Page 77 of A Perfect Match
"Can we go back in?"I ask.
"Of course.But be aware she does need rest.Try not to overload her with conversations.She’s been through a lot, and rest is very important right now.”The doctor offers a warm smile before striding away.
We file back into the room, where Mom is looking more tired than before, but still alert.
"The doctor says you're getting out of here soon," Jett tells her, perching on the edge of the bed.
"Not soon enough," she says with a weak smile.
We laugh, the sound both relieved and a little tearful.For the first time in days, the knot of fear in my chest begins to loosen.
“Next game night will be at home,” I tell her.
“Mmm.Did we miss one?”she asks softly.
“No, Mom.We brought it to you.”Jett smiles down at her, taking her hand in his.“Could you feel us here?”
She mumbles something, but it’s clear she’s getting ready to conk out.We all take turns pressing kisses to her forehead, getting ready to clear out.
“I’ll stay until Asher comes for the night shift,” Dane whispers once Mom’s eyes have drifted shut.“I’ll let you know when she wakes up again.”
After saying our goodbyes, we head to the parking lot, all of us walking a little lighter than when we arrived.Before I hop onto my bike, I pull out my phone and type a quick message to Kru.
PIPER:We talked to her, she’s groggy but things are looking up.Should be home by Monday.
His reply comes almost immediately.
KRU:That's great, Maven.I'm so happy for you.
I smile at the screen, warmth spreading through me at his words.A second message follows.
KRU: You coming over tonight?
I bite my lip, fighting a smile.
PIPER: That sounds like a good idea.
KRU: I’ll make it a great idea.
PIPER: I’ll try my best to stay up that late.Text me when you’re done at the restaurant.
KRU: I could always come to you…
PIPER: Not with Griffin there!!!!
KRU: When are you gonna be real with them?Not gonna lie…I’m sick of hiding this.
PIPER: Well…what is this?
My phone rings immediately.My stomach is in all sort of fluttery knots as I answer.I can’t believe we’re about to have this talk.
“No more texting,” his deep voice rumbles.Pinpricks of desire skate through me, and suddenly I’m desperate for him to be in front of me, wrapped around me,inside me.
“I didn’t mean to make it all serious,” I tell him.
“Will you just be my girlfriend already?”
I gnaw on the inside of my cheek, fighting a grin that I know will split me in two.“I could arrange that.But I’ll be honest…I can’t date someone if I don’t know his first name.”
