24. Veronica #2
“One thing at a time, Kitten. We’ll do research on it and everything. I’m not telling you to start right now, but if it’s something you think you’d like to do, then it’s worth exploring. Just take your time and think it over.” He takes my hand and brings it to his lips, kissing the back of it.
“Okay, yeah. I’ll think about it.” I smile when he looks over at me, feeling like I’m finally moving in the right direction.
“But you do know that you don’t need to work, right? Gabe and I can easily take care of you if you’d prefer. We don’t have a problem with that. You could even stop taking care of the penthouse if you wanted, and we’ll find someone else to do it. We just want you to be happy.”
I squeeze his hand with my fingers. “I know, babe. But I’ve lived most of my life depending on someone else, first my parents, then Victor.
But these last few years, it’s been just me, and I’ve gotten used to taking care of myself.
I don’t want that to change. I don’t want to become dependent again. ”
“I get that, and I admire you for it. Just know that we’re here for you.” He releases my hand and brings his to the back of my head, pulling me in to kiss my forehead. “Whatever you want, Kitten.”
“Thank you.” I smile, then rest back in my seat with a giddy feeling inside of me. “Damn, who knew I’d end up so lucky? Not one, but two sugar daddies. That’s a pretty big win if you ask me.”
A melodic laugh bursts from Noah’s lips, everything about him softening as the happiness takes over. This time, I’m the one to lean in and grab his chin, tilting his head to the side to kiss his smiling lips.
God, I’m crazy about these men.
We arrive at the care facility thirty minutes later, ready to chat Trinity’s ears off. But the moment we make it to the nurses’ station and see Jannice and Everly carrying a sad smile, we know things aren’t going to go as planned.
“Hey, Noah… I was just about to call you…” Jannice stands from behind the desk.
His body tenses beside mine, hand tightening against my own. “What’s wrong?”
“I think it’s best if you speak with Dr. Daltonsen. I’ll page him to let him know you’ve arrived, and he’ll come see you right away.” Everly speaks up for Jannice, whose eyes begin to water.
Noah swallows, jaw straining. “Just tell me what’s going on,” he barks out, but it’s not aimed at them. He feels exactly what I’m sensing, that we’re about to receive bad news.
Everly sighs. “Trinity isn’t doing too well… we had to place a ventilator because her oxygen levels are dropping and she’s struggling to breathe on her own… she—”
Noah doesn’t give her time to finish. He tightens his hold on my hand and marches over to Trinity’s room. He swings the door open quickly and walks to the end of her bed, standing in place like a frozen statue as he stares down at his sister.
One look at her, and I know this is bad.
She doesn’t look like the Trinny I saw just four days ago.
Tubes and wires spill out from everywhere, with new machines placed beside her bed.
Her skin has turned a pale ashy color, making her look like she aged ten years in the blink of an eye.
Jesus, she even looks like she lost weight.
I take a step closer, blinking back the emotions that threaten to surface. I delicately place my hand on Noah’s arm, looking up at him. He still hasn’t moved, hasn’t said a word. “Noh…”
He clears his throat and shakes his head, taking a step away from me. My hand drops from his arm, landing at my side. I try to ignore the sting of rejection as he turns his back to me. I know it isn’t about me; he’s hurting and fighting his emotions. Having me here is probably making it harder.
I take a step back toward the door. “I’ll wait outsi—”
“No,” he says harshly, making me jump, but then falls silent for a few seconds. “Please don’t leave…” he finally whispers, and my heart breaks at the pain in his voice.
I quickly walk up to his back that still faces me, wrapping my arms around him and resting my cheek against his stiff muscles. “Okay, I’m not going anywhere.” I kiss his back and sense him take a deep breath.
Letting go, I walk over to Trinity’s side and settle into the chair, reaching out to hold her cold hand. “Hey, beautiful.” I smile sadly, tears welling in my eyes as I rub my thumb back and forth over her hand.
“I know we saw each other a few days ago, but I really wanted to show you my new hair. Your brother picked it out for me. Do you like it? Don’t tell him I said this, but I’m starting to think he has really good taste. First me, now my hair. What’s next?”
I turn to the sound of Noah’s soft chuckle; he breathes out and offers me a gratified smile, then mouths, “Thank you.”
I smile and nod just as the door to Trinity’s room opens, and in comes Dr. Daltonsen.
Noah swivels and reaches him near the door, shaking his outstretched hand.
“Noah, I’m happy you could make it in today.
And I’m sorry this isn’t under better circumstances.
” He looks past Noah and directly at me. “Hello again, Veronica.”
“Hi.” I give him a small wave, then redirect my focus to the angel resting in bed.
They cut to the chase, and Dr. Daltonsen divulges the situation at hand, going into technical terms and explaining what they are doing.
I try to listen in, but he tends to talk like everyone around him is a doctor and understands medical terms and codes.
After so many years, I know Noah does, but I’m still new at this.
So besides small recognizable words, I still don’t have a clue what’s happening to her.