Page 235 of Broken Saint
“That’s what I was hoping for.” She nods at someone on the other side of the door, and a second later, Benny steps in with a tray of coffee in his hand.
“Everything okay?” he asks, looking between us.
“Yes, everything is fine.”
“The nurse just said that the doctor will be around soon to do his checks,” Benny explains as he hands out the coffee. “Americano,” he says as I take mine. “Thought you needed it.”
“Thanks.” I take a sip and let the richness of it flood my senses. It’s not as hot as it should be, and it makes me wonder just how long he’s been outside the room, waiting for Angie to give him permission to enter. “So, what’s happening here exactly?”
“She’s exhausted. Hasn’t been eating properly. She decided enough was enough and checked herself in.”
“Herself?” I ask, shocked.
“Yeah. She passed out yesterday and when she came around, she told us to bring her in. The past few weeks have been…” Angie trails off. “She needs rest and nutrients, and then she’ll start a new round of therapy and hopefully, if life turns around a little, she will find her way out of this again.”
I nod, understanding the journey that Ella is about to embark on.
“So there’s nothing more serious happening here?”
“No,” she says firmly. “With the right care and support, she’ll make a full recovery.”
She holds both of our eyes firmly, silently demanding us—me—to make sure that I’m a part of it.
As promised, the doctor knocks on the door a few minutes later. Angie and Benny are already on their feet as he strides in, followed by two nurses.
“We’ll be outside,” Angie says.
“D-do I need to?—”
“Stay with her, Colt. Keep talking to her. Let her know you came for her.”
Pushing my chair back, I allow the medical team the space they need to check her vitals.
“Is everything okay?” I ask once it looks like they’re coming to an end.
“Everything is as expected.”
As they leave, I retake my seat and her hand.
“How long are you going to make me wait, Bombshell?” I muse. “If you’re punishing me, I promise you that I’m already doing enough of that myself to last a lifetime. Wake up for me, yeah? Wake up and tell me that I haven’t totally fucked this up for good. Tell me that there is still a chance for us.”
60
ELLA
Colt’s deep, raspy voice rolls through me, making every hair on my body stand on end.
Keep talking, I silently beg.
After going so long without hearing his voice, I crave it.
“If you’re punishing me, I promise you that I’m already doing enough of that myself to last a lifetime. Wake up for me, yeah?”
I want to. I do. I’m just…too exhausted.
“Wake up and tell me that I haven’t totally fucked this up for good.”
I will my body to do as he suggests, but it’s like trudging through mud.