Page 96 of Burning Embers
She fidgets and sits up a little. “Marcus?”
“Yeah. Did you know he was going to come by?”
“He mentioned he might.”
I’m about to ask her about it when we’re interrupted by a nurse. Rachel almost falls off the bed in her haste to sit in the chair, her cheeks rosy with embarrassment. I can’t hide my laugh but instantly regret it as a wave of pain shoots through me.
The nurse tuts. Her eyes, however, are kind as she checks my stats before leaving us alone.
“You should’ve seen your face. It was priceless.”
She gently swats my arm. “Oliver.”
It’s nice to see her smile again, even if its lined with exhaustion. I don't let her stay long. I'd rather she were with Molly, anyway. I also know I need to be honest with her about my past, about the mistakes I've made, and how I can never make them right. It's why I fear deep down that I'm no better than my biological father—a monster.
Chapter Fifty-Nine
OLLY
I was glad I only had to stay in the hospital for less than a week. I would’ve gone stir crazy if it had been any longer. Thankfully, Henry agreed to take over my classes for the next six weeks. I’m not even allowed to drive or take a bath yet, thanks to the laparoscopic splenectomy. But Iwillhave a shower as soon as I get home.
My dad insisted on picking me up. After he pulls up outside my house, he grips my shoulder. “I’ll let you get some rest. I’ll bring your mum by tomorrow.”
I nod and say goodbye. I’m halfway up the path when Buster comes bounding out, tail spinning like crazy.
“Sit.” He does as he’s told, and I carefully kneel to give him a quick stroke. “Missed you, boy.”
I grunt when I stand and come face-to-face with Rachel. “He’s missed you, too.”
“I thought you’d be at work,” I say with a warm smile.
She shrugs. “I asked for the day off. Thought I’d help you out with that little TLC you were going on about,” she says with a wink.
I walk towards her. “Does it involve a hello kiss?”
Laughing, she goes up on her tiptoes and kisses me softly, but it’s not long enough. “I hope you don’t mind me being here. Your mum gave me her spare key.”
I take her hand in mine. “No, it’s fine. Besides, she seems a little smitten with you.”
She rolls her eyes and leads me into the front room. On the table is a plate filled with cookies and a handmade card. She hands it to me—it’s from Molly.
“I love it.”
Rachel takes it and rests it on the centre of the fireplace. “Sit down,” she says.
I don’t argue, coming home has already taken it out of me. “Okay, but I’m desperate for a shower,” I say.
“Bed baths not your thing?”
I shake my head. “Wouldn’t know, didn’t have one. Why? Are you offering?” And even though the thought of her hands on me is something I love, I know I’m not good for much right now.
“I might wash your back, if you’re lucky. But first, do you want anything to eat or drink?”
“You don’t have to wait on me,” I say, reaching out for her.
“I want to. Let me help you, Olly.”
“Let me go shower first. I need to rid myself of this hospital stench.”
