Chapter 8
HOPE
Two Days Later
Good God, make it stop…
Lying here in this too-bright hospital room, my head pounds like it's trying to keep beat with the annoying buzz of the overhead lights.
Every time I open my eyes, it feels like I'm stuck in limbo between the life I was living and what’s waiting for me on the other side of this headache.
It’s terrifying.
Through my haze, I hear Dr. Felix discussing my care protocol with Alek. "Hope’s responsive, her memory’s intact, and the swelling’s gone down.”
He’s so calm as he delivers bombshell after bombshell. “No brain injury is the same, and recovery will be different for everyone. I have high hopes for a full recovery as long as she rests and heals for the next couple of months. We’ll get her set up with physical therapy and counseling. Regular checkups, of course.”
“I understand. I’ve got her covered—I’m working from home until she's back on her feet.”
Alek is so sure of himself. He’s a take-charge kind of guy.
”Great. I’ll get the release papers prepared.”
Dr. Felix glances over to see I’m awake and listening. He takes a step toward me. “Hope, remember, just because an injury isn't visible doesn't mean it isn't real.”
Alek beams down at me like he’s been by my side forever, not some guy who willingly placed himself in my mess by pretending to be my husband.
Not until after the doc leaves—who placed a clean pair of scrubs on the end of the bed for me to change into—does it really hit me how crazy this all is. Alek being here is legit amazing, but also super stressful.
We’re strangers bound together in a huge lie. And now I’m about to move in with him so we can officially be domestic partners.
“I’ll need some help getting dressed.”
I squeeze my eyes shut as he adjusts the bed so I can sit up. “I’m still so dizzy.”
He coughs nervously. “Are you sure there’s not a friend I can call? I’m happy to help, but I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage…”
“It’s fine. My friends are all in Bozeman. Mom and I moved to Seattle for her treatment when she got cancer.”
I tug at the hospital gown. “I decided to stay after she died. Better music scene.”
Alek reaches over hesitantly to assist. “I’m sorry to bring it up, I remember you mentioning it. I just meant…if you’re not comfortable with me, I can always call my mom to help.”
I’m not stupid. Most men wouldn’t offer a seemingly helpless woman this level of financial support without some ulterior motive. My vulnerable condition is like a magnet to predatory assholes.
But Alek? He’s like an angel. I don't get any creepy vibes at all. Plus, he seems to genuinely like me.
Besides, it's nice to have someone looking out for me for a change. What comes next scares me. I never paid rent on my apartment, so I’m going to be evicted any day. My injuries won’t allow me to work so I have no way to make money. The Mission is holding my job open, but I’ll lose my coveted location at the Market, if I haven't already.
Please let him be legit.
A tear trickles down my cheek.
Alek's hand finds mine. "Don’t worry. We're in this together.”
Oh, I’m worried. Terrified, more like it.
A man, who was just another face in the crowd two days ago, is now my knight in shining armor.
This can’t possibly end well.
Can it?