I can't bring myself to say the words yet, but he doesn't seem to mind. He just holds me for ten minutes until a nurse knocks on the door. He bolts off the bed as she comes in and checks my vitals. Thankfully, she doesn't seem to notice anything and quickly leaves us alone again before Emmett gets back.
"Caesar salad—light on the dressing—and an ice cold Coke for my girl," Emmett says, putting mine on the bedside tray. "I got you a burger, Edward. Figured you're probably hungry too."
"Thanks, man," Edward says. "Her vitals are good. The nurse just left and said her labs are in, so I'm going to go check on them before eating."
"I can't thank you enough for coming with me," Emmett says. "You're one of the best friends I've ever had. If it weren't for you, I'd lose my shit every day worrying about her."
"It's my pleasure taking care of her," Edward says, glancing at me. "I'll be right back."
While he's gone, I pick at my salad, but I really have no appetite. Of course, I do enjoy the Coke though. I'm only allowed one a day, so I savor it.
"Rosalie really helped, you know," I say, and he smiles. "I'm glad she was with us because Alice ... I don't blame her, but I made her into a mess, I think. I feel bad."
"Alice will be okay, but yeah, I'm glad Rose was with you too. So, I take it you two get along well?"
I nod. "She's perfect for you, Em. You're serious about her though, right? Because if you break her heart, I'm probably siding with her," I tease.
He chuckles. "Oh, I'm serious. I know it's soon, but I think ... she might be the one I've been waiting for."
"And her son?"
"I adore the kid, Bells. He's smart as a whip, and we get along well. I'm not going to hurt them. Now, why aren't you eating?"
"I'm not really that hungry. Actually, I'm really tired, to be honest. Do you think they'll bring my meds soon so I can try to sleep?"
"I'll go find out," he says as Edward comes back in. "How are her labs?"
"Her cardiac enzymes are elevated, but I figured they would be. The muscle did probably suffer more damage, but I'll know for sure what we're facing tomorrow. She needs some potassium and magnesium again, so the nurse is going to grab those."
"She wants her night meds so she can try to sleep. Could you let her know to bring them?"
He nods. "Sure thing. If you're okay with it, Bella, I might head to my hotel for the night after. I want to be well-rested before working on you."
"Yeah, of course. Thank you for coming, Edward. I like Dr. Callahan and all, but, well ... I feel so much safer in your care."
He smiles and comes over, taking my hand and squeezing it gently. "I'm glad you trust me. I'll see you in the morning. I'll be the one in the scrub cap." He winks, and I can't help but giggle softly.
"I'll be the one on the table." I smirk. "Bye, Edward."
When he leaves, Emmett clears his throat, and I realize how obvious that must have been. Fuck.
"I, uh ... bought him a scrub cap at the mall," I say. "It seemed fitting since it had heart rhythms on it."
He smiles, nodding. "Sounds perfect for him. You have no idea how happy it makes me that you two are friends. I know he'll do anything to save you."
You don't know the half of it.
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
