Page 37 of Denying Davis
“It’s possible.” Aaron sucked in a deep breath. “However, if you want to touch money connected directly to the Armstrong investments, that’s going to take some creativity.”
“That’s what I pay you for, right?” I clapped him on the shoulder with my free hand. “I know you can get this done. Quickly.”
Aaron studied me for a beat. “You’re not going to back down, are you?”
I shook my head.
“I guess this is where it starts,” Aaron replied. “And I know how you operate, friend. Once you decide to pursue something, you don’t give up.”
“So, do it,” I ordered.
I walked away from him, placed my ball on the tee, swung, and delivered one of the best tee-offs I’d had on the Everglades Club course.
Dr. Sparks looked up from his iPad where he’d been typing for the last few minutes. “Your mother is very lucky, Miss Green. Someone is watching over her.”
I let out the breath I’d been holding. “I don’t feel that way. It’s just—it’s really hard to see it right now.”
“Pneumonia and emphysema together are very serious. Given her health, it’s not a total shock to see her take a turn like this.”
We both looked at my mother, who rested in the bed, sleeping thanks to a large cocktail of pain relievers and pure exhaustion. After getting the call over the hospital intercom system, I’d arrived in the room to find her gasping for air as several nurses tried to stabilize her. A scream caught in my throat just as a wave of guilt washed over me. Once again, I’d left her side, and once again, she’d paid for it.
I’ll never do that again. Never.
Despite what my heart might want, I wouldn’t let myself get distracted by Davis Armstrong or anyone else. Mom and I couldn’t afford it; the earlier incident had confirmed it. I needed to keep Davis in the past where he belonged. Even if his kiss had been one of the best moments of my life.
I touched my lips.
No, no, Sam. You don’t have time for love or even lust. Forget him. Davis Armstrong must remain in your past.
I pulled my fingers away from my mouth and focused on Dr. Sparks again. “Okay, what are the next steps?”
“We’ll continue to monitor her closely, but we also have to let this infection run its course. Unfortunately, that’s how pneumonia works. We treat the symptoms, but that’s about all.”
I sighed. “That’s the best you can do?”
“I know this is very stressful for you.” His eyes softened. “I’m sorry I can’t offer more answers than this.”
“The last two times I’ve stepped out of the room, something has happened to her. I feel like I’m not here and…” I rubbed my face with my hand. I was exhausted, but I needed to slough it off. I had to remain focused and committed. She needed me, and I wouldn’t let her down. Family didn’t do that to family. “So, I won’t be leaving anytime soon. Just the way it has to be.”
“I suppose that’s understandable. Have you eaten anything?”
I shook my head.
“Our cafeteria has a wonderful selection. Perhaps you can order something to be delivered. We have a great food service at the hospital. They make a great chicken pot pie.”
“Thanks,” I replied, knowing I wouldn’t do that.
“I do hope you’ll take my suggestion,” Dr. Sparks said. “For now, I’m going to see another patient.” He locked his iPad and walked toward the door. When he got there, he turned around. “Your mother is right where she needs to be. It might not seem like it, but it’s going to be okay.”
“I know,” I replied, but the words sounded hollow and false. No one would have believed I meant them.
I awoke to my mom calling my name. I’d fallen asleep, despite the horrible chair.
“Oh God,” I said as I came back to reality. “Are you okay?” I glanced at my phone and saw it was just after seven. I wonder how long she had been awake.
She tossed me a weak smile. “I’m fine, honey.”
Her voice sounded raspy and hoarse through the oxygen mask. We both knew her comment wasn’t true. In fact, the reality of her situation hung in the air around the room.
