Page 86 of Dreaming About Forever

Alicia rolled her eyes. “Ask Clint to stand guard for a little bit. I know you’re worried about your dad.”

“I am, but you said it. There’s nothing I can do, and he knows I love him. Plus, I can’t leave your side. I’ve tried and failed a few times. Call me pathetic, but it’s a hard pass, buttercup.”

She covered her mouth with her hand. Jordan loved his family so much, and knowing he was here with her showed how much he cared about her.

There was a knock on the door, and Vicci stuck her head in. “You’re awake!”

“I’m awake.” It was crazy how much she could miss people when they’d only been away from each other for a few hours.

“I’ll have to alert the group chat. They’ve been hounding me about you all day.”

Alicia looked from Jordan to Vicci. “The group chat?”

“The church ladies. They’re so worried. Although a few ladies have been trying to calm everyone with lots of medical jargon about type 1 diabetes. Not sure that’s helping too much because we can’t understand a word of it.”

Did Vicci know how much peace she carried with her? Just seeing Jordan’s mom was calming the quick breaths Alicia had been trying to steady. “How’s Grant?”

“Strong as an ox. He’ll be fine. He’s awake and ornery, just as expected.” She waved her hand as if swatting a fly. “Have they approved you to eat, sweetie?”

“Not yet.” How much weight would she lose before she was released?

“Well, darn. I was excited about bringing you some home-cooked food. Gertrude brought some beef stew.” Vicci rested her hand on Jordan’s shoulder. “You need anything, son?”

“I’m fine.”

“Good. You just stay here. Don’t worry about your dad. He’ll be fine.”

Jordan looked at Alicia and winked. “I’ll do that.”

Good grief. She’d just calmed her quick breathing, but Jordan was getting her heart racing again.

There was another knock on the door, and Lillian stepped in. “Hey, you’re awake.”

“For now,” Alicia said. The heaviness was already pulling on her shoulders.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but can I have a word with you?”

Vicci stepped over to Alicia’s bed. “That’s my cue to scram. I’ll be back to check on you later.”

Alicia sank into Vicci’s motherly embrace. “Thank you.”

Jordan’s mom left, and he stood. Alicia grabbed his hand. “You can stay.”

Lillian started swiping her finger on the tablet in her hand. She’d gotten used to Jordan being around when they talked about business.

“There are a lot of reporters outside. They’ve been relentless since early this morning. The crowd is controlled, but the problem is that some of their news outlets are sharing headlines saying you’re in the middle of a mental episode.”

Alicia’s eyes widened. “A what? Are they really throwing mental health around like it’s a joke?”

“I know. It’s not something to play around with, especially in this industry,” Lillian said. “We have the legal and PR teams on it, but getting the words taken down–”

“Doesn’t change anything for those who already read it,” Alicia finished. Once it was out there, people read it as truth.

Jordan’s grip on her hand tightened. “What do we do?”

“I’ll give a statement. Can I sleep for a little bit first, though? I’m getting tired again, and I’d rather face the music when I’m at my best.”

“Honey, your best is a long way from here, but I get what you’re saying. I’ll have a film team approved through the hospital and ready to go when you wake up.”

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