Page 73 of Find Me in California

Several hours later, Matt heads toward the floor’s sitting area, where he knows Julia has been waiting. He returned to Elizabeth after he spoke with the nurse and remained at his grandmother’s side until she took her last breath. He didn’t leave the room until her body was removed and the bed stripped of its linens. He feels like an empty shell.

Julia notices him immediately and gets up to meet him. “How are you feeling?” Her eyes search his face, and he takes an internal reading. Only then does he become aware that he’s been clenching his teeth.

“Okay.” He rubs the ache where his jaw hinges. “Thanks for what you said back there.”

She smiles a little. “I’m glad you stayed.”

“Me too.” His eyes roam over Julia, clocking her wrinkled attire, the floppy bun of hair, and the dark shadows under her eyes. “How long have you been here?”

“Since one this afternoon. I came right after we got off the phone.”

She’s been worried about Elizabeth since before they first spoke on Friday. She’s a better person than he is.

He glances around, past the windows behind him, and realizes how late it is. He inhales deeply, taking in the subtle odor of bleach and antiseptic. “Mind if we get out of here?” There isn’t anything else for him here, and he needs fresh air. He figures he’ll check into a motel for the night and leave first thing in the morning.

“Uh, sure.” She blinks, turning toward the elevators and back to him as if trying to figure where they should go. “We can get coffee.”

“Okay, but not that coffee.” He points at the cup with the hospital logo in her hand, and she blinks at him, looks at the cup, then grins.

“It’s pretty watered down.”

Matt drags in a sharp breath. Her smile is stunning. It’s also Magnolia’s smile, and a shudder moves through him. How could there be a resemblance between them when he’s never seen Julia before today and he thinks—believes?—he imagined Magnolia.

Exhausted from abusing his body over the weekend, spent after venting to Elizabeth and then watching her die, he’s one beat away from cracking.

“Actually,” he says, changing his mind, “can we get dinner? I haven’t eaten all day.” For once, he’s man enough to admit he shouldn’t be alone right now. Not after the mental trip he went on this weekend.

She glances at her watch. “It’s late. I’m not sure anything is open, but we can try. Where are you parked?”

“I don’t have a car. I took an Uber from the airport.”

“We can use mine.” They walk to the elevators, and she pushes a button. She then snaps her fingers and looks up at him. “I know it’s late, but do you mind if we swing by Rosemont? Lenore said she’d be working late. She needs to talk with you and wanted me to ask if you could manage a visit tonight.”

His hands begin to shake. He shoves them into his front pockets.

“Are you up for it? I don’t think it’ll take long.”

Lenore probably just wants to settle what Elizabeth owed Rosemont. Best to get it over with tonight so he can get back to Dave and their project at first light. “Sure, fine.” Still, he breaks out into a sweat.

CHAPTER 36

JULIA

Julia had just returned from stepping out for a cup of vending machine coffee when Matt arrived. She recognized him from his photos, but more so, he felt familiar. Startling, given they’d never met in person. She had to restrain herself from hugging him like a friend she hadn’t seen in ages.

Matt now fills the space beside her as she drives them to Rosemont. He rubs his hands over his thighs and stares out the front window with a glazed expression. Sweat sheens his forehead. She can feel his agitation as her own. There’s an underlying turbulence about him. He’s likely feeling the effects of a hangover and withdrawal as well. She considers taking him straight to a hotel. What is Lenore thinking? His grandmother just died.

“How far is the drive?” Matt asks when they stop at a light. He clasps his knees, then drags his hands up his thighs. Clasps his knees again.

“Not far. A few miles. Are you okay?”

“Not sure.”

Maybe she should overrule Lenore. Matt’s on edge. His thoughts must be chaotic. On top of that, he’s famished. “Let’s get dinner instead. Lenore can wait until morning.”

“No, let’s get it over with. I’m fine, honest,” he adds when Julia hesitates after the light changes.

“All right.” She drives through the intersection rather than turning right toward an all-night diner she knows of. They reach Rosemont, and she parks near the entrance. She doesn’t spot Lenore’s car. “I’m not sure she’s here.”

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