Page 19 of When Stars Fall

“Wyatt.” Nikki’s focus zips from me to her daughter. “What are you doing here?”

“Why didn’t you tell me it was Nikki’s daughter who was sick? I thought it was Nikki.” With her eyes closed, she resembles her grandmother. Evelyn as an eight-year-old. Strong gene pool.

“What are you doing here?” Nikki brushes shoulders with Ellie, helping her block my view of the bed.

“What’s your daughter’s name?” I ask.

“Haven. Haven’s her name.” Ellie is flushed.

She doesn’t seem angry, which is surprising. The emotion stretching across her face isn’t one I can place. I thought I recognized all Ellie’s expressions, but this is new.

“It’s funny how much she looks like your mother.” Her sharp intake of breath draws my attention. “You don’t see it? First thing I noticed.”

“No, I . . .” Ellie stutters and trails off.

“How do you know about Haven?” Nikki cocks her head to the side.

She’s not happy to see me. If I’d had to bet on a family member liking me, it would have been Nikki. But then I spent years confident Nikki and Evelyn were the ones who’d convinced Ellie my lifestyle was no longer acceptable. I second-guessed myself, but her tense posture now makes me wonder if I was right.

Since I got sober, I’ve been using TMZ as my own personal version of Facebook to keep track of my ex-girlfriend and her family. Ellie is rarely spotted anywhere off Bermuda. My fixation is weird and unhealthy. Camila told me as much.

“Uh, I think I saw Haven in a few set photos or out with you and Ellie? Maybe? I’m not sure.” I toy with the brim of my hat to disguise my lie. “The website said she was yours, Nikki.” The pictures I saw were taken through a long, grainy lens, showing Haven coming in or out of a trailer holding hands with Nikki or Ellie. I couldn’t quite recall . . .

“Right.” Nikki shoots Ellie a glance loaded with a meaning I can’t grasp. “That makes sense.”

They’re both being so stilted and strange. Is Haven sicker than they thought? Or maybe they think I’m a stalker with my comments about Nikki’s daughter. Whatever it is, I’m not going to figure it out, so I focus on Ellie.

“Look, I’m sorry I came. You asked me not to. But if you’re only giving me one day, I don’t want to let it slip through my fingers.”

Haven stirs in the bed and opens her eyes. They are a brilliant blue, a shade or two lighter than her grandmother’s. Haven sees me, and her eyes go round. She looks to Ellie first and then to Nikki.

Ellie is mute and if it’s possible, she’s gotten paler. She fiddles with the sheet and takes Haven’s hand in hers.

Well, if no one else is going to speak, I’ll break the ice. “I’m Wyatt.”

“I know who you are.” Her eyes are glassy with fever, and her skin is as white as the sheets covering her slight frame.

Nikki looks as though she might throw up, and she says to Ellie, “Why don’t you and Wyatt go get a coffee, and I’ll stay with Haven?”

Ellie gives Haven’s hand a squeeze before reluctantly letting go. “I’ll return soon.” She smooths Haven’s hair and kisses her forehead, lingering for a beat.

“Is he coming back?” Haven stares at me.

“I don’t know.” Ellie holds up a thin blanket from the bottom of Haven’s bed, but Haven shakes her head. The air-conditioning has made it cool in the room.

“If you want me to, I will,” I say. She appears so tiny lying there in the bed, and something in my chest constricts. She’s hooked up to an IV, and there’s a machine that beeps periodically. Haven’s vulnerability tugs at my protective instincts.Tell me what to slay, kid, and I’ll do it.

She nods, and the worry vanishes.

“Okay, we’ll see what we can round up for you while we’re gone. Ice cream?” I ask. Her face lights up. “Is it okay, Nikki? If we can find some?”

“I’m not sure you should be in the room. Family only.” Nikki shifts in her chair and takes Haven’s hand.

“I’ll buy the ice cream,” Ellie says.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea, Ellie? Maybe we should check with her doctor to ask if ice cream is appropriate.”

“All right.” I purse my lips, trying to figure out how to defuse the tension. “No ice cream. How about a teddy bear or a balloon? There’ll be a gift shop somewhere.”

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