Page 98 of Wine & Whiskey
“I agree.” She looks around the room, empty except for Nick asleep in the same position as before. His skin feels warm against her hand as she strokes his cheek. “Where’s Carrie?”
“She with Nathan on break.” Marta holds up a small, red suitcase. “She get you change of clothes.”
Pressing down her wrinkled dress, Shae nods her head. “I can use it. A shower too.”
After accepting the bag from Marta, she sits next to the older woman, and covers her fingers with her own. “I’m sorry about what happened between you and Nick. He wasn’t himself. I know he would never hurt you on purpose.”
Marta stiffens, but doesn’t drop her hand. “He say food no good. Never complain before.”
“He told me I looked like a slut, and he—”
“Well, he fired my ass.” Carter’s voice from the doorway interrupts their conversation. “So, I guess I win.”
Shae smiles at him as he leans against the frame, giving them a smirk. “I think you’re still gainfully employed. Nick wouldn’t really fire his own cousin, would he?”
Carter shakes his head. “No one else would want the job.” He holds up a cup of coffee. “I’m going to be here for a while. Why don’t you go home and rest?”
Her smile fades. Nick’s drug-induced wrath hurts them all. If Spencer’s surprises keep coming, it could destroy the strange but loving family they’ve created. She picks up her bag. “Thanks. I actually just woke up. I need to find a place to take a shower.”
The kind nurse outside Nick’s room provides her with an unoccupied room. Grateful for hot water and a few minutes of privacy, she bathes quickly.
“Shae?”
As she dresses, Max’s muffled voice come through the closed door.
She flinches, pulling the long sleeves of her cardigan over her arms, and steps out. “I’m finished. I was…” Cold chills shudder through her body at his wide-eyed expression. “What’s the matter?”
“Nick’s awake, and he’s upset you aren’t there. He thinks something’s wrong with you.”
Just like before. He thought she was dead. Unable to distinguish reality from his dream, he freaked out when he couldn’t find her. She can’t go through it again. “Is he himself?”
“Yes, he knows all of us. But he wants you.”
He needs her, and she disappoints him again. She runs down the hallway to his room with Max right behind her. Overwhelmed with emotions squeezing her chest, she pauses at the door.
He tips his head down to hers. “I’ll stay and make sure everything’s okay.”
She nods and pushes against the handle. Nick sits on the side of the bed, his head drooped down and his hands on his knees. He looks up at her, blinking with a drowsy gaze, and reaches for her. “Come here, sweetness.”
The same hand that hurt her. The same hand that makes her fear him. She shakes her head. “I can’t.”
