Page 484 of Rock Me All Night
34
Ten minutes later, the nurse takes Ophelia to surgery. Tom and Pete go with her. I play with the pockets of my jeans to keep my mind occupied. She seems like a wonderful woman. I hope she's okay.
The mood is tense when the brothers arrive. Tom paces up and down the hall, tapping his feet frantically. Pete sits next to me, his dark eyes filled with concern.
He looks to me. "You want something to drink?"
"Coffee," I say.
"Sure." He pushes out of his seat and nods to Tom. "Why don't you sit down?"
"Not offering me a drink?" Tom taps his fingers impatiently.
Pete shoots Tom a stern look. It's heavy with the weight of mutual history. Whatever it is, it works. Tom nods and plants in the chair.
He's no more relaxed. He taps a beat against his thigh. His eyes go to the bright walls. They fill with deep concern.
"Don't take Hazel's offer," he says.
I swallow hard. "Why?" Half of me wants it to be because he needs me nearby. The other half wants to punch him for the presumption that I'd rearrange my life for him.
"It's not what you want."
Oh. It's not about us at all. If there is anus.
Tom makes eye contact. "You want to set up your own studio. You're good enough. You must have enough money after what Hazel was paying you. I learned a lot about business acting as de facto manager. I can help with anything you need."
"I don't want to talk about this right now."
"Then when? I heard you and Hazel talking. She wants an answer in two days."
"You shouldn't eavesdrop."
"You were avoiding me. Tell me why."
I press my lips together. "I don't want to talk about that now."
"Then what the fuck do you want to talk about, kid?"
"I don't know." I swallow hard. "Pete convinced me that you needed me to be here. Maybe he was wrong."
I go to push myself out of my seat but Tom stops me.
He runs his thumb over mine. "He was right. I need you here."
Now or always? Is this forever? I want it to be forever.
Deep breath. "I'm not sure I have the energy to start a business."
"Don't do that."
"What?"
"Run away from your ambition. You're smart. Talented. You work hard as hell. I know you can do it."
"Good for you, Tom, but you don't get to decide what I do."
"Not what I mean."
