Page 61 of Touch in the Dark

“You’re my family, you wouldn’t be imposing.”

“Now is the time to put my savings to use. I can afford to go to a rehabilitation centre, a place where there are medical professionals to see to me properly. The lovely nurse who has been looking after me has already told me all about one nearby. I’m actually quite looking forward to the idea. Can you imagine all the people I’d be able to socialise with?”

“Doris. For one, I’m here to look out for you and two, you are not spending your savings on something like that. Do you know how much money I have?”

“I’m quite aware, I’ve seen that monster house in Los Angeles and all those huge cars. Who needs more than one car, Nick? Seriously?” she heaves out a sigh and a wince of pain crosses her face. “I’m tired, Nicky, no more arguing. Oh, hello dear, why don’t you take that food to a nice bench somewhere where you can enjoy it without listening to me snoring.”

I turn to see Elsa in the door with a cardboard cup holder and a white bag.

“Don’t make me call the nurse to clear you out of here,” she pinches the skin on my wrist.

“This conversation isn’t over.”

“Of course not, Nicky. Now get out.”

I can’t believe she is seriously chasing me out of her room. As if any of what she is suggesting is going to happen. I don’t care what she says, I’m not dropping her off at some care home and leaving her to be looked after by strangers.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he’s okay,” Elsa says, eliciting a chuckle from Doris.

When she closes her eyes, I stand still and stare at her. I feel sick. Seeing her there in that hospital bed. It’s bringing back too many memories of my mom in the same position. My eyes are frantically moving around the room.

“Can you hold this?” Elsa shoves the cup holder at me. The drinks are hot, and I take it and carefully hold it so I don’t spill. I glance up at her, she’s staring at me in concern but by passing me the hot drinks, she’s made it so I can’t freak out. She tugs my sleeve. “Let’s go find that bench,” she turns and heads out of the room.

I take one look back at my grandmother, who appears to have drifted off into sleep already. I follow Elsa but check in with the nurses that she is okay to sleep, given the head injury. They assure me they’re looking after her. Only once I’m happy with that do they ask for my autograph. Elsa scowls but I don’t mind, they’re taking care of Doris, signing my name on some paper is the least I can do.

We end up in the cafeteria, but Elsa takes us to a table right at the back, near the windows and sits us so my back is to the rest of the room.

“Are you okay?” Elsa asks.

I scrub a hand down my face. I’m really not okay. Anything could have happened. She could have been hurt so much worse. “I think I’m in shock,” I say, blowing out a breath. “It isn’t easy seeing her like that.”

“No, I can’t imagine but you need to remember, Nick, she’s fine. Despite the injuries. She’s definitely feisty, that’s for sure,” Elsa smiles.

“I’m really sorry to drag you all the way out here.”

Elsa waves a hand. “So long as she is okay, that is all that matters and it’s no bother, Nick. Honestly, I was only going to watch mindless TV. I don’t have plans. I’m glad I could be here for you.”

I can’t help but stare at her. At this woman who I hurt. I could have told her the truth back then and spared her the added pain but in my own warped brain I figured it was best she thought the worst of me. That’s how fucked up my head is. I suddenly feel the need to tell her, to be honest about what I did, how I lied. Sure, I’d kissed the girl, but not out of choice and once we got in that cab, I realised that and dropped her off. As far as I was concerned, the kissing part was bad enough. I deserved to get dumped for that alone. Being drunk was no excuse.

She has been so nice to me today, I can’t tell her. What would be the point, it’s water under the bridge. Elsa wouldn’t be here with me now if we hadn’t been working together today. She is stuck in the position where she can’t really leave.

I’m not particularly hungry but Elsa makes me eat. She’s right. We don’t hang around long and I offer to get her a ride before I go back to check on Doris. She tells me she can sort that herself, she has a driver that Remi has provided for her.

Archer calls while we’re leaving the cafeteria. Hearing his voice reminds me he lives with me, and he’ll have to deal with Doris being in our apartment. I’m sure he won’t complain, but it’s not exactly the best of places for her. I hate to think of her going to some rehabilitation centre. She belongs with me, where I can take care of her. I explain what happened and he says he’s going to come to the hospital.

“No, one of us here is enough, I’m trying not to let people see me,” I lift the hat, run a hand over my hair, then put it back on. “Elsa is with me.”

“Elsa?” he asks, the shock clear in his voice.

I glance over to see Elsa getting rid of the trash from our food before she looks up, sees me on the phone and then takes out her own cell. I blow out a breath and lean my shoulder against the nearest wall, facing away from the endless stream of people passing by. I’m taking my life in my hands here. I should call Stone, this is fucked up me being here without security.

“Long story,” I tell him.

“Okay, well let me know if there is anything I can do.”

“Yeah, I will. Although she’s kicked me out of her room already.”

“Sounds like Doris,” he laughs. “Nick,” he quietens his voice. “From what you’ve said, she is gonna be okay. She’s in the best place, you can move her somewhere else for better care if that is what you want, but she’s gonna be fine. Nothing can keep Doris down.”

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