Page 7 of Fragile Love (Fragile 3)
Cayden brought it to her before she could get up: a mug of steaming coffee with a heavy dose of milk and a touch of cream. The stars in Lillian’s eyes glowed when she saw the mug, and immediately she wrapped both hands around it, pulling it close. She looked at Cayden sitting across from her and pretended like she was crying. “Thank you so much.”
“I know what you like,” he said, tearing into a waffle.
Lillian bit her lip. “I’m going to ignore that innuendo.”
“Good Lord, I walk into it every time.” He lost focus on her and devoured the plate of waffles and bacon in less than five minutes. Lillian obviously knew how big an appetite he had, but how he could pack down so much food in so short a period of time was still a mystery to her. What she had selected—some cereal, yogurt, and a piece of toast with peanut butter—looked so tiny and lame compared to the three plates on his side.
At least he’s got a plate of fruit, she thought, happily sitting back with her coffee. Her phone vibrated on the table, and she snatched it up in half a second. It was an unfamiliar number, and she knew exactly who it was.
Please, no. “Hello?”
Hearing her tone, Cayden looked up, his mouth full of grapes.
“Is this Lillian Warren?” came a female voice.
“Yes, it’s me.”
“Miss Warren, this is Angela from St. Therese Medical Center. We are calling since your number is listed as the primary contact for Mr. Andrew Waters.”
“Is everything all right?” She felt that awful emptiness in the pit of her stomach.
“Miss Warren, there has been an incident with Mr. Waters during his routine procedure scheduled for this morning. The doctors have requested that you come to the hospital as soon as possible.”
The world went dark.
“Miss Warren?”
“I’m coming,” she replied, but her voice was hoarse. She hung up and looked at Cayden, her eyes full of tears. “We have to go. Now.”
Chapter 02
“WHAT HAPPENED?”
“I don’t know, Cayden!” she shrieked, going pale. Cayden watched her make a slightly conscious effort to lower her voice. It didn’t help much. “It was the hospital They said something happened to Andrew this morning during the procedure!”
The old man sitting a couple of booths away leaned out to look at what was causing the racket. Cayden gave him a thumb’s up; the man pursed his lips and turned back to his coffee and newspaper. Something hadn’t gone right at the hospital. Cayden’s concern was for Lillian right now, though. She looked ready to pass out.
“Stupid doctors,” Lillian said to herself, standing up and almost knocking her plate off the table in the process. “They said this was routine and there weren’t going to be any complications.”
“There’s never zero risk of complications, Lil.” Cayden stuffed a huge piece of cantaloupe into his mouth and stumbled out of the booth, rushing to catch up with her.
“Just last night they said nothing should happen. They were pleased with Andrew’s strength. He’s supposed to wake up in no time and be better.” Her feet pounded on the floor with each step. She turned toward the lobby door instead of toward the elevator.
“Where are you going?”
“To the car, Cayden! We have to go!”
“I have to get the keys, Lil,” he said, trying to keep his voice level to calm her down.
“You go get the keys, then. I’ll be waiting by the car.” She stalked off, and Cayden noticed she didn’t have her purse. All she had was her phone.
She’s really serious about being here for Andrew, he thought, stepping into the elevator. I mean, I knew she was. But I guess I didn’t realize how important he was to her.
He didn’t want to feel negative towards Andrew, but it seemed like every time he and Lillian got close something happened that put Andrew in the way of their relationship. It wasn’t fair to think, and yet he couldn’t stop himself for pursuing the thought. First it was the simple visit when he happened to have business in Hanneston, and when he arrived at Lillian’s house he walked right past Cayden like he was invisible.
That was the first thing that came to mind when he thought of Andrew.
Ease up, he told himself, quickly unlocking the room door. That visit did get better towards the end. It ended up not being horrible. Still not ideal, but— He groaned. Don’t be so negative.
