Page 190 of Choosing You

“That’s not good enough. I’m making this a rule from here on out. No more talking about us breaking up. Got it?”

“Yeah. I got it.” I cautiously smile at him. “So are you done being mad at me?”

“I can’t stay mad at you.” He puts his hand around mine. “You’re like Lilly. You’re too freaking adorable.”

I lean over and kiss him. “I love you.”

“I know you do.” Cue the cocky smile.

“Aren’t you going to say it back?”

He shrugs. “Maybe later. We should probably eat. Are you hungry?”

“I guess I am. I don’t feel hungry but my stomach’s growling.”

“What do you like around here? Tell me your favorite Des Moines restaurant.”

“I didn’t really eat out much growing up. We didn’t have the money for it. But there’s a good Thai place not far from here.”

“Is that where you want to go?”

“Yeah.” I go over and grab my wallet, checking to see how much money is in it. “I’ll pay for dinner. You already paid for too much with the plane tickets and hotel and car.”

“You’re not paying for dinner.” He takes my wallet, holding it up in the air.

“Yes, I am,” I say, reaching up to get it back.

“If you pay for dinner you’ll be low on money and then you’ll have to ask Ryan for more. And I know you hate asking him for money.”

I sigh, slumping down on the bed. “I really need to find a job.”

“Come here.” He pulls me up and into his arms. “It was very nice of you to offer to buy me dinner.” He leans in closer. “And by the way, I love you, too.”

On the way to the restaurant I call Ryan. He says Frank is sleeping and still can’t have visitors. Then Ryan says he’s going home for a few hours to sleep and I have to confess that I’m not staying there. He doesn’t act surprised.

* * *

The next morning,we’re back at the hospital at 9, when visiting hours begin. Ryan meets us there.

“Did you get a few hours of sleep?” I ask him, even though he still looks exhausted.

“Five hours, which was more than I thought I’d get.” He turns his phone off, reminding Garret and me to do the same. It’s hospital policy. “The doctor is in there with Dad now. I need to go hear what he has to say.”

“Okay. We’ll wait here.”

A half hour later, Ryan comes back to the waiting area and we all go out into the hall.

“The doctor said Dad had a good night,” Ryan says to me. “The swelling in his brain is way down. That’s good news. Really good.”

“Is he awake now?”

“Yeah. I just talked to him. But they gave him something that makes him tired, so you should go in and see him before he falls asleep. I need to call and check on something with the insurance. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

I go into the ICU, taking Garret with me. Frank looks the same as yesterday, although his eyes are open more.

“Hi, Frank. It’s me again.” I’ve decided to be less of a downer today. Frank is surrounded by enough depressing stuff in that place. I don’t need to add to it.

“Hi, Jade. You finally made it home. How’s college?”

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