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“What look?”

“The one that says you're blaming yourself for something that's not your fault.”

I couldn't meet his eyes. “If…”

“Stop.” His voice was firm despite its hoarseness. “This is not on you, Joy. This is on whatever sick fuck is stalking you.”

“But if you had died⁠—”

“I didn't die. I'm right here.” He squeezed my hand. “And I'm not going anywhere.”

The simple words broke through the wall I'd been starting to build around my heart. I leaned forward, careful not to jostle his injured ribs, and pressed my forehead against his good shoulder.

“I was so scared,” I whispered.

“I know, baby. I know.”

We stayed like that for long minutes, drawing comfort from each other's presence. Finally, I pulled back and wiped my eyes.

“I should go get us something to eat. See if I can find you something better than whatever they're planning to serve you here this time.”

Graham's smile was tired but upbeat. “Hospital food isn't that bad.”

“Liar.”

I kissed his forehead gently and headed for the door. “I'll be back in a few minutes.”

The waiting room was empty except for a few scattered magazines and the lingering scent of disinfectant. I settled into one of the uncomfortable chairs and pulled out my phone so I could call Roxie to bring some food from the restaurant she was at. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be a long wait, but it probably would be.

Then I was confronted with the deluge of communication. I’d been ignoring everybody until I could get myself under control.

Thirty-seven missed calls.

Forty-two text messages.

Twenty-four phone messages.

My heart clenched as I scrolled through them. Mom, Dad, Little Grandma, Aunt Pattie, Aunt Lettie, and even Glenda had left a message to see if I needed anything. I’d left a message on my phone saying Graham was going to be okay and that I’d return calls the day after tomorrow. Which was today. I sighed.

The weight of everyone's concern crashed over me like a wave. These people loved me, cared about me, and I'd brought danger into their lives. Graham was lying in a hospital bed because someone wanted to hurt me.

The tears came without warning, great heaving sobs that shook my entire body. I buried my face in my hands, trying to muffle the sound in the nearly empty waiting room.

A gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I jerked upright, my heart hammering. Glenda stood beside my chair, her face creased with concern. She held a massive bouquet of white lilies and pink roses in one arm and clutched a pink teddy bear wearing a “Get Well Soon” t-shirt in the other.

“Joy, honey, I'm so sorry.” Her voice was thick with emotion. “You said that today would be a good day to talk,” she sniffed. “I can't believe this happened.”

I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. “Glenda, you didn't have to come all the way down here.”

“Of course I did. You're my friend.” She settled into the chair beside me, setting the flowers and teddy bear on the small table. “I feel terrible that I couldn’t be here sooner for you, but I wanted to respect your boundaries. How is he?”

“Banged up pretty badly. Two broken ribs, concussion, dislocated shoulder. But he's going to be okay.”

“Thank God.” Glenda reached over and squeezed my hand. “I can tell how much you love him. He’s your everything, isn’t he?”

“I love him with all my heart.”