Page 80 of More Than a Fling

After Cal took off Sam and Gabe continued with their project. All Gabe could see was Slim laying in that hospital bed and it made him feel powerless.Please let him pull through this.

* * *

Darcy showed up with lunch, so they took a break. Concern for Sam was etched onto her face as she watched him wearily go through the motions of eating his sandwich. He looked bone tired and it broke her heart. Sam was always the upbeat one. He was always so cheerful and full of life that it made his grief that much more obvious.

When they were done eating, Darcy picked up a hammer and pitched in to help. It felt good to be performing a task, pounding nails helped to vent some of her anger. They hadn’t been at it too long when Annie joined them.

Gabe put down his drill and grabbed Annie’s arm, pulling her roughly against his chest. “Don’t ever leave me again,” he growled against her lips.

He devoured her mouth as she clung to him, both needing the comfort of touch. Coming up for air, he studied her before planting kisses all over her face—creamy skin, plump lips, half-closed eyes…he returned to her mouth and covered it with his own.

Annie put her hands on either side of his face, her fingertips touching his hair, she looked deep into his passionate eyes, “I won’t, I promise.”

“I’ll keep you to that.”

Clearing his throat, Sam politely reminded them they weren’t the only ones there. Darcy laughed and said, “So glad you could join us Annie.”

Annie looked around at the devastation shaking her head sadly, “Who could do such a thing?”

“We’re all asking the same thing,” Darcy said. “How’s Slim? Any changes?”

“No, Pepper showed up, so I left. What can I do to help?”

Nodding toward the red toolbox, Sam said, “Grab a hammer.”

Annie did and soon they were all busy pounding, drilling, measuring, sawing, relieved to have the distraction and a purpose. Her arms ached from wielding the hammer, but it somehow felt good.

They all worked with intensity, pouring all of their pent-up emotions into this project. Rebuilding somehow empowered each one of them. They were looking to the future and moving forward from this destruction. Rising from the ashes they would heal and persevere.

38

Pepper glanced up when Cal entered the hospital room. “How is he?” Cal asked.

“Unfortunately, about the same. Sometimes these brain injuries take time. Don’t give up on him just yet.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said, smiling sadly.

“Since you’re here to take a shift I think I’ll take a break and go home for a few hours.”

“No problem. I’ll stay a while.”

Pepper stretched her arms over head as she stood to leave. “I’ll never understand why they can’t have comfortable chairs in hospital rooms. It’s a pet peeve of mine.”

“Be the change,” he said.

“Very funny. Don’t think I haven’t tried.”

“Knowing you, I’m sure of it.”

“I’ll catch you later then. If there is any change give me a ring,” Pepper said scribbling down her number.

“Sure, see ya.”

“Later.”

Cal settled in and sat staring at Slim, watching the monitors keep track of his vitals like statisticians. He wasn’t aware of time passing as he waited. His cell phone pinged, and he read the text. He took one last look at Slim then headed down to the foyer.

“Follow me,” Cal said.