Page 24 of The Doctor's Promise
“I thought it was inappropriate.”
“You’d rather I had been alone?”
“Lazlo was here, Dieter—”
“Yes, because what I’d really want at such a time would be my ex-boyfriend.” Noemi couldn’t help the resentment that crept into her voice. “Rafa is a good person, a good man.”
“You seem to think so. Got a crush?”
Nomi was sure her cheeks were flaming red, but she shook her head. “I’m just saying it was good of him.”
“Hmm.”
Noemi sighed. She wasn’t going to argue the point with her sister—not now. It didn’t matter; all that mattered now was that Jack pulled through. She knew from experience that these things came out of the blue, that life was always a risk. She believed in Finn, in his abilities.
Their parents arrived at the hospital to wait with them. Marian and Frank, who had always supported their single-mother daughter and adored their grandson, showed concern on their faces, but like Noemi, used distraction to ease Leonora’s nerves.
Hours passed,and an antsy Noemi, with her face covered by a surgical mask, sneaked into the operating theatre. She was soon spotted. Finn sighed. “Noemi, please, I am trying to concentrate here.”
“Just tell me how it’s going.”
“Noe…”
There was something in his voice that made her pulse quicken. “What’s wrong?”
“Noemi Castor, do you want me to have security remove you?”
“Finn…”
“Ally, would you please take Dr. Castor outside and physically restrain her if she tries to get back in?”
Noemi sighed. “I’m going. Bully,” she added with a chuckle, but when Finn didn’t laugh, she knew he was serious. Oh God…
Ally came with her anyway, her dark eyes full of concern. “Noe, go and wait with your family. We’re doing everything we can.”
Noemi feltbreathless and knew if she went back to the Relative’s Room now, her panicked expression would unsettle her family. Instead, she took the elevator to the roof and stepped out onto it, breathing in the night air. She pulled her phone from her pocket and called Rafa again.
“Hey, baby.” Rafa’s warm voice was the balm she needed.
“Hey. I just needed to hear your voice. Jack’s surgery is taking longer than expected.”
“It’s never pleasant to have to wait like that. Sure you don’t want me to come?”
Noemi smiled. “No, my family is here, and besides, Leo is the one who needs propping up. Rafa… I made the mistake of going to the theater. Finn threw me out, but I got the impression that… Oh, God, what if…?”
“Sweetheart, listen. Jack is in the best hands—you yourself told me that. Trust Finn to do everything he can.”
“You’re right. How’s Bepi?”
Rafa chuckled. “Spoiled by his grandmother—who also gave him way too much sugar. Currently, he’s chasing Mouse around the garden.”
Noemi giggled. Rafa, who worked mainly from home, had volunteered to take care of Mouse when she was at work, and she was grateful for it. She knew how much Mouse liked being around people, and the dog completely adored Bepi. It took the worry of having to find a sitter for her from Noemi’s shoulders—especially now.
“I’d better go back in. I’ll call you when I know something.”
“Take care, baby.”
“You too.”
