17. Chapter 17
Hospital Waiting Room
Dear Ben,
I’m writing this letter from the hospital waiting room since you won’t let me into your room. Why, Ben? Why? I flew here to see you.
You probably thought you could get away with not telling me and I wouldn’t find you. You totally underestimated me!
One of my friends on Smuggler’s Hideaway is Caleb Emerson.
He’s former military and still has connections.
I’m also friends with Hudson Clark (he owns a resort on the island) and the former NFL superstar has major connections.
Between Caleb and Hudson, they had the name of your hospital in five minutes.
It took me another five to book a flight to get my ass here.
And now you won’t let me in your room. Is this because I said I have feelings for you? I take them back. I have zero feelings for you. You’re like a brother to me.
And that sexy picture you sent me was totally inappropriate. Gross!
There. Now, will you let me in?
It kills me that you’re alone. That your family isn’t here.
I know the military contacted them. Don’t ask me how – I promised I wouldn’t tell – and they didn’t come.
But I did. I’m here. I will always be here for you.
Even if you never open that door, I’ll be right here waiting for you.
I don’t care how corny I sound. I’m waiting right here. I brought snacks and everything.
Speaking of snacks, you’ll never get any of Parker’s cookies if you don’t open the door. Parker is the owner of Pirates Pastries. I brought shipwreck cookies and pirate’s plunder muffins. They smell delicious. Can you smell them? I’m waving a cookie under your door.
And now I’m being chased by a nurse. Don’t worry.
This isn’t my first rodeo – have I mentioned how accident prone my brothers are?
– I brought extra goodies for everyone on this floor.
The flight attendants looked at me funny when I boarded the plane with no luggage but bags of baked goodies.
I hope Parker learns how to ship because the entire plane wants a batch of her Blackbeard’s Revenge cookies.
Please let me in. Don’t make me chase you and your physical therapist down the hall. She was not pleasant when I asked her when your next session would be.
Have I mentioned my sister Hazel is a physical therapist?
She even helped Caleb when he came home to Smuggler’s Hideaway after getting injured.
It was supposed to be a secret since Caleb was determined to become a hermit.
Maya was determined to help him. They’re married now.
See? Letting someone in isn’t all bad. Not that I’m saying we have to get married.
I only have platonic feelings for you now. (See above)
The physical torturer is on her way to your room. I’m going to slip this inside while she’s here.
I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere,
Your Sadie