Page 116 of Corkscrew You
“We want to see him,” says Ava.
The doctor eyes her for a moment, and then nods.
“Two minutes,” she says. “Follow me.”
“Want to stay here?” Nate murmurs in my ear.
“Nope,” I reply, and keep a firm grip on his hand.
I do linger at the back, however, while the family gathers round the bedside. Mr Durant looks pretty grey and tired, but he manages a smile for his family, and submits to having his cheek kissed multiple times.
He sees me, and nods. I smile back, even though I amthisclose to losing the cookies we bought and ate on the way here.
And then, thank you, thank you, we are leaving. Fresh air and freedom await.
As we gather outside the main entrance, my phone beeps. I check the text.
“Oh, fig. I forgot I was supposed to have drinks at the Silver Saddle with Jordan and Chiara.”
“Friends of yours, Shelby?” enquires Danny, casually.
“You could all come, if you like,” I say, rashly. The fresh air has gone to my head.
“Bar’s in Verity.” Nate goes into damage control. “Longway away.”
“It’s thirty minutes, max,” says Danny. “Ten if Ava drives.”
“You kids go,” says Nate’s mom. “Have fun.”
“No, we can’t leaveyou.” Izzy hooks her arm in her mother’s.
The main hospital doors open, and the old doctor who came to Nate’s house emerges.
“What do you suppose is the collective noun for a group of Durants?” he says, as he reaches us. “A determination?”
“Ray, what are you doing for dinner tonight?” says Nate’s mom. “Would you care to join me at home? These young people have somewhere to be”—she smiles, mischievously—“and I could do with somegrown-upcompany.”
“Mom, harsh!” protests Max.
“It would be my pleasure, Ginny,” says Doc Wilson. “Allow me to escort you in my trusty jalopy.”
I hear Nate blow out a breath. “OK, Silver Saddle it is.”
He gives me a look. “Better warn your friends.”
I’m already texting Chiara:Hot guys on way!But Nate doesn’t need to see that.
Danny has his Porsche keys in his hand. “I’m outta here.”
He nods to Izzy and Max. “Ava can driveyoutwo in Mom’s car.”
“He wants to be first to check out the girls,” says Max, darkly.
“That so?” Ava has an evil glint in her eye. “Well, buckle up, kiddos. You’re about to find outjusthow fast an old Toyota Landcruiser can go.”
ChapterThirty-Eight
NATE
