Page 35 of Tethered Hearts
“Have you seen Matt?”
“Nope.” She was trying hard not to let his silence bother her. After all, it had been less than a day since she’d seen him. She didn’t want to appear desperate, or needy. But surely even a message just to check in on her, or say thanks, or even to say hi, would be nice. Perhaps that’s all she’d been to him after all – a piece of arm candy for the cameras.
“I saw him earlier. He left with an older lady when I was in the café on my break.”
Brie frowned. “When?”
“A couple of hours ago. He was walking pretty fast, like he was on a mission to be somewhere.”
Brie frowned. Why was he at the hospital? Did he have an appointment? Was he visiting someone? He wouldn’t have known she was here, but the thought he’d been several floors away tore at her just the same.
“Well, I should probably get going. Wade and Hayden are making pizza for dinner, and they want me to pick up some garlic bread on the way home.” Melanie stood and pressed a kiss to Brie’s forehead.
“That sounds nicer than what I’ll probably get in here. At least it won’t be too long before Wade won’t have to leave every night.”
“And I can’t wait.” Melanie grinned before turning for the door. “Oh! Do you want me to ask someone for a vase?” She gestured to a colourful bouquet wrapped in brown paper and tied off with red raffia on the table.
“Oh. I didn’t realise they were there. Is there a card?”
Melanie ruffled through the stems, plucking out a plain white card, and handed it to Brie. Her pulse tripped about as she skimmed over the words, barely acknowledging Melanie’s farewell.
I was so sorry to hear about your accident, Brie. Praying for a quick recovery. Matt.
Tracing over the neat, rounded letters, she re-read the card. There was nothing outstanding about it. Just simple, platonic words, but they burrowed deep into her heart just the same.
Had Matt been to visit her? Or had he organised for the flowers to be delivered? Either way, knowing that he’d thought of her sent a wave of delight through her.
Clutching the card to her chest, she couldn’t help but grin like a fool, thankful no one was there to witness her elation. There might be hope for her after all.