CHAPTER TEN .3
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It’s been over an hour since the nurse came out and no one has come to tell us anything since then. I’m trying to not lose my shit, but the urge to go through those doors and demand that they let me by his side is getting stronger by the moment. Over the last hour, more of our family has trickled in. Both Samson and Saxon got here right after the nurse left. I had a feeling Kinsley let them know. Anna, Jackson and Wyatt came in a few minutes later. Mick and Madison came in just a few minutes ago. I know Erik has only gotten closer to Mick since Mitch’s death. Romona is still recovering from her heart attack just a little over a week ago, or I know she’d be here too. In fact, I bet there was an argument about it, as she’s one stubborn woman. Strong too.
Some people have gone to the cafeteria to grab coffee, but I can't seem to leave this spot. Jonah stays behind and moves to the seat next to me. Others are around us but in their own conversations. Jonah speaks just so I can hear him. “You know, when he comes out of this, if there’s any kind of recovery, my woman is gonna insist he come stay with us so she can take care of him. You gonna let that happen?”
Jackson surprises me by speaking up from the seat behind us. “You know, not one of us is getting any younger. Hell, some of us are grandparents at this point. We don’t know how many days each of us has left. We ought to make sure we’re with the people who are in our hearts and who calm our souls.”
I nod but can’t voice the words. He’s been in my heart for so many years, and we’ve finally gotten to a point where we can be together, but… The door opens, and the same nurse comes out, interrupting my train of thought. Jeremiah and Leif haven’t left their seats once but stand up when she walks toward them.
“Your dad is stable and being transferred up to a room. He’s awake, a little out of it, but awake. The doctor is going to come out and give you some more information. As soon as I have his room number, I’ll let you know so you can see him. Seems to be a very lucky man to have this much love and support.”
She smiles and heads back through the doors. Less than five minutes later, a young doctor comes out, and he looks over at our group. “Family of Erik Olsen?”
Leif speaks up. “That’s us. We’re his sons, and they’re his family too.”
The doctor nods. “He’s being moved into a room now. The nurse will let you know that information as soon as he is settled. He’s being kept overnight for observation. We aren’t one hundred percent sure what happened, but we think he ingested shrimp somehow, and this was an allergic reaction. He’s responding to medication and treatment. We are still running some additional tests, but for now, that’s what we’re thinking.”
I can’t help but ask, “How could he have eaten shrimp? It’s the one seafood he’s allergic to. To top that off, it’s the one he doesn’t even like, so it’s not like he would willingly eat it.”
The doctor answers me. “We aren’t sure about that, but we think it might have been in something he drank or ate without him knowing it.”
I can see Linnea’s wheels turning in her head as the doctor continues, “We’re running tests, but if it is what we’re thinking, then that leaves more questions than answers. We should have more for you when the test results come back. We won’t be able to tell for sure that’s what he ingested, but it will rule out some other less likely causes. If he continues to respond to treatment and everything comes back clear, he should be able to go home sometime tomorrow. I’ll send the nurse out here shortly to show you to his room.”
I hear Jeremiah and Linnea thank the doctor, but I can’t help but think that Celeste is fucking behind this. She doesn’t want Erik, but she wants the life he provided for her. She wants the money and the house, not having to work, just all of it. She probably misses the fucking power she had over him for all those years. As soon as the doctor is back through the doors, Linnea speaks. “I know she’s your mom, boys, but if she did this—”
Jeremiah interrupts her. “Then she deserves everything coming to her. She’s not a mom like you or Anna or Romona. She doesn’t really care about us. Growing up, she only went to stuff of ours that she had to so she didn’t look bad. Not once did she actually want to be there. I can’t honestly remember a time where she initiated a conversation with me when she was interested in me. Dad’s the one who has always been there. He was there every night for dinners and bedtime. He was at every practice, and he took care of us when we were sick. Think about that one. Mom, who’s a fucking nurse, didn’t care for us ever. It was always Dad. I’m done trying to pretend that she’s been anything more than a crappy excuse for a parent. Dad’s always put us first. Fuck he still does. Just today, he spent one of his days off with me ‘cause I needed fucking help working on my bike.”
He looks over at his brother before he continues his tirade. “I can’t speak for Leif, but I’m done. Her text tonight is just a ploy to get us to believe her fucking bullshit and I’m not going to feed into it. She can spew anything she wants about Dad. I’ve got my whole life as proof of who really raised me and cared.”
Leif nods at his younger brother. “I know it’s taken me longer to admit it, but he’s right. I have a couple vague memories of Mom being nice to Dad, but even then, it was like we as a family were just something to collect, like her purses or shoes. We were supposed to be shiny and what she wanted so when she needed to look good, she could take us off the shelf and show us off like trophies. Dad’s done everything and actually cared. I’m not going to feed into Mom’s bullshit anymore, and if she did something to cause this to happen to Dad…”
I can see his mind working. He’s usually like Erik and all too good at hiding his feelings, but we can all read them clear as day.
“Do you think this is all related to the stomach issues he’s had the last few months?”
I speak before thinking. “Well, this is the first time since he’s moved in that he’s been sick at all.”
If someone could have steam coming out of their ears like a cartoon, Linnea would be at this moment. Little sister has always been protective of Erik. “Oh that fucking bitch! If she thinks she can do this and get away with it, I…”
She starts mumbling, so I can’t understand her, but what I catch is a whole lot of bodily harm may happen soon to my man’s almost ex-wife. I, for one, could not be happier about that. Linnea is still mumbling about Celeste and her needing some revenge served and soon, when the nurse comes out and gives us his room information. She also lets us know there’s a waiting room on the floor he is on, which’ll be helpful since only a few people can come in at a time.
I want to be the first to go in there and see him, but I also need to respect that he needs to be the one to tell his boys. We need to agree to share with everyone, and I’m not about to go back on my word to him. It takes more strength than I thought I had to sit in the waiting chairs on the third floor and let Linnea go back with Leif and Jeremiah.
Mick sits down next to me. “You know when Mom was here, and I was waiting to find out any sort of news, Erik made me take a walk. We only walked outside to the bench, but he talked about my dad and stuff to get me out of my head because he knew I needed it. He’s been the closest thing to a dad to me since Dad died. He’s the one who’s been there for me every single time I’ve needed someone since the night Dad died. In my entire life, I haven’t seen him smile the way he has in the last few months. I may have put two and two together that night.”
My face must show my surprise. Fucker grins at me. “Come on. Between you coming into the shop the last few weeks late most days and with a smile on your face and then him doing the same…I couldn’t help but make the connection. Don’t worry, I haven’t said anything to anyone, not even Madison.”
I can’t help but raise my eyebrows at that. He glares at me. “Yeah, I’ve put my life on the line for you two, so when you do finally tell everyone, let me live, and don’t mention I know.”
I can’t help but chuckle at his plea. “I promise.”
He leans a little closer to ensure no one else hears him. “When they come out and we can go back, I’ll go back with you, but hang outside the room for a few to give you some alone time.”
I can’t help but nod while I glare at him. “You know, your dad was fucking observant about shit like that too. Fucker was oblivious about a lot of things, but he’d always pick up on shit that people wanted to keep quiet.”
Mick gives me a shit-eating grin at that. Fucker.
Jeremiah and Leif come out a few minutes later. “He’s awake but tired, so I think most visits should wait till the morning,”
Leif tells the group. Like fuck I’m waiting. He looks over in my direction. “He wants to see you two, though.”
Mick and I stand up at the same time, and after getting his room number, we head back to his room. When we get to the room, Mick sits in the chair just outside it, telling me he’ll give us a few minutes alone. “Then I’m coming in, so don’t be doin’ nothing that will cause me to need therapy.”
See? Fucker.
I walk into the room, and seeing Erik in the bed stirs up all sorts of emotions—fear that I could’ve lost him, worry about what if this wasn’t that bitch’s doing, and rage at Celeste because, in my gut, I know she did this. She’s gonna have to be dealt with because this can’t go unanswered. You hurt one of us, and you get our wrath. You hurt who’s mine? Yeah, a fucking bonfire is gonna be too good for her.
“I can hear you thinking from here.”
Erik gets me out of my head. I walk over to him. “Just thanking the gods that you're still here with me, babe.”
I lean over and kiss his forehead. I move and touch our foreheads for a moment. “You scared the shit out of me.”
He huffs. “I didn’t do it on purpose. Scared the shit out of me too. I don’t remember anything really after running to the bathroom and then waking up in the emergency room. They think I got some shrimp somehow but aren’t one hundred percent sure and are running tests on my kidneys and stuff to make sure it’s not something else or something worse.”
I reach for his hand and squeeze it as I grab the chair behind me and sit down. “We’re gonna make sure you’re fit enough to go home, and I’m gonna make sure you come home. You know I love your sister, but I’m gonna go toe-to-toe with her if she thinks you’re going to her place. I’ve finally got you, and ain’t no one else gonna take care of you.”
He smiles and chuckles at me. “Please let me be in the room when you go at it with Linnea. That I need to see in person.”
He reaches for the cup at his side, and I grab it and hand it to him. He takes a few sips and gives me a slight grin, the one that tells me he’s probably about to say a smartass remark. “Listening to you rant reminds me you love me almost as much as I love you.”
Erik
Hearing Grant growl does things to me that I should not be feeling in a hospital bed, but fuck me if it isn’t one of the hottest sounds I’ve ever heard from him. “I don’t think you could love me more than I love you, but I will be the one taking care of you from now on, got it?”
I answer without thinking. “Yes, sir.”
The look he gives me can only be described as pure heat. That combined with the slight flare of his nostrils, tells me that my answer was more than he was expecting. “Fuck if you answer me that way, and don’t expect us to explore that more when you get home.”
I watch him adjust himself before he stands up. “I know you know that Mick figured us out. Well, he’s the one who gave us these few minutes, but he’s outside waiting to see you, too.”
He leans forward and gives me a soft kiss. “I’ll be back in a little bit to stay with you for the night.”
I shake my head at him. “You don’t need to do that. I’m just gonna be sleeping. Besides, I’m sure Archie needs to go out.”
Mick chooses this moment to walk in. “I’ll swing by and grab him for the night. I’m going over to see Mom after this, and he loves to run around her place.”
He walks up to my bed and stands next to Grant. “Besides, I think this one might lose his shit if he doesn’t stay and watch over you tonight.”
Grant glares at Mick, who holds his hands up in surrender. “Hey, I didn’t say you were wrong about wanting to stay. If it was Madison in this bed, you better fucking believe I’d be here.”
Grant nods at him, tells us both he’ll be back in a bit, and heads out the room.
Mick whistles and looks at me. “If I hadn’t guessed it, seeing him like this would’ve made shit very clear.”
I shrug my shoulders. “He’s just angry about what may or may not have happened.”
Mick gives me a look that I swear is pure Mitch. “We all fucking are. If Celeste really had something to do with it, we’re gonna all have to get in line behind Ma. Hell, I have a feeling that when Mom finds out from Anna, those two will be right there along with her. We put up with her for years because of you, Leif, and Jeremiah, but honest to God, she’s just a horrible person. The things I’ve heard her say are just… She doesn’t have a good heart buried deep inside or anything. Know that gloves are off, and no one’s going to be anything close to pleasant if they run into her. I’m pretty sure Ma is planning her demise as we speak.”
I nod because she pretty much said as much when she was in here. I was shocked to hear that my boys were right there with her. Mick gives my arm a squeeze. “I’m gonna get outta here. I’m gonna take Jer back to the house since he rode with you. I’ll get Archie, and once I know you’re gonna go home tomorrow, I’ll bring him back. Don’t worry, Bud , we got ya.”
He walks out, leaving me surprised. He hasn’t called me that name since he was eight years old. When he was little he couldn’t say Erik for the life of him, but he knew he was my little buddy so I became Bud for years after that. Mitch always got a kick out of it. I wonder what he’d say about me and Grant. Shit, I know what he would’ve said. About fucking time. Glad you got your head outta your asses finally. He wasn’t one for fancy words or eloquence, but he was one of the best friends a man could ask for. I feel my eyes getting heavy. I let sleep take over, knowing it has to help the healing process, just wish I knew for sure what the hell I was healing from.
*********
I’m being released. It’s been almost twenty-four hours since this whole mess started, and although they can’t prove it, the doctors are almost certain that something I ate contained shrimp. They can’t prove it since I puked up my guts before the ambulance got to the house, so there was nothing left in my stomach. I know I didn’t eat anything with pieces of shrimp in it ‘cause, ew. It’s the one seafood I really can’t stand. Grant’s convinced that Celeste somehow put some in the coffee or coffee cake I ate at the house. I think Linnea’s in agreement with him on that.
What she was not so in agreement about was my going home and not back to her place for a couple of days. Jonah must have said something to her because she grumbled about me going home, but she didn’t really argue much about it. She looked at me and Grant and pointed her finger at him. “I will be cooking and bringing over food, and you’re going to accept it. I will make sure he eats like he’s supposed to, and you’ll serve it to him.”
I watched Grant try to hide his grin as he answered with a simple, “Yes, ma’am.”
They both left a few minutes ago to get my discharge information and get Jonah to bring around the truck. Grant hasn’t been home yet either, so he doesn’t have his truck here.
I just got dressed and am standing here contemplating getting my boots on. The bending over still makes my stomach queasy. “You ready to break out of here?”
I look up and see Leif leaning against the doorjamb. “Yeah. Grant’s getting my paperwork, and Jonah’s getting the truck from what I’ve been told.”
He walks over and kneels in front of me, grabbing a boot and holding it out for me to put on without saying a word. “I ran into Ma and Pa. They’re gonna go to the store so Ma can start cooking up a storm for you. I’m gonna give you and Grant a ride home.”
After getting my foot in the first boot, he holds out the second. As soon as my foot is in the second boot, he stands up and looks me in the eye. “Mom texted me this morning. She said I needed to pick sides. Otherwise, I wasn’t going to get my inheritance. I told her I already picked my side, and I couldn’t give a flying fuck about an inheritance that she never bothered to mention till today.”
I must give him a weird look. “There ain’t no inheritance. I know that. I also know that even if there was one, I’d still pick your side, Dad. So would Jer.”
He’s about as good at emotions as I am, so I get a rare, quick hug, and he changes the subject. “Let’s get you out of here. I’m sure Archie’s freaking out. You’re never away from him this long.”