Chapter 19 #2
I squeezed his hand because I knew how he’d react. “He hasn’t arrived yet and don’t be angry. He was in Reno on vacation and they called him in.”
“There’s only one fucking pulmonologist on staff?”
“You asked for the best. Remember? No, you demanded the best.”
“Which is what I want.”
I couldn’t believe his vehemence, but I had to admit, I kind of liked it. “Do you always get what you want?”
“Yes. Hell, yes.” He realized he was being a bit obnoxious and his features softened. “I know how important Emily is to you and I wanted to help.”
“What you’ve done is… amazing. Thank you so very much. She’s stable right now and as soon as she sees the doctor, I’m hoping we can go home. They’ve given her an intravenous medication and she’s breathing much easier although still on a ventilator. The doctor will be here any time, so I was told.”
“What has your other pulmonologist told you?”
I hated laughing, even nervously. “We’ve been working with her pediatrician over the years. She’s very good at what she does.”
“Evidently not if she’s still sick.”
My usual reaction was to bristle just like he was doing, but I knew he meant well. “There isn’t much that can be done. Maybe a surgery, but that’s iffy and expensive and the doctors are hoping she’ll grow out of it. Many children do.”
His entire brow furrowed. “That’s not good enough. But I’m glad she’s resting. Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Maybe in a little while. If it’s okay, I’d just like to sit here with you for a few minutes. I mean if I’m not keeping you from something important.”
He could be such a gentle person, which was what he was when brushing hair behind my ear. I knew I must look a mess. I’d grabbed the few pieces of clothing my fingers managed to grasp, not caring about what I looked like. “What part about I’m not leaving you do you not understand?”
I laughed. “You definitely don’t like being told what to do.”
“Nope.” I’ll be damned if he didn’t pop the p.
He was also a mess, which honestly made me feel a little better.
With his disheveled hair and a shirt he hadn’t bothered to tuck into his trousers, he looked a little rode hard and put away wet.
Which was sexy as hell. I placed my hand on his chest over the stain.
“You know what? The stain looks a little bit like dried blood as if you had a dangerous moment before coming here.”
“Well, I did.” His grin was even more boyish. Was it possible I could actually like spending time with him? The answer was far too easy. I did.
“I bet you’ve never had a date quite like this one. Have you? What am I saying? It’s dangerous for us to date at all.”
He scratched his head. “I admit it. Not a single one. This one was much better. The last one wasn’t so bad either. Minus what happened with your daughter tonight. She’s a great kid though.”
“How did you know about this hospital?”
“My cousin Nina was born prematurely and spent the first nine months of her life in this hospital. They performed miracles in saving her life.”
“That’s wonderful. I can only imagine what her mother went through.”
His face immediately clouded. “She died in childbirth. It was… a very difficult time.”
“I’m so sorry.” Why did I have a feeling that the loss was even more significant than he was letting on? “But Nina is doing well?”
He rolled his eyes, laughing. “She’s a precocious little girl that keeps my cousin on his toes. But he wouldn’t trade being a single father for the world. I admire him. More so now.”
“Kids can keep you on your toes. You’re very good with Emily. You really are. I’m just glad you were there tonight. I don’t usually freak out that way. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“You’re a loving mother who’s experienced a few difficult days and from the beautiful yet very dark circles under your eyes, I’d say very little sleep. Also, from what I can tell, there’s nothing in the world wrong with you. In my eyes, you’re amazing.”
It was so strange to feel the need to hate him when I couldn’t.
He took a deep breath. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like a cup of coffee. I happen to know of a Starbucks in the hospital.”
“I admit that sounds heavenly, but it’s late. I don’t know if they’ll be open.”
As he stood, he gave me one of his looks. “Trust me. They will be open.”
Even now when I was empty inside, he could still make me laugh. That said something. He walked away and I sat back on the couch, trying to catch my breath. I realized I hadn’t called Kristine and she’d want to know.
I also hadn’t contacted Liam and had no intention of doing so. He’d simply berate me again and I definitely wasn’t in the mood.
I pulled out my phone, thankful there was a charge. As soon as I activated the screen, I noticed a text had been sent.
Since I’d had several phone calls from reporters trying to get my side on what had occurred in the parking lot, I bristled instantly. They obviously had discovered my number.
What I saw on the screen sent shivers down my spine.
A picture of me at the fire station taken earlier that day with a caption underneath in all caps.
BE CAREFUL WHO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH
While fear was right there just below the surface, so was anger. Vile rage.
I stared at the screen, realizing the sender was anonymous. There was no phone number attached. I thought about sending back a nasty note but knew that wasn’t the best thing to do.
Whoever had sent it could simply be warning me about Alexsey.
Or the sender could mean something more ominous. Whatever the case, I was rattled, more so than usual because of everything that had occurred. I had to keep my focus on my daughter,
I hadn’t realized how late it was and simply sent a text to my sister that she would see in the morning. Leaning back, I briefly closed my eyes until I heard a noise.
A few minutes later, a man approached and I instantly bristled since he wasn’t dressed like anyone else in the hospital. I scanned the area, wishing I could see Alexsey returning, my pulse skyrocketing.
As soon as he was near, he smiled. “Mrs. O’Leary?”
“Yes.”
He laughed. “I know. I don’t look like a doctor. I didn’t have time to change. I hope you don’t mind. I’m Doctor Razimir. I was called in on your daughter’s case.”
As soon as he threw his hand out for a shake, I started to stand.
“Please. I’m sure you’re exhausted.” He sat down before I had a chance to shake his hand, feeling some sense of relief.
“I’m so sorry you were called back from your vacation. I hadn’t intended for Alexsey to do that.”
He shook his head. “Well, the Dmitriyev family has been very good to the hospital, so I was glad to be able to make an unscheduled trip back.”
“Good?”
His expression became perplexed. “Yes, with donations. They are by far our top benefactor and in truth, we were able to hire some incredible surgeons and add a wing onto the hospital because of their generosity.”
Wow. There was another good boy point for a man I’d originally thought had no possible way of redeeming himself. “Oh, wow, I appreciate you coming. I don’t know what else you can offer at this point. She’s on a ventilator and has been doing very well. To a point.”
“First of all, I’d like to make a change to the inhaler. What she’s been using is fine for less severe cases, but not this.”
“Okay. And this sounds terrible, but I’m going to assume that means it’s much more expensive.”
“Yes, but your insurance should cover at least thirty percent. And that’s not terrible at all.”
At some point I’d need to tell him that her pediatric doctor would need to prescribe it or insurance would kick out the drug. “Okay.”
“In addition, it’s possible I’ll be recommending surgery. But I need to take some time evaluating her.”
“What?”
He nodded. “Nothing to worry about. It’s called a bronchial thermoplasty.”
As he went on to explain what it would mean, I felt myself shrinking just a little.
I’d find a way to cover the expense. If she stood a chance of not needing the inhaler, then I’d work five jobs to make that happen.
“Okay. When would you do that?” Given the schedules, I’d have at least a few months to save up money for my portion.
“We could make that happen as early as next week.”
“What?”
“Yes, I can pull a few strings and make that happen. Now, she’ll need to remain in the hospital for a few days, but I don’t see any issues. She’s young and heathy otherwise. Granted, I would prefer to wait and see if she grows out of it.”
“Are there risks?”
“Some. And performing surgery for no reason isn’t something I like to do.
” His eyes suddenly lit up. “Maybe I can offer a different approach, an option a couple of my colleagues have used successfully. There has been some significant improvement in support animals who can provide an alert when she’s about to have an asthma attack. ”
“What good would that do if her inhaler isn’t working?”
He smiled again. “That’s the beauty of the inhaler I’m going to prescribe. If given prior to an attack, tests have proven that in most cases the attacks will be minimal if occurring at all.”
I felt myself pale, but maybe that could work. “O-kay.” Looking away, I twisted my hand around my phone. “I’m not going to lie. That sounds like a more viable option. So we’re talking a dog?”
“A specially trained dog, although there is some success with other animals if you’d prefer.”
Grinning, I thought about her Christmas request. “No. She’s been asking for a dog for a long time.”
“Well, then. Why don’t I provide you with some information about the associations who you can contact and be placed on a waiting list.”
“That would be great. Can I take her home tonight?”
“I’m going to admit her for just one night for precautions. Don’t worry. She’ll have a private room where you can stay with her. If she does well during the night, she can go home tomorrow late in the afternoon.”
I was a terrible mother. Horrible. A part of me could only see dollar signs and it made me sick to my stomach. “Doctor… I hate to say this, but…”