Page 113 of Too Good to Be True

“I’m coming home with you,” I declared. “It’s you who needs looking after.”

She returned to me. “That’s what I don’t need.”

“Lou—”

“I’m scared,” she whispered, breaking my heart with her tone. “And I want normal. I want people to treat me like normal. They said it’s in as good a place as it can be, for a tumor. There are hardly any good brain tumors, but if there is one, this is it. It’s called a glioma and they said it’s probably what started the migraines. It’s really slow growing and won’t spread. But they want it out, and I might have some interesting hairstyles for the next year or so, but they say it’s a relatively easy procedure and it shouldn’t return.”

She tugged my hand and kept talking.

“It’s still scary and I want everything to be normal until it has to be not normal for a while. I’m fine. You know Mum would push you out of the way anyway, so she can wait on me hand and foot and drive me crazy, all the while fighting with Dad, since he’ll be trying to do the same thing. So I’ll need you fresh when you come and relieve them after you and Ian are done taking care of things at Duncroft.”

“I’m going to stay here tonight with you, then.”

She shook her head. “No. I already called, and Mum and Dad are on their way. Go home. Have your date in the Conservatory. But please don’t murder Colonel Mustard. I need you unincarcerated to help me pick short haircuts that will look cute on me.”

I started to say something, but she tugged on my hand.

“Don’t,” Lou begged. “I don’t want people fawning over me, worrying about me. There’s going to be a time for that. Please, Daph, don’t make that time now.”

“Whatever you want, honey,” I said immediately.

“Would you like us to bring you anything?” Ian asked, so damned thoughtful. I mean, maybe he was the perfect man. “A nightgown? Book? Your phone? Can we get you some magazines and candy?”

“I’d take the magazines and candy. It might be nice to have a break from my phone.” She gestured to the one on the nightstand. “My parents have the hospital number. They can call me if they need to.” Her head moved on the pillow so she could look at me. “Would you finish packing for me? Mum and Dad and I’ll swing ’round tomorrow to get my things.”

“You got it.”

“Okay, then, not to be rude, but…go. Get on with your night, but mostly, I’m shattered, and I need a nap.”

“Okay, but just so you know, Portia, Daniel and Lady Jane are here,” I informed her.

She looked stunned. “Jane?”

I nodded. “Quick visits? Or do you want me to tell them you’re napping?”

“It’s sweet they came, but could you tell them I’m napping? I’m not being a bitch. I really am tired.”

“Absolutely.”

There wasn’t much more said. I gave her a hug. Ian kissed her cheek. He asked if she wanted one of Bonnie’s sandwiches, and she shared she wasn’t hungry. Ian promised we’d return with provisions and then we stepped out.

“We need to hurry. Boots will be closing soon. Though, it’s just around the corner,” he said.

“Okay. How about I dash out and take care of that, you talk to your mum and the kids?”

His lips twitched when I referred to Daniel and Portia as “the kids,” but he replied, “That’d be most expedient. If I’m quick enough about it, I’ll meet you at Boots.”

“Right.”

I turned to go to the hospital entrance, but he caught my wrist.

When I looked back, his gaze intent on my face, he asked, “Are you okay?”

I felt the tears threatening, so all I had in me was to whisper, “Not now, baby.”

Understanding swept his features, and God bless him, he let me go. “See you at Boots.”

I nodded and took off.

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