Before Suzy could speak, Gray said, “She’s hurting, please give her something.”
“I’ll send the nurse right in with pain medication. Ms. Denton, I’ll see you in the morning when I make my rounds. Please have the nurse on duty page me if you have any concerns.”
Soon the nurse returned with the promised medication and Suzy was resting comfortably, her fingers curled tightly around his. A light knock sounded at the door and Claire stuck her head around it. “Oh, Gray, thank goodness, I just couldn’t wait another moment. I finally played the pregnancy card, and rolled out some tears so the nurse would agree to let me come back. “How is she?”
“She has a broken ankle, and is just really banged up. They have her pretty heavily medicated right now so she’s comfortable I believe. The doctor wants to keep her overnight for observation.”
Claire’s hand flew to her mouth and the tears this time were real. “Oh no! Poor Suz, she must have been so scared. I’m glad you were there with her. No matter how she protests, I know she cares about you. Her sister Beth is in the waiting room going crazy and your brother just got here as well.” Walking over, Claire silently leaned over and kissed Suzy on the cheek and Gray heard her whisper, “I love you, my friend.”
I’m going to walk back to the waiting room and let everyone know what is going on. Beth and I’ll go buy some personal items for Suzy, a gown and some toiletries that she might need. Can I get anything for you Gray?”
Looking at Claire with gratitude, Gray said, “If Jason or Nick could loan me a change of clothing I’d appreciate it. After sleeping in these all night, they won’t be too great in the morning.”
“Of course, don’t worry about a thing Gray; we will get you both everything you will need. As soon as they move her to a room, please give Jason a call so that at least Beth can come back for a brief visit.”
Claire walked over and gave his shoulder a quick squeeze, “She’ll be fine, there is no way she’d be caught in that horrid hospital gown for any longer than necessary, trust me,” Claire joked. Giving his shoulder one last squeeze, Claire went out the door and back to the waiting room.
Soon a nurse arrived and informed Gray that Suzy’s room was ready, and he walked alongside the gurney as she was transferred to another floor and a room with more privacy. As soon as she was settled and the nurse was gone, Gray called Nick and let him know what room number they were in.
Within moments, the door opened quietly and Nick and a woman he didn’t recognize came in. Gray assumed that this must be Suzy’s sister even though they didn’t resemble each other at first glance. Nick walked over to his side as her sister approached the hospital bed. Leaning down, she picked up Suzy’s other hand and said, “Suzy-Q is there nothing you won’t do for some attention?”
Gray was shocked at the comment and was opening his mouth to defend Suzy when her sister continued on in a voice obviously laced with affection and concern.
“I leave you on your own and look where you end up. You’re in a hospital surrounded by hunky doctors and also have a hunky man sitting vigil at your bed. The thing I hate the most, though, is that even after wiping up the pavement with your body, you still look like a million bucks. That’s so unfair, sister dear. I guess you’re too high on the good stuff to answer me, right?”
Finally, Gray found his voice and asked, “I take it you’re Beth, her sister?
Turning to face him as if she’d forgotten him for the moment, a shy smile settled on her lips, and she said, “Ye…Yes, I’m Beth.” Oh good grief, I’m stuck in this tiny room with two of the best-looking men I’ve ever seen in my life, and this outfit makes me look like a cow. Beth tried to discreetly smooth the dress down that she was wearing, terrified that it was riding up in the back and stuck to her butt.
Gray took a moment to study Suzy’s sister. Now that she was standing closer, he could see the resemblance. Suzy had red hair, and Beth had dark brown hair but their eyes were the same and the curve of their face very similar. Whereas Suzy was stop-traffic beautiful with her bold dressing and smoldering sexuality, Beth was more of a quiet beauty. Her dress was conservative, and unlike her sister, she obviously didn’t want or seek to be the center of attention. She was someone you would want to nurture and protect. Suzy was someone you would want to arm wrestle after a hot night of sex unless you took the time to know the woman behind the façade.
Gray released Suzy’s hand and walked over to Beth, “I’m Gray Merimon and it looks like you’ve met my brother Nick.” Beth shook the hand that he offered and turned back to her sister. “You must want some time alone with your sister. Nick and I will walk down for a cup of coffee so you can have some privacy. Can we bring you something back?”
“Oh, no, no thank you.” Giving him a grateful look, Beth slid into the seat he’d vacated, clearly relieved that they were leaving.