Page 98 of Stolen Hearts
“Are you okay?” I ask, not giving him a chance to say hello.
I switch my phone from one ear to the other as I grab my jacket and put it on.
“Yes, I’m okay. It’s my housemate, Andrew. I found him unconscious at home just after I left you on Sunday.”
A large sigh leaves my lungs at his response.
Thank God, he’s okay.
“Is Andrew okay?” I close my eyes, fearful of the response.
“They put him in an induced coma. He’s completely unresponsive to any of the tests they’ve run on him.” His tone is hollow, void of any emotion.
“I’m so sorry. I can’t even begin to imagine what you must be feeling right now.”
Except I can. I’d experienced that helplessness while Samuel lay unresponsive and dying on the ground.
“I’ve tried to reach out to his family, but they won’t return any of my calls.” His tone is still hollow, but there’s anger underneath it. “They disowned him when he came out. Wanted nothing to do with him. Who would do that to their son?”
His fury lingers in the air as I twiddle with my car keys.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
I remove my jacket and hang it back up on the coat rack. I realize I need to be conscious of my actions and not to come swooping in like some Messiah trying to save him from what he’s going through. I have to honor his needs, but also help him.
“I don’t think I can face going out on a date tonight. I can’t leave Andrew all on his own. But the hospital said I can’t stay past visiting hours again, and I can’t bring myself to go home.” Christopher’s quiet sobs come through the phone.
“You’re welcome to stay here,” I offer. “I can come pick you up from the hospital when visiting hours are over.”
The silence stretches out between us, like a vast open road to nowhere, making my shoulders tense. I open my mouth to try again, praying I get it right.
“You’re always looking after everyone. Let me look after you.”
I walk through the lounge and out to the garden, looking down across Beverley Hills, wondering if Christopher is at Cedars-Sinai, just out of sight.
“I couldn’t. I shouldn’t.”
Christopher sounds like he’s talking to himself more than to me, and I jump in.
“I’ve got Valentina here who can help too. She can take care of anything you need. Pick up anything from your apartment, if you can’t bring yourself to go in and get it.”
Another uncomfortable silence ensues, turning my stomach upside down.
Let me in.
Just let me help you.
“I have three spare bedrooms. You don’t even have to share a bed with me if you don’t want to. I know my snoring is the last thing you need to be hearing if you haven’t slept the last couple of nights. You can just rest up here, not have to worry about anything other than your housemate.”
The phone goes silent once more as I step toward the pool and watch a lizard run along the far edge before disappearing down into the valley below.
“Are you sure?” he asks, trepidation lining his words.
“Of course. Just let me know which hospital and what time to collect you and I’ll be there.” I flick the water in the pool with my foot.
“I’m at Cedars-Sinai. I’ll be kicked out around eight.”
“Right,” I say and look at my watch, noticing it’s only five thirty. “I’ll see you then.”
