Page 89 of Scarlett and the Big Bad Billionaire
“I’ll be here,” Gray said. “I’m cancelling my trip.”
I gave him a sharp glance. “But… how can you…”
“I can, and I will.”
Well, okay then.
The two of us stayed in the emergency department with Vivi until a room opened up on one of the floors. Gray and I followed the gurney through the corridors and into a large elevator then through more twisting and turning hallways as she was transferred to an inpatient room.
Once she was settled, he went to the padded chair near the window and pulled it out flat into a single sleeper then turned and faced me.
“Why don’t you stretch out and get some rest?”
“Are you going back to your place?”
He looked at me like I’d just asked if he planned to drive his new Mercedes through a hailstorm.
“I’m not leaving. I’m going to call Wilder. Then I’ll find us some water and vending machine provisions. I’ll bring them back here before I find a spot in the lobby to grab a few hours of sleep. Doctors usually do rounds super-early in the morning, like six o’clock, so I’ll be here for that.”
I nodded, my throat feeling thick. “Okay.”
My belated “thanks” was so quiet, I wasn’t sure Gray had heard it, but he turned back around before disappearing through the doorway and gave me a nod and a sad smile.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
LOVE, HAROLD
Scarlett
The next morning started early, as Gray had predicted.
Vivi was awake and alert though still connected to the IV and monitors. A team of doctors came into the room, introduced themselves, and told us that the tests they’d run on her so far were inconclusive.
“It doesn’t appear at this point that you sustained any damage to the heart muscle, Mrs. Hood,” one of the men said. “But heart attacks often present differently in women than they do in men. Because of that and because of your age, we’re going to keep you here a few more days, run a few more tests. We want to be sure before we release you.”
“Of course. Thank you. That’s great,” I said.
“I think that’s a fine idea,” Vivi agreed. “Besides, I haven’t gotten my hospital Jello yet.”
When the doctors had all left, Gray went in search of coffee, and I moved to the bedside, taking Vivi’s hand.
“You scared me, you know.”
Her grip on my fingers felt weak, and her voice was barely above a whisper.
“No reason to be scared. If it’s my time, it’s my time. I’m worried about you, though. What were you and Gray fussing about last night?”
“Nothing,” I assured her, not wanting her to worry. “Everything’s fine.”
“A little lovers’ quarrel perhaps?” she asked with a wink.
My jaw fell open.
Vivi laughed, a papery sound. “You didn’t think I knew? I’m old, not blind, deaf, and senile. Even if I was, I’d still be able to tell you two are in love. I wouldn’t worry about the spat. These things have a way of working themselves out.”
I stroked her soft, white hair, shaking my head at her misunderstanding. “Vivi… I really don’t think—”
“Miss Hood?” A nursing assistant peeked into the room. “There’s someone who’s asking to speak with you in the hallway.”
