Page 95 of Objection to Love

Finding parking was confusing, as was finding the correct building for the neonatal surgery. But even though her hands were shaking and she was developing a headache by the time she found April’s room, when she stepped through those doors, she couldn’t imagine herself anywhere else.

“Em!” April’s eyes lit up from her hospital bed. “I was worried you wouldn’t make it.”

Though the words were spoken without a hint of malice, they stung Em’s heart. Her sister should never have to think that Em wouldn’t be there for her at a time like this.

“I’m sorry,” Em said, walking across the room. “I got lost at least seven times. How are you, Natalie? And where’s Jackson?”

April’s best friend waved at her from the chair beside April’s bed, but her eyes quickly darted back to April with concern. “Jackson went to talk with the nurse about April’s IV.”

“I made the mistake of mentioning the tape was pinching my arm, and he ran off.” April’s voice held a note of amusement, but not enough to cover up the nerves. Plus, it was accompanied by her pulling nervously at her hospital sheets.

Em nodded her understanding, then glanced around the room one more time, notably missing a couple of people. “Where are Mom and Dad?”

Hurt flashed across April’s face. “They are going to check in after. Um… something about not being able to get away from work.”

Irritation flared. How could their parents not be here for April? For their unborn grandbaby? Especially when they couldn’t be more than twenty minutes away.

Before she could say anything to express her frustration though, she caught Natalie’s eye. Natalie shook her head slightly, with a look to April, which Em took to mean it was a sore subject that they should move on from. So instead, Em sat on the edge of April’s bed and rehearsed the story of her nearly taking out four different pedestrians and a decorative fountain while attempting to find the correct parking structure.

Jackson came back with the nurse and hovered near April’s side, holding her hand and shooting surreptitious looks at the clock. Between the three of them, they kept April laughing—or at least smiling—until the doctor came in to take her back.

The three of them were directed to the waiting room where none of them laughed. They each silently dropped into a chair in the corner of the room, where Em imagined the other two were also experiencing the empty, clawing feeling she had. As if her chest were trying to escape the confines of her body but had nowhere to go.

And then they waited.

Chapter 34

Garrett

“Well,it'snotmuchof a decision really,” Garrett said into the phone. “The regional manager position pays much better, and I’ll be able to stay near you.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so glad. I’m guessing a certain lawyer convinced you into staying too?” His mom’s teasing voice had the opposite effect than she’d probably intended.

Garrett grimaced. “Uh… honestly, it was a decision I made on my own.”

“Sure, sure, I believe you.” She clearly didn’t believe him. Which made sense as Garrett hadn’t informed her of his breakup… despite it being a week. Luckily, she kept talking, so he didn’t need to make any more comments. “Will you be coming Sunday? John and I missed you last week.”

“I know, Mom; I’m sorry I wasn’t able to make it. Will really needed my help though.” And Garrett had needed an excuse to avoid the all-important meeting of his mom’s boyfriend. He had come to terms with his mom dating again and planned to meet John eventually, of course. Just preferably not thirty-six hours after breaking up with his girlfriend. His personal life couldn’t handle that much change at once.

“It’s okay, but will you be here Sunday?”

Garrett didn’t have a ready excuse yet, so he reluctantly responded in the affirmative.

“Perfect,” his mom said, “then I’ll see you then! Love you.”

“Love you too, Mom,” he said before hanging up.

The phone call hadn’t been over for a full thirty seconds before it rang again. As usual, Garrett felt the quick leap of delusion that it was Em. But it was his new boss instead. Hopefully offering a distraction from his pitiable pining.

“Mr. Clarke,” the man said after Garrett had answered. “What are your plans this weekend?”

“Nothing set in stone yet, sir. Why?” Garrett felt a twinge of guilt at how quickly he threw aside his mother’s standing invitation to Sunday Sundae night.

“I have a conference I’d like you to attend. My southern division manager was supposed to go, but his wife went into labor early, so he’s had to back out. It will be a great networking opportunity for the company and you, I think.”

“And it’s this weekend?”

“Yes. And next week. Do you have a man you trust to handle the site until you’re back? You’d fly out tomorrow morning. Early.”

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