Chapter 18
Madison
I pushed open the door to my mother’s hospital room, greeted by the familiar beeping of machines and the soft glow of the TV mounted on the wall. Mom lay propped up against a mountain of pillows, completely engrossed in what looked like
another one of her trashy romance shows.
“Really, Mom? ‘Love’s Burning Passion‘ again?”
She didn’t even look away from the screen. “Shh, Diego is about to tell Isabella he’s actually her long–lost twin brother’s evil
stepson.”
I dropped into the chair beside her bed, rolling my eyes. “That’s ridiculous.”
“That’s what makes it fun, Maddie.” She finally tore her gaze away from the drama unfolding on screen. “You look tired.”
“Thanks, Mom..
“Well, you do.” She reached
If she only knew. I forced
every daughter wants to hear.”
a
and patted my hand. “Work keeping you busy?”
mile. “Actually, I have some news. You’re being transferred to Hallmark Hospital.”
Mom’s face lit up. “Oh, I know! The nurse told me this morning. Such a fancy place – they even have those beds that massage you while you sleep.” She narrowed her eyes. “But Maddie, honey, how on earth can we afford that? Those massage beds
don’t come cheap.”
I fiddled with the hem of my skirt. “Got a bonus at work. Plus, the insurance is covering more than we thought.” The lies tasted bitter on my tongue, but they were better than explaining my arrangement with Alexander.
“A bonus? That boss of yours must really value you.” She beamed with pride, then her smile faltered. “But sweetie, you shouldn’t spend all your money on me. I know how hard you work.”
“Mom, stop.”
“No, really. First the apartment, then all those extra shifts, and now this?” She gestured at the room around her. “I’m becoming such a burden-”
“Stop right there.” I cut her off, raising my hand. “You’re not a burden. You’re my mom. The woman who raised me on microwave dinners and Disney movies because you worked three jobs to keep a roof over our heads.”
Her eyes got misty. “Those weren’t my finest culinary moments.”
“Are you kidding? Your signature dish was mac and cheese with hot dogs cut into octopus shapes. Pure genius.”
“The other moms packed their kids organic quinoa.”
I snorted. “Yeah, and their kids always traded it for my octopus dogs.”
She laughed, then winced, pressing a hand to her side. My heart clenched.
“Mom, remember when I was seven and got chicken pox? You missed that big promotion because you stayed home with me for a week, reading me stories and covering me in calamine lotion until I looked like a pink Dalmatian.”
“You were so itchy you tried to scratch with a fork.”
“And you tied oven mitts to my hands while I slept.” I squeezed her fingers. “The point is, you’ve always been there for me. Now it’s my turn.”
“But-”
“No buts. Unless it’s about that hunky doctor who keeps finding excuses to check your vitals ”
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Chapter 18
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Her cheeks flushed pinknMadisonön!”
“What? Dr. Martinez is totally into yoyolsawarnhimlingering over your chart yesterday. Pretty sure he wasn’t studying your blood pressure.“e
“He was being thorough.“h.”
“He was being thirsty. And speaking of thirstys theresa’s that jello cup you promised to save me?”
Mom pointed to the mini–fridge.d’Bottomshelfenarddon’t change the subject, young lady.“v
I retrieved the jello, brandishing my plastic spoon dikthewweapon Subject closed. You’re stuck with me and my obsessive need to take care of you. Deal with it“it.”
I dug into the red jello, savoring the artificial cherry flavoReRemember when you used to make these from scratch? With r fruit and everything?“?”
“Those were the days.” Mom adjusted her blanket; henexpręssicsidurturing serious Have you heard anything from your our tbrother, Jordan?“?”
The jello tumed tasteless in my mouth. I swallowed harth Mom, mewal talked about this. You need to focus on getting better.
” “I know, but–“–
No buts.” I set the half–eaten jello aside. “He made his choicei when he hefteWeWacant change what happened.”
SIShe twisted the edge of her blanket between her fingers. “If I hadn’t gotteneckick-”
“S“Stop right there.” I leaned forward, taking her hands in mine you getting sickicladatiothing to do with his decisions. He H
clchose to leave. He chose to take what he did. That’s on him, notyoudu.”
“B“But you’re carrying everything now. The bills, the apartment, taking care of nienë…”
11
“A’And I’m perfectly capable of handling it.” I forced a bright smile. Besides, who letselsvilleqeepyowfrom flirting with every mmedical professional who walks through that door?“?
S]She didn’t laugh like I hoped. “I just feel so-”
–
“Nope We’re not doing the guilt thing today.” I picked up the TV remote. “Look, Didgo’s evil slepteps on ab about to reveal anot sishocking family secret. Way more interesting than dwelling on people who laren’t worth duotimane.”
“MMadison-”
“The past is the past, Mom. Right now, we need to focus on getting you better and planning fgiftenturikake what color yoyou want to paint your room when you’re back home. I’m thinking hot pinkik.”
Shew winkled her nose You wouldn’t dare.”
“Tryped andreaviy bought the paint!” I hadn’t, but the horror on her face was worth the lie. Complete with gutthitaccents.”
“Overemyngedchiddmyly
“That’s the apprhough maybe we should avoid death jokes in a hospital “”
She finally graciided aronnley You’re impossible.”
“I prefer cremely optimistic.“Jotood up, stretching. “Now, what do you say we see what other terrible life choices Didge’so
family can makémulithamidiour?”
“Only if you promise nopiping paint.”
“Fine. But Iron dug gumipeiple.”
Chapter 18
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Mom shook her head, but I caught the smile she tried to hide behind her hand. We spent the rest of our visiting hours watching terrible TV and pretending everything was normal.
I left the hospital feeling drained but somehow lighter. Even through her worry, Mom’s smile made everything worth it- including my complicated arrangement with Alexander.
The next morning hit me like a truck. I stumbled through my morning routine, battling my unruly hair that refused to cooperate. After three attempts at a decent bun, I gave up and let it cascade down my shoulders.
As I pushed through the revolving doors, the lobby buzzed with the usual morning chaos. A group of interns huddled near the reception desk, their matching navy suits making them look like a corporate boy band.
The elevator bank stretched before me like a gauntlet. Three out of five had their doors open, packed with people from the underground parking levels.
I made a beeline for the least crowded one, squeezing past a guy whose cologne could probably be detected from space.
The doors dinged shut, and we began our vertical journey. The hum of the elevator filled the confined space as we ascended.
I watched the numbers tick by, each one a step closer to escaping from this sardine can. Suddenly, a hand gripped my ass, fingers pressing firmly into the curve. I stiffened, shock coursing through me. Who the fuck-
could cop
a feel, but a familiar scent stopped me cold. Alexander. His
belonged there. I shot him a glare over my shoulder, eyes wide in a silent
I started to turn, ready to elbow whoever thought th hand didn’t budge, molding to my ass cheek like what the hell?‘ He just stared back, an amused
Y playing on his lips.
My face heated, a blush creeping up my neck. I tried to subtly shift forward, but his damn hand followed, cupping me
possessively. The elevator was packed; anyone could notice. I darted a glance at the reflective walls, praying no one saw his
hand practically glued to my ass.
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