Page 104 of Fortunate Miracles
“I'll be with you through everything. You're not alone and never will be, I promise.”
“Good. I’m gonna rest now. Stay?”
“I’ll be in the chair right besideyou, Jake.”
He quickly nods off, so I grab my laptop and do SAT prep.
Zander picks up dinner while Ray and I interview the nurses that evening. I was worried about leaving Jake after all the revelations we dumped on him today, but he assured me he was okay. He’s going to focus on getting out of the hospital and into the fresh air. I also asked him to tell me how he wants his new bedroom done and to give me a list in the morning.
We interview three nurses. Neither of us liked the first one, although she was qualified. She told us how things would work before we even offered her the job. I liked the other two but was worried about the older woman being able to handle all of Jake’s needs. Ray liked her best, though, so we ended up with a young male nurse during the day and the woman for nighttime. Ray sent offers to both of them, and he also hired a physiotherapist who specializes in long-term rehabilitation. According to Alex, he’s one of the best in the state. Everything is ready for Jake’s move.
Chapter 51
Summer
We don't offer Jake much new information on Friday. We talk more about rehab, the nurses, and the physiotherapist Ray hired. As the reality of his situation settles on his mind, Jake begins to freak out. I try to reassure him that with work, he can get back to his old self. He puts on a brave face, but he’s intimidated. Before we leave, I clip the phone arm from Virginia to his bed and leave the phone attached. Ray promises to keep it charged and call me whenever Jake wants. “Love you, handsome. I’ll be getting your condo ready for you and Ray, and I'll see you on Monday morning. Call me anytime, day or night, and be good.”
“Okay Sum. I wish you were staying.”
“Jake, don’t guilt her. She’s been here every day with you, and her dad found this trial that woke you up.”
“Really? Thank him for me. I’m sorry, I’m being a baby.”
“It’s okay. I would be too,” I smile. “Use that phone and call me,” I tell him, giving him a peck on the lips before grabbing my bag and walking out.
Zander is waiting for me in the hallway with his bags. A few tears drip down my cheeks as he wraps an arm around my shoulders. “Only for a few days, darling, and we have lots to do.”
“I know. He didn’t want me to leave,though. He’s scared.”
“I imagine he is, but Ray is with him.”
The drive home is long, especially with how tired I am, and it’s also raining. We arrive just as school is getting out, so Zander drops me off in the parking lot beside the guys. He’s heading to work for a while, so I leave my overnight bag with him.
Hopping out, I get hugs from Alex and Bay. “You look tired, Summer. Are you okay?” Bay asks.
“I am tired, but I’m good. How’s school?”
“The same. Nothing exciting,” Alex replies.
“Thank you again for your help with the interviews.”
“No thanks needed, Summer. Happy to help.”
I flop into the back seat of Alex’s SUV as he drives us to Charleston for the basketball game. I text Seb and E I made it, and get way too many happy face emojis from Seb.
The school isn’t far from the bridge, so the drive's short. I trudge along with Alex and Bay into the gym and up the stands to find seats. It’s nice that it isn’t crowded. “Where’s Gabby tonight?” I ask.
“Extra cheer practice. They’re trying to get back to where they were last year,” Bay says.
“Ah,” I nod. I’ve texted her a few times checking in, but we haven’t had time to talk much. I make a mental note to call her soon.
The teams enter the court, and I see Seb looking around. When he spots me, he runs up the stands. I know he wants a hug, so I get up. He picks me up in a tight hug, burying his face in my neck. “Missed you, Sunshine.”
“Missed you too, Hurry.” I can hear his coach yelling at him to get back, so Seb gives me a hard, quick kiss before setting me down and running back to the court. Smiling, I sit back down. “Such a goofball.”
“That’s Seb,” Bay smiles.
“How are Olivia and Penny doing?”
