-something lady again.”

“I mean, if I didn’t know you were Lucy’s grandmother, I’d have thought you were twenty-four.”

“Hm. Let’s go with twenty-seven. It’s closer to Elliott’s age.”

I paused. “Should I… take that to mean you were hitting on your nurse?”

“I mean, look at him! Bah—you’re a lesbian too. Forget it.”

“I’m bisexual.”

“Look at him! How can I not hit on him?”

I came over and sat down next to her, and I couldn’t help myself—knew I was supposed to be focusing on her and on her condition right now, but I said, “Is Lucy okay? She looked so tired…”

“Issheokay? I’m in the hospital, and you’re asking about her?”

“I’m in love with her. I’m not in love with you.”

“Bah. Touché.” She chuckled. “Maybe you’re not too bad. Ah… she’s running herself ragged. I told her not to, but you know how she is.”

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