Page 52 of Sunsets at the Beach House

He took a long sip, finally releasing the straw to swallow. Then he took another one, drinking even more deeply this time. “Much better.” He opened his eyes a little more. “How long have you been here?”

“A while. I’m not sure. Miles and the chief were here when I arrived.”

“I can go home tomorrow?”

“That’s my understanding. I guess they’ll show you how to take care of those burns.”

He shrugged his good shoulder. “I’ve been burned before.”

“You have?” That was news to her.

“Sure. I know how to take care of them.” He glanced toward the door. “Am I allowed to eat?”

“I don’t see why not. You want me to get a nurse?”

“Yeah. I’m hungry.”

“Okay.” She got up. She was hungry, too, but that didn’t matter. She would eat when she got home. She went out to the nurses station and found the nurse who’d been in to check on him earlier. An older woman with a kind smile named Francine. “Hi, Francine. Alex Kelley has just woken up and he’s hungry.”

Francine put down the chart that she was filling out, grabbed a piece of paper, and handed it to Kat. “Here’s the menu. He can have anything he wants, since he’s not on any dietary restrictions.”

“Thanks. How late is the cafeteria here open?”

Francine’s eyes narrowed. “You think he’s going to want something that’s not on that menu?”

Kat smiled. “No. I was asking for myself. I haven’t eaten since I’ve been here, but I just need a little something to hold me over until I get home.”

“Oh, honey, just order yourself some food off there, too. It’s fine.”

“You’re sure?”

“Go on,” she said.

“Thanks.” Kat went back to his room and waved the paper. “I have a menu. And the nurse said I could order something.”

“Cool. Get me one of everything.”

She laughed as she took her seat. She was so glad he was awake and in good spirits. “How about I read off what they have, and you tell me what you want. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans—”

“Okay.”

She shook her head. “That’s just the first thing.”

“It sounds good. I’m starving. What else is there?”

She read down the list. They had everything from spaghetti with meat sauce to burgers, salads, soups, and sandwiches. There were desserts, as well, which she also read off. “What do you think?”

“I still want meatloaf. And a vanilla shake. And a slice of apple pie.”

She picked up his in-room phone. “I’ll get that ordered.” She dialed the extension on the menu, ordered his food and then ordered a garden salad and a soda for herself. That should leave room for whatever Conrad and her grandmother were making.

When she hung up, Alex said, “Thanks.”

She nodded as she set the menu aside. “Of course. That’s what I’m here for. To take care of you.”

He smiled. “I’m glad about that.” His smile faded away. “Are you going to stay?”

She shook her head. “I can’t. Visiting hours are over in about an hour. I’ll have to go then.”

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