“She’s doing an adequate job.”
“Wow. Don’t lavish so much praise on one person, Selene. It’ll go to her head.” I frowned.
“She is very worried about your media presence, which could be because of all the attention you’re receiving with Alex being out of town, but I think she should be paying more attention to the events that are behind the scenes. She hasn’t rescheduled your investment meetings yet, and since I’m not even allowed to think about working, no one will give me a phone so I can do it myself.”
“To be fair, I asked for a couple of days off.”
“You needed some time?” Selene looked at me with worried eyes. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I was just tired. I didn’t sleep much while you were in the hospital.”
“I’m sorry—”
“Don’t you dare apologize for being sick!” I poked her leg again. “That couldn’t be helped and I’m just grateful that you’re doing so well now.”
“I do hate that I caused you to worry so much.” She smiled sadly. “But I do appreciate the fact that you took such good care of me.”
“Just returning the favor.” I felt tears well up behind my eyes. “You’ve always been there for me.”
“I will be for as long as I can.” She reached out to me and I grabbed her hand. “I heard that you told the surgeons that I was your family.”
“You are my family.” I squeezed her fingers gently, still worried I might hurt her. “And there is nothing more important than family.”
“I want you to know that you’re my family as well.” She smiled. “And I couldn’t have asked for a better one.”
I couldn’t find words to respond, just held on to her hand and fought the tears that wanted to fall.
“Don’t you dare cry!” Selene let go of my hand and pointed at me. “You’ll mess up your makeup, and you look so lovely and polished.”
“Stop saying sweet things then!” I sniffled.
“You just got on to me for being a grump!”
“I didn’t mean it.” One tear slid down my cheek as I chuckled. “You can be whatever you want as long as you’re here to do it.”
“Good. Then get out of my room. I’m tired and I don’t want to see you cry.” She made a shooing motion at me. “And tell those nurses that I’m ready for my gruel and water.”
I laughed. “It’s not that bad.”
“Not that bad? Have you seen what they are feeding me? It’s colorless, smells awful, and tastes even worse.” She made a disgusted face.
“But it seems to be helping.”
“I think they’re drugging me. I always fall asleep after I eat.” She frowned.
“Could you blame them?” I stood up and laughed. “It’s not like you could just be tired and worn out from eating. No. Not after nearly dying from a heart attack.”
“You’re a cheeky princess. I’m not letting you get away with that any longer.”
“I’m going.” I opened the door and turned back to look at her. “I know I said I didn’t, but I do like you like this. All cranky and pushy. It suits you just as well as your clipboard.”
“I miss my clipboard.” She sighed as I closed the door.
“We’re taking good care of her, miss.” The younger nurse smiled at me.
“I know you are. She’s healing quickly!” I touched her shoulder in gratitude. “She’s not normally so prickly.”
“I think it’s a defense mechanism,” the older nurse offered. “She doesn’t want people to treat her like a frail, broken thing. So she’s pushy and grumpy. Makes her look stronger.”
“I think you’re right.” I nodded my head. “But I kind of like it.”
“Your brother said the same thing.” The dreamy look on the younger nurse’s face made me smile. Despite Max’s antisocial tendencies, he had a way of making hearts flutter.
“He would know.” The doorbell rang and I smiled. “I believe that’s my ride.”
“Have a good evening.” The older nurse smiled. “I think you’re going to knock your date over in that dress.”
“Do you think so?” I looked down at the material.
“Oh yes, ma’am.” Her smile grew. “You’re practically glowing.”
“Thank you. Have a good night!” I turned to run back to my room to fetch my purse. “And don’t let Selene bully you.”
David was waiting by the fireplace by the time I made my way downstairs. His back was to me, but I enjoyed the way his tuxedo pants hugged his backside. Tabitha was chatting animatedly with him and I found myself frowning. Instead of wearing a nice dress that would fit in with the rest of the auction and partygoers she was wearing a ball gown that left little to the imagination.
I didn’t enforce a dress code for the people who worked with me. That seemed cruel and unfair. I would hate being told what I could and couldn’t wear. But if I was being honest, Tabitha looked like a call girl. And she was busy pushing her cle**age in David’s direction.
Okay, maybe I was being catty, but the dress was well on the side of ridiculous. And her cle**age put the little bit that I was showing to shame.
“Hello.” I stayed by the sofa, not wanting to compete for space next to the low fire.