Page 13 of Reaching Hearts

My eyebrows go up, head on the pillow. “Did you do that with me?”

She nods and her hands slip into her pockets. “We do that with everyone.”

I mutter to her like it’s obvious, “Well, then he should stop complaining.”

“Between you and me, he’s so cute I would listen to him talk about anything, complaining or not. Oh my.” She makes a face to fit the words as she walks to leave.

I smile, but now realizing I don’t know how long they’re keeping me, I ask, “How long do I have to stay here?”

She rests her hand on the door. “I’ll have the doctor come take a look at you now that you’re awake. But he’s not on the floor right now so it may be awhile.”

“Okay, thank you.” Looking to the board, I grab the name and add, “Maria.”

Smiling, she turns to leave, but stops with the door half-open. “It’s funny. He said the same thing: How long do I have to stay here? Those exact words.” She shrugs, remembering. “Kind of odd.”

My mouth spreads into a sly grin. “I think you like this guy, Maria. You should ask him out.” I can tell she’d love that. “You should!”

Woman to woman, she rolls her eyes. “Oh he doesn’t want me. He kept mumbling Annie while he was sleeping. Oh well. Mine will come someday.”

She turns and leaves me alone and stunned, staring at the door.