6. Ivy – I’m Game if You Are
SIX
IVY – I’M GAME IF YOU ARE
Ivy
Sammy has had a big week, and it was a struggle to get her up this morning. I made her lunch, carried her to childcare, and she stayed asleep in my arms the whole way there. The mom guilt squeezes my heart, twisting my stomach into knots. I love my daughter more than anything, and I wish I could spend all day with her. But we need the money, and I do love my job—helping others makes it worthwhile.
After stowing my bag in my locker, I head to the ICU ward. I finish my rounds quickly, but my thoughts keep drifting to Sammy. Needing reassurance, I find an empty room, pull out my phone, and make the call.
“Hi, Sandra. It’s Ivy. Just checking in—how’s Sammy doing this morning?”
“She slept for another thirty minutes after you left,” Sandra says. “She was a little disoriented when she woke up, but as soon as she realized where she was, she settled down.”
I exhale, relief spreading through me.
“We’ve been working on the alphabet this morning. Right now, she’s on the trampoline with another little girl, Nat. They’ve become fast friends. Would you like to talk to Sammy?”
I smile. Sammy’s made a friend. “No, that’s okay. I’d rather not interrupt her fun.”
“You’re welcome to call anytime,” Sandra says warmly.
My heart is full. Sandra has been a godsend, and I can tell Sammy has taken a real liking to her.
“Sammy’s an absolute pleasure to have here. Have a great day at work, and we’ll see you this evening.”
“You too, Sandra. Bye.”
I pocket my phone, already feeling lighter. When I get back to the front desk, my boss is focused on the computer. “Hey, can I ask a quick question?”
She glances up. “Sure.”
“Do you know where I can find a good toy store? I’m starting to think about Christmas gifts for Sammy.”
She smiles. “There’s a store downstairs near the cafeteria, or there’s a larger toy store in the main street in town. The one downstairs is primarily for buying gifts for people who are ill, but it has quite a number of stuffed animals and a few toys in there as well.”
“Perfect. Thanks! I’ll check the one downstairs during my break.”
The rest of the morning flies by. A pang of sadness hits my chest when I wish Madeline and Jett were still in the ward—I might drop in on them later. At lunchtime I quickly finish my sandwich before heading to the cafeteria for much-needed coffee.
After having my coffee, I visit the gift store, and in the window is a giant pink unicorn with a multicolored mane and tail and a gold horn. My heart could burst from happiness as I imagine the smile on Sammy’s face if she got this for Christmas. I step inside and head straight to the unicorn. I run my hand over its soft plush coat. I open the price tag to see it’s priced at $150. I let out an audible gasp. My head drops and my shoulders sag as I wonder how I’m going to afford it.
“Can I help you?” an elderly lady asks with a kind smile.
“I was wondering,” I say hesitantly, still gazing at the unicorn, “is there any way to reserve this? I’d like to pay for it in installments and have it fully paid off by Christmas.” My voice softens. “My daughter will love it.”
“Yes, I can do that.” She leans over toward the unicorn and tries to pick it up.
“Here, I’ll help you,” I say as I grab the ass end of the unicorn and follow her into a back room. We then proceed to the cash register.
“Can I have your name and phone number?”
I answer her and pay the first fifty-dollar deposit. It’s going to be a bit tight this week, but even if I have to do without, it will be worth it to see Sammy’s bright smile on Christmas Day.
I check my phone for the time. I have enough time to pay a quick visit to Madeline and Jett. My body sings as I make my way to level two, where Madeline is. I smile at the nurses at the front desk. “Hi, can you let me know where Madeline Miller is?”
“Room 201.”
“Great, thank you.” It’s a short walk to her room, and when I peek inside. Jett isn’t in there. I frown. I must have missed him.
“Looking for someone?” a deep, sinister voice says from behind me.
Oh lord! I slowly turn around, unable to hide the broad smile on my face. Jett’s eyes are a galaxy of brown and green. He’s wearing a long black tee, black jeans, and his leather cut over his shirt. His lip ever so slightly edges up, his eyes dancing with mischief. With his short mohawk and body full of tattoos, he’s a vicious beauty, brooding with darkness and secrets.
I haven’t seen this playful side of him. I wonder what’s changed. It has me wanting to know more. “I was looking for you. But it seems you found me first.” I refuse to lie and say otherwise.
I walk inside to his sister. He follows. “How’s she doing?” I ask as I peer at Madeline. She’s lying peacefully on the bed with her eyes closed.
“She’s recovering well,” he says nodding toward her. “The doctor said she’ll be ready to leave in about two days.”
I reach out and touch his arm gently. “I’m so happy to hear that.”
He stiffens and stares at where my hand is on his arm, so I pull my hand away. He takes a large step back, making me frown. He clearly doesn’t like to be touched.
“Do you know if the nursing home here in Crown Village or the one in Opal Bay are any good?” he asks, his voice soft.
My mouth opens and I gape at him. “I just moved to the area, so I’m not familiar,” I admit. “But I’ll look into it for you and get back to you soon.” He trusts me... “How long will you be in the hospital today?” I may or may not have multiple reasons for asking that question.
He stares at me a little too long. “Until seven.”
That’s when I finish my shift. “Maybe I’ll catch you before you leave.”
“Fancy seeing you here.” A woman’s voice comes from the doorway. I peek over. It’s Milly, who has a gigantic smirk on her face, aimed at me.
I smother a smile but don’t say anything. How am I supposed to answer? I wanted to check on Madeline but also perve on her ridiculously good-looking, mysterious brother who has me in a tailspin.
She chuckles under her breath and walks into the room and looks at Jett. “I’m impressed with Madeline’s improvements.”
He nods. Well, at least he isn’t quiet just with me.
“Jett was wondering what the nursing homes are like around here. He’s interested in looking into them for Madeline.”
She casts me a funny look. “Calling him Jett is just weird.”
I raise my brow. “What’s his other name then?”
“My club name is Demon,” he says in a deep, sexy voice.
I stare at him. Such a strange name. “I like Jett better.” So Jett it is.
“Regarding the nursing home,” Milly says to Jett. “A colleague of mine has had nothing but good things to say about the nursing home located in Crown Village. From the feedback I’ve gotten from other health professionals while working here, the nursing home’s quality of care is unparalleled and they offer a wide range of services. You should organize a meeting and get them to show you around the grounds.”
His expression is unreadable. With his current lack of social skills, I think the meeting will be an issue for him. “I can go for you if you want,” I say to Jett, knowing he trusts me. “I’ll relay the information to you afterward.” I think I might have more of an idea of what questions to ask as well.
He cocks his head, his eyes searching mine.
“That’s a good idea,” says Milly. “This motorcycle club vest,” she says, pointing to him, “will not look good. Even though we know you aren’t criminals, the nursing home managers don’t, and I’d hate for them to reject Madeline’s application based on what you look like.”
He’s fighting the smile that twitches at the corner of his lip. “Okay,” he says, drawing the word out. Then those intense hazel eyes are directed at me. “You do it then.”
I smile. I’m happy to help. “I work twelve-hour shifts, but I have tomorrow off.”
“I’ll give them a call afterward and organize a meeting for you for tomorrow,” Milly says. “Does any time suit?”
“As late as possible in the afternoon.” I plan to spend the day with Sammy. I pull my phone out to see the time. “I have to get back to my shift. I’ll talk to you later,” I say while peering at Jett. Such a shame to have to leave. Then I peek at Milly, “Just keep me updated on a time.”
She nods. “I’ve got to get back too, so I’ll walk with you.”
We step out of the room and walk down the corridor. “Do you go out of your way like this for all your patients or are Madeline and Jett special?”
I stifle a laugh.
“Oh girl... you’re fucked,” she says, then snorts and cackles.
My nose scrunches. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve never seen Demon trust so easily. Especially when he hardly knows you and it’s his sister we’re talking about.”
A smile paints my face.
She blinks a few times. “I don’t know if I’m in shock, impressed, or concerned.”
I cringe. “Why would you be concerned?”
“Demon... talking... trusting... spending time with a woman. It’s never happened, and I do worry because of his mental illness what that means for you.”
I bop my head. “Thanks for letting me know.” The elevator opens. It’s going up, so I step inside.
I should consider Milly’s warning. I just want to help Jett out. He’s been a loving brother, and I’d hate for Madeline to miss out on a spot at the nursing home just because of the clothes he wears. It would be beneficial for both if she’s close by, in case anything like this happens again, and she’s likely to get more infections because of her current state of health.
My shift is intense, and the time flies by. The ICU ward is at maximum capacity. There were three deaths today. I’ve been good at compartmentalizing my work, but it never gets easier seeing people distraught over the death of a family member.
Milly contacted me earlier, advising that the appointment with the nursing home is at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow. I told her to tell Jett because I knew there was no chance I could get down to Madeline’s room to see him during my busy shift and he was leaving at seven, but I’m leaving later than usual.
I grab my bag from my locker and head out. I roll my shoulders back—they’re so stiff. I walk down the corridor and to the elevator. After I exit the elevator, I yawn. I’ll be happy to get into bed. I stroll through the hospital and out of the main entrance. Heavy footsteps come up from behind me. As I turn, I see it’s Jett. “Hey,” I say to him when he reaches me. “Sorry I didn’t get a chance to come see you and Madeline again. Today was crazy!”
There’s a softness in his eyes. “No need to apologize. I’ll walk you to your car.”
My heart swells. As we walk toward the parking lot, I look up at him but keep quiet until we reach my car. “Why do they call you Demon?”
There’s a brief silence. “Because I’m a monster.” He says it matter-of-factly and watches my reaction closely.
I huff. “Not from what I’ve seen... Monsters don’t dote on their sisters and safely walk women they hardly know to their cars.”
His face flashes with something before it fades away. He steps up close to me in two large strides, standing at his full height, his eyes cold. With a dark smile, he says, “You sure about that?” I haven’t seen this side of him, apart from when he protected me. With the tattoos covering his skin, his broad shoulders, he would intimidate anyone. Is he trying to scare me away? Maybe my exhaustion increases my stupidity because it doesn’t faze me. I take a step toward him.
He gives me an odd look. “Why aren’t you scared of me?” His voice is icy, tinged with confusion.
A voice in the back of my head is warning me that I’m pushing my luck and getting too close, but I’m drawn to him and have this compulsion of wanting to understand him. “Because all I’ve seen is Jett Miller, not this Demon facade, and I trust that you won’t hurt me.” My hand goes to his chest.
He recoils, taking a few steps away from me. I wish I knew why. He would have to have taken some liking to me even as a friend to trust me, but it’s as if my touch physically pains him, and that makes me frown.
He laughs. It’s manic. Fake. “Aww, Little Bird. Don’t get too close to me. You won’t like what you see.”
For whatever reason, he’s convinced himself he’s a monster, and my heart aches for him. A thought comes to mind, so I give him a sassy smile. “I’m game if you are.”
He stares at me, stunned, hardly blinking, making my smile only get bigger. I turn, swaying my hips as I walk to my car, an intoxicating rush coursing through my veins. As I reverse my car, he’s still staring, hasn’t moved an inch, but his eyes have changed. They are darker, heated even, so I decide to add gasoline to the fire and lower my window. “See you tomorrow, handsome.” I laugh as I’m driving away.
I’m having way too much fun. My focus for so long has been on keeping my head above water, doing overtime, trying to keep Sammy’s sperm donor out of trouble. Now we’ve moved, I no longer have to worry about him. I can spend more time with Sammy and take a chance and meet people. Now I’m finally interested in someone—I’d like to get to know Jett. I deserve to have a little me time too.