Page 51 of Between the Lines

“Don’t be stupid. How are you feeling?”

Her free hand flopped on the bed, as if she were trying to make a gesture. “Tired,” she said. “Can’t keep my eyes open.”

“Then you should sleep.” He squeezed her fingers. “The doc said you’re doing really well. You’ll be able to come home soon.”

“That’s good.” Another smile. “Is Don here?”

Luca’s gaze slipped away from her, focusing on her frail fingers. “He went home for a while, but he’ll be back soon.”

She sighed, her body sinking deeper into the mattress. “How will he ever manage the hotel?”

“I’ll help him,” Luca said, self-conscious about saying it—about having to say it because his help wasn’t a natural assumption. “We’ll keep the place running, Mom, don’t worry.”

Her fingers gave his a feeble squeeze. “But what about Theo? I need—”

“Shh.” He leaned over to kiss her forehead. “It can wait. No one’s making any decisions until you’re on your feet. You mustn’t worry, okay? I’ve got this.”

She smiled and despite her waxy complexion the expression lit her face. “Thank you, Luca.”

The curtain around her bed twitched back and Dr. Anderson appeared. She looked tired and Luca wondered how long she’d been working, but she had a smile for them as she said, “We’re moving Judy up to Cardiac now, Luca. She needs her rest, but you can come back and visit in the morning.”

He squeezed Jude’s hand again, standing up. “Do what the doc says, okay? Rest.”

“It’s not like I have much choice.”

Bending down, he kissed her again. “I love you, Mom.”

“Love you, too, honey.”

Afterward, he made his way back to the waiting room. Theo sat—well, slumped—in one of the plastic chairs, head to one side and eyes closed. Luca smiled despite his own weariness, and sat down next to him. “Hey.”

“Oh, hey.” Theo blinked open his eyes and sat up. “Everything okay?”

Luca nodded. “They’ve taken Mom up to the cardiac unit and told me to go home.” Outside, the sun had almost set, long shadows streaming across the parking lot. He felt like he’d been in the hospital for days. Next to him, Theo stretched, shaking himself awake. Luca smiled. “Hungry?”

“Starving, actually.”

They ate at the Rock House, in one of the back booths. With Callaghan and his new husband off on their honeymoon, New Milton was empty of his fans and the bar was quiet. So was Theo, but Luca figured they were both tired. He was quiet, too.

Later, they headed down to the beach, holding hands in the dark. There was no moon, its absence allowing the stars to take center stage and the ocean to disappear into the black horizon. Theo kept a death grip on Luca’s hand as they walked down the uneven steps from the boardwalk onto the soft, giving sand at the top of the beach and he didn’t let go even once they’d reached the firmer ground of the foreshore. Luca had no objections.

Wet sand glistened underfoot as they walked barefoot, holding their shoes. Distant lightning flashed on the horizon and Luca could smell rain in the air, felt the incoming storm like static across his skin.

After a while, Theo spoke. “I talked to my dad,” he said, his voice subdued. “Lux is going to back off. We’re still interested, but we can wait for Jude’s answer until she’s well.”

Luca glanced at him, surprised. “Really?”

“Promise.” Theo flashed a quick smile. “Dealing with us is the last thing any of you need right now.”

“No kidding.” Luca squeezed his hand, smiling back. “This is your doing, huh?”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe yes.” Luca slowed, tugging Theo to a halt so he could look at him. “I know things will have to change around here now. I know there’s no avoiding it, but it’ll be good to have some time before we need to decide. I appreciate you giving it to us, Theo. Thank you.”

Coming to stand before him, Theo took both his hands and looked up at him. His gaze was troubled, his grip too tight. “Of course, it means Dad wants me back in the office ASAP.”

Luca’s heart jolted. He hadn’t even considered it, but with Jude out of commission there was zero reason for Theo to stay in New Milton. “Right,” he said, pulling his hands free and turning away to hide the hurt he had no right to feel. Taking a deep breath, he gazed out over the water, watching the seafoam glint in the starlight, and tried to get his emotions under control. Beneath his bare feet, the wet sand felt cold, his feet sinking. He pulled free, moving to find a firmer place to stand. “When are you—?”

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