Chapter 7 #2
My heart sinks and I get this heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Why would Austin call both our cell phones? What if my father took a turn for the worse? What if–
“Austin, it’s Sage. What’s wrong?”
Sage listens intently as Austin relays a message to her. She looks up at me. “Yeah. He’s here. Okay, I’ll pass you the phone.”
She offers me her cell phone, a shiny blue case with raised white seashells on it. I hesitate for a second before bringing it to my ear. “Austin? What’s going on?”
“It’s Dad.”
The feeling in my stomach intensifies and I clench my fists to fight the pain. “Is he… Is he–”
“Yes. He’s awake.”
A whooshing sound races through my ears, and I lean back against the couch. “He’s awake?”
“Yes.”
Oh, thank God.
“Casey?”
“Yeah.”
“He’s asking for you.”
The words twist my insides. I’m not sure if they make me happy or sad. But they make me move. “I’ll be right there.”
“Is he all right?” Sage asks when I hand her back the phone.
“I think so. He’s awake.”
“That’s wonderful news. Are you heading to the hospital now?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, great. I’ll come with you.”
I wasn’t expecting her to join me, but I’m glad that she will. There’s this strange feeling in my chest.
My father is better. He’s awake. I should be elated. But I have a sense of foreboding that I don’t quite understand.
Sage looks at me, her eyes soft and penetrating. “What’s the matter?”
I can’t explain it. I’m not good at taking a closer look at my feelings. “Nothing. We should go.”
I drive to the hospital, which is only ten minutes away. As soon as we arrive, Sage curses under her breath.
“What’s wrong?”
“I should have changed.”
Taking a quick glance at her as she steps out of the passenger seat, I realize she’s still wearing her tube top and shorts. I smile. “I don’t know,” I say as I approach her. “If I’m anything like my father, that might be the perfect outfit to get him up and out of bed.”
She smacks my good shoulder and tosses back her hair. “Well, I hope he is like you then and not your mother. I don’t think she appreciates my outfits.”
That piques my interest. “Really? Why would you say that?”
She chuckles. “She’s made a few comments in the past. At Cassandra’s christening, she wasn’t a fan of my dress’s plunging neckline.
And she made a face when I came to one of Anthony’s birthday parties in my bikini and a coverup.
It was a beach-theme party. I was trying to fit the theme.
She said I was distracting the ten-year-old boys. ”
I snorted and then laughed out loud. “I think she was worried about you distracting their fathers.”
Sage shrugs. “I did get a date with one of the single dads.”
I rub her leg and give it a quick squeeze. “I wouldn’t worry about it. She’ll be a little too distracted to notice what you’re wearing.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. This isn’t about me.”
I smile, despite my nerves. “It’s okay. I’m glad you shared that with me. I can picture my mother saying those things and she’s not an easy woman to please.”
“No. She’s not.”
As soon as we enter the hospital, Sage pulls my hand. “Casey, before we go any further. I need to apologize. I mean that was beyond unprofessional back at my place.”
“I’m not your patient, Sage. And if I recall correctly, I was the one who asked you to stay exactly where you were.”
“I know… I just…”’
“I don’t regret it. Do you?”
She bites her lower lip, and I do start to regret not having the chance to finish what we started.
“No. I don’t regret it one bit.” She laughs and I enjoy how that makes me feel.
We take the elevator to the seventh floor and walk down the hallway to Dad’s room. Austin, Jane, and Mom are all inside the room when we get there. Dad’s sitting up in his bed, and he turns toward the door when we walk in.
“Son,” he whispers, and my lip trembles when I hear his familiar voice.
“Dad.” The word nearly chokes me, but I rush to his side and shove my hands behind my father’s back and pull him in for a hug. His large body feels frail against my fingers, so I loosen my grip.
“It’s so good to see you,” he says. His voice is low and rough, but it’s strong.
I clear my throat. “It’s even better to see you, Dad.”
“Yeah, well, it took a heart attack to get you here, Casey. Maybe don’t make me work so hard next time.” His lips stretch into a semblance of a smile despite his stern eyebrows.
“That would be a good idea,” says Mom. Then she looks over at Sage and rakes her gaze across her body. Sage uses her arm to cover her chest, trying to conceal her nipples.
“Do you not own any decent clothes?” she whispers harshly.
“I didn’t have time to change,” Sage tries to explain, but my mother isn’t listening.
“Sage was at home when we received the call. I rushed us both out of there. It’s not her fault.”
“You were at her house?” my mother asks, the clothing debacle completely forgotten.
“Yeah.”
“Why were you there?”
I raise my eyebrows and tilt my head toward my father. “Maybe we can talk about that later, mmm?” Turning back toward my dad, I ask, “How are you feeling?”
He looks at me and then at Sage and his weak smile grows stronger. “A lot better now.”