Page 61 of Lying Hearts

She smiles and touches my hand, picking it up and holding it in both of hers. “The hospital called me last night when you came in. I drove here immediately.”

“You drove all the way from Arizona?”

“There were no flights until morning. I couldn’t wait. See, I told you it was a good idea to add me as an emergency contact. How are you feeling?”

“Like shit.” I close my eyes. “Thank you for coming.”

“What are friends for?” She rubs my hand, knowing we’re more than friends.

These drugs they’ve given me are hardcore. Where are my clothes? Where do they put your clothes when they put you in these gowns? Am I paralyzed? I wiggle my toes, relaxing with relief when I feel them move.

“I feel someone ran over me,” I whisper, frowning at Rebecca and wincing from the pain in my ribs.

“You were in surgery for over five hours. The bullet scraped your lung but they were able to save it. It’s going to be some time before you’re well again.

“That’s not possible. I have work…”

She applies gentle pressure to my hand. “Shhh. Stay calm. You need to rest. Think about all that later.”

I close my eyes. I feel so strange and foggy. An image drifts in from far away of Annie kissing me and holding my head. Sirens. I remember sirens, too. I must be remembering something from after I got shot. Cracking my eyes open again with effort, I ask, “Where’s Annie?”