63. CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
“You didn’t mention you were dating an Irish stud,” Mom coos, her accent coming on thicker than usual.
“We just met.”
“In Vegas? He lives there?”
This woman will be sedated soon, I can’t risk her talking.
“He’s on a work assignment. Mom, what happened? How did you fall?”
She exhales. “I was walking down the steps, and it was like my lower half wasn’t there. Next thing I know, I was tumbling down. Bollocks, the pain.”
“How did you call an ambulance?”
“I had my phone with me.” She glances at her nightstand where it sits charging.
“Were you playing Candy Crush while going down the stairs?”
She smiles sheepishly.
I scooch next to her. “When was your last bone density scan?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, I get time off at Christmas and that week, we’ll get you all up to date on your screenings.”
I don’t even dare ask when her last mammo was.
“Is Danny coming?” she asks, painful hope in her voice.
No matter what I do, he’ll be her Danny-boy and shine more brightly in her eyes. I’ve figured out a long time ago she harbors guilt for taking him away from his father. And maybe not being strong enough to deal with an abusive man.
I only remember my father being good to Daniel, but I’m clear-eyed enough to know men of power keep painful truths away from women.
“I don’t think Danny is coming. He gave me the time off to be here with you and get you all squared away.”
“Are you sleeping with that Irishman?” she whispers. She doesn’t know I was a virgin until a few weeks ago.
Shifting uncomfortably, I say, “Is that important?”
“The way he looks at you, you better give him what he needs and fast.” She pats my hand. “A man like that…”
“Won’t wait for a fat girl like me?” I snap.
“Whoa?” Eoghan steps into the room. “Jillian isn’t fat, Mrs. Diamond. She’s bleedin’ perfect.”
Mom turns red. “I didn’t say that, lad. She did. All I said was you’re handsome, and you look like you have money. And have your act together. I assume you’re in demand.”
“I sure am in demand.” He shoves hands into his pockets. “But I only have eyes for your daughter.”
“I know what I’m doing,” I whisper to Mom.
Do I?
Not really.
“Are we going to speak to her doctor?” I look to Eoghan.
“Good news and bad news.” He smiles.
My heart pounds, thinking the insurance denied the surgery, and Eoghan changed his mind about paying.
Holding Mom’s hand, I say, “Just spill both. Please.”
Eoghan’s lips snarl at my saying please. The man is walking sexual adrenaline. “Good news is, I’ve squared away the hip replacement from a top surgeon who studied at Cornell.”
“You did?” Mom gasps. “Cornell?”
“And?” I say, bracing myself. “What’s the bad news?”
“He’s not affiliated with this farce of a hospital. We’re breaking you out of here, Elena.”