Page 52 of One Foggy Christmas
Jay leans forward, diving into his speech. “Since Sadie will be discharged this weekend, we?—”
“Wait, who told you she was getting released?”
“Dr. Basu.”
I fight the negative thoughts, hating that Dr. Basu gave the Bradleys the good news before me. I’m glad her parents are here for their daughter, but I’m the one who should hear important information first.
It’s like when Sadie and her parents decided without me that she’d go home to Skaneateles to spend Christmas there this year. I wasn’t even part of that conversation.
But it’s fine.
Sadie’s alive and awake and going home. That’s all that matters.
Three weeks ago, I would’ve given anything to hear that she was well enough to leave the hospital. I prayed every day, and I’m not even the praying type. I promised Godeverythingif He would just let her get through this. I guess I can never lie, swear, or sin again now that she’s awake and being released—we’ll see how long that lasts.
Because of all that, I drop that I’m the last to know about her discharge and let Jay continue.
“Anyway, I made some arrangements for a physical therapist to come in a few days a week.”
I expected this conversation. Jay Bradley likes to be in control. It’s one of the things Sadie struggles with about her dad. But I don’t need to pick a fight over logistics. If Jay wants to make all the arrangements, I’m fine with that. He forgets that we’re both in the healthcare industry and that I have my own contacts, but it’s not a battle I need to fight—one less thing off my plate.
“That sounds great. Thanks for doing that.”
He nods, pleased with how easily I gave in. “We also booked a flight Saturday night to Syracuse. Lynette will stop by your apartment Friday to pack some things for Sadie.”
“Saturday night is too soon for a flight. If she’s getting released that morning, she’ll be tired and should rest.”
Jay’s expression gets defensive. “It’s only a two-hour flight.”
“Yeah, but there’s driving to the airport and getting through security. I think one big activity a day is plenty for her right now. She can fly on Sunday.”
“But we already canceled our hotel and are booked on the Saturday night flight,” Lynette whines.
“You can rebook for Sunday.”
She looks to her husband for help, and he gladly jumps in.
“Well, with Annie at the hotel too, we’re on top of each other. Sadie won’t be comfortable there.”
“She’s not going to the hotel. She’ll sleep at our apartment with me.”
This should be obvious to them. She’s been living with me for the past three years.
“Well, we just prefer to fly home Saturday night, so you don’t need to worry about playing host.”
“I wouldn’t be playing host. That’s Sadie’s home.” I set my jaw, showing the Bradleys that I mean to stand my ground on this one. “Why don’t you guys keep your flight on Saturday night? Sadie and I will fly in Sunday evening.”
That statement causes Lynette’s mouth to gape open and Jay’s eyes to narrow.
“We assumed you weren’t coming to Skaneateles,” he says. “We don’t need you to. She’ll be well taken care of with us.”
“I’m Sadie’s husband. Naturally, I’d go where she goes.”
Jay shakes his head. “But she doesn’t even remember you.”
Losing my cool in front of the nurse's station isn’t a good look, so I draw in a deep breath, relaxing my clenched fists before I dare speak. “Right now, Sadie might not remember me or the last three and a half years of her life, but eventually, she will, and when she does, she’ll be furious that you used her traumatic brain injury as a way to get close to her again.”
“We all know you’re the reason for the rift between us.” Lynette’s voice shakes with emotion. “It’s your fault she?—”
