AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Yesterday, the pain had been so fresh, Vi couldn’t bear to know. This morning, new strength fortified her and refused to let go.
Even if Rory trampled her heart into pieces, she would get to the bottom of this.
Vi rubbed her puffy eyes, not wanting to look in a mirror—no doubt she looked atrocious.
Decision made, she flew through her morning routine. Plaiting her hair, she remembered Rory playing with the loose strands. With shaky fingers, she undid the long braid, then pulled it back with a band. She wouldn’t go down without a fight.
She donned the outfit from their prequel date and applied makeup. The earrings he’d given her stayed on the dresser. Showing grit was all well and good. Acting like a lovesick idiot? Not so much.
If he meant what he said in the break-up text, maybe she’d hang in Houston awhile to figure out Plan B.
Did that mean Rory was Plan A?
Vi left to find out.
Fingers trembling on the steering wheel as she drove to the hospital, her earlier courage fled as she rode the elevator to his floor. Nurses murmured to each other at the round desk counter. The sharp scent of antiseptic permeated the atmosphere. Machines whirred, and red buttons winked throughout the station.
Her slow footsteps were silent on the linoleum.
Room 361. Rory Spence. The short gulps of air Vi took weren’t enough. Oh, well. Breathing was the least of her concerns at the moment.
Standing in the open doorway, a tall man with long red hair carelessly tied in a ponytail glanced at her, then did a double-take.
“Nice hair, Red.” He gave her a crooked grin.
Vi’s neck grew hot. How weird. She and this stranger possessed the same hair color.
“Who’s there?” A deep, achingly familiar voice asked. “Vi?”
Oh, no. Rory was awake. Vi needed him asleep—at first, anyway.
Wistfully, she looked back the way she came. She could still leave.
The man strode to her, gently taking her elbow.
“Somebody wants to see you.” His blue eyes remained friendly, but he didn’t let go. “He’s talked about nothing else, and I’ll never hear the end of it if you get away.”
Gnawing on her lip, Vi allowed him to lead her in. Whatever made her consider this a good idea?
“Hey, Vi.” Rory’s hoarse voice sounded tentative. As if he wasn’t sure of his reception either.
Vi risked a peek. Rory’s eyes drank her in, though dark shadows smudged the skin underneath. The scratches on his forehead and temple looked painful.
“Vi, this is Mark, my brother.” Rory cleared his throat and gave his brother a pointed look.
A wry look stole across Mark’s face. The expression reminded Vi of Rory. “Subtle, bro—guess I’ll check on Dad. Pleasant meeting you, Vi.”
A gamey odor tickled her nostrils when Mark passed.
Vi’s gaze locked with Rory’s, and the silence grew awkward.
“I … uh … wanted to make sure you’re okay.” Vi mustered a brave smile, even as her eyes feasted on every one of his rakish features.
Rory’s brows raised.
She bit her tender lip and winced. Massaging a dinosaur would be easier than this.
“I improved the second you walked through the door.” Rory patted the covers beside him. “Come sit by me, Red. I’ve missed you.”
