Page 99 of The Matchmaker

“A coma,” I repeat, dazed, trying to compute all the words coming at me.

The doctor tells me I’ll be in the hospital at least a few more days while they monitor me. Make sure I’m all right. Iamall right, she assures me.

The doctor glances at Azar. “Should we let the police know she’s awake?”

“Let’s give her a little more time,” Azar says.

“Where’s my family?” I ask when the doctor leaves. “Are they okay? Are they safe?”

“They’re fine,” he says. “It’s six o’clock in the morning. Visiting hours start at eight.”

“You’rehere.”

“I’m a doctor.”

“At Piedmont?”

“Nope. Just abusing the hell out of my privileges so you’re looked after by someone who cares about you around the clock. Fucking hell.” His smile fades. “I still can’t believe what almost happened.”

The hospital door handle turns. Nina, Khala, and Lilah burst in. Yep. Figured they wouldn’t listen to visiting hours.

“We sped over as soon as Azar texted us that you were starting to come to,” Nina says. “And don’t worry about Gertie, she’s with us.”

“Thank God you’re okay.” Khala maneuvers her wheelchair toward my bed. Takes my hand and kisses it.

I lock eyes with Nina. “You got my text.”

“That was the creepiest message I have ever received in my life.” Nina shudders.

“There wasn’t…there wasn’t anyone outside the house? Someone threatening you?”

“What?” She frowns. “No. I reached your place a few minutes before the cops. Fiona broke the door down. Darcyactually tried to jump out your window. Sorry about the broken glass on your rug, by the way.”

“Broken glass is the least of my worries.” I try to sit up, wincing at the pain in my stomach. Darcy. I can barely think about her without my heart twisting. I can’t begin to process the enormity of her betrayal.

“What…what happened to her?” I ask.

“She’s in custody,” Azar says. “That’s all I know. We’ve been more focused on you.”

“I made you cards,” Lilah sings.

“Whoa.” I laugh as she flings ten different construction-paper notes folded in half at me. Each one is filled with stickers and marker and crayon hearts. “Maybe we can tape these up on my walls. They’ll definitely cheer me up.”

After my aunt, niece, and cousin leave to get some food for us, I’m able to brush my teeth and change into clothing Khala had brought from my home. Then it’s back to me and Azar. The sound of a monitor beeps in the background. Carts rumble as they glide over vinyl flooring outside the room. Tree branches scrape against the window across from me.

“I’m assuming you have to get back to work?” I tell him. “I’m okay. I don’t need babysitting.”

“You never need babysitting. Can’t I take a day off and be here because I want to?”

“Fair enough. I could use some distraction.”

“Well, here’s some distraction: There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Is it a heavy conversation?” I ask. “I’m not sure I can handle anything serious at the moment.”

“Well, it’s pretty serious. Can’t wait.”

“Uh-oh.”

---