8. Monday
Chapter 8
Monday
S id officially gets the all clear from Dr. Patel and the rest of his team, and they start processing his discharge paperwork. She determined his respiratory distress was likely the result of a bacterial infection and started him on an antibiotic regimen that should clear it right up. His cardiology reports show worsening symptoms of congestive heart failure, but the team feels confident he can manage at home. He is thrilled. I finally get to meet his aide, Rita, who is as lovely and warm as Sid and Matt have described. She has a maternal disposition and frets over Sid like a mother hen. Despite his complaints, I can see he enjoys it.
Sid tells me Matt has a few last-minute errands to run before his flight back to LA this evening, and he’ll be stopping by this afternoon to help take Sid back home. I find myself looking for him every time I walk the hallway of the CCU, hoping for a glance of his familiar tall, gangly but strong frame, that thick dark hair.
Frankly, it makes me feel a little pathetic, and I internally yell at myself to get a grip. I get pulled into several meetings throughout the day, and it is after three p.m. by the time I get back to the critical care unit. I have a brief moment of panic, thinking I may have missed him.
But then I see him wheeling his father out of the room while Rita follows with a bag of Sid’s belongings.
I approach them. “Sid, I’m so happy to see you go, but I’m sad you’re leaving. It won’t be nearly as fun around here without you. But please never come back.” I lean down to give him a hug.
“Well, young lady, I plan on never coming back here, but I sure hope I get to see your face again. I thank you for your help, especially with my boy here. Lord knows he needs a hobby or maybe a lady friend instead of worrying about me all the time.”
I look at Matt, who gives me that sexy half smile. “Yeah, yeah, Dad, she's heard all of your lines by now."
I ride down to the lobby with them, offering a last round of goodbyes and well wishes. Rita takes over driving Sid’s wheelchair and busies herself helping him into Matt’s waiting car. Matt hangs back, looking at me closely in that way of his that makes me feel naked.
“Thank you for all your help, with Dad and with me. I’m not sure what we would’ve done without you.”
“You’re welcome.” I take him in for what might be the last time. “I’ll keep tabs on Sid for the next thirty days just to make sure all the discharge services are happening as they should. If anything comes up, or if you have any concerns, feel free to call me.”
He nods slowly before turning to leave. My heart sinks, and I feel mortified at the lump in my throat. I swallow it down. Get hold of yourself.
Matt turns on his heel and quickly spins around, getting to me in two long strides. “Can I see you when I come back to town in a few weeks?”
“Yes,” I say without an ounce of hesitation.
He smiles and leans in to give me the briefest of kisses.
“Okay, perfect. See you then.”
And then he is gone.