Chapter Twenty-Six
Everett
"Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Vivienne asked, looking concerned.
I wasn't, but how could I tell her about what had happened with Liza earlier? There was no way I could mention that. Not without getting into a world of trouble.
"I'm just... tired I guess."
"Well, we have done it three times already since you got back from the hospital," she said with a flirtatious grin and a wink.
I chuckled, appreciating this moment of levity.
"No, it's not that," I said.
"I know," she countered. "I was just joking. Wow, you really must be exhausted. And I can see why; this drug thing at your school, your daughter in the hospital... And it's not like I'm entirely blameless either, I know that. You're worried about me, and you're running around watching out for me on top of everything else. And I really, really appreciate everything you've done for me, and everything you keep doing for me. I want you to know that."
I gave her a long, tight hug.
"Thank you, Viv. I am tired... but that's never stopped me before. I just keep on going and going. It's what I do."
"I can see that – but everyone reaches a point where they burn out, and you need to be careful that you don't burn yourself out, alright? You aren't going to be able to help anyone if you are."
"I know, I know."
"You have to practice some self-love, you know. And I'm aware that that sounds like some new-age bull crap, but it's important to take care of yourself. Burnout is a real thing, and it can have bad consequences."
"Don't worry," I said. "I'll make sure I'm getting enough rest and eating well."
"You better," she said, and then she kissed me. "I care about you very much, you know."
My phone rang as I was leaning in to kiss her. I got it out and saw that it was the hospital.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Mr. James. Dr. Alvarado has recommended that your daughter be discharged, so you can come pick her up now if you're able to."
I smiled. "I'll be right over. Thanks."
Vivienne looked at me with a hopeful glint in her eyes.
"Good news?"
"Excellent news. Jane can come home."
She threw her arms around me and hugged me tightly.
"Finally! You must be so excited! Well, come on, let's go pick her up right now. And we can watch a movie with her when she gets back. If you'd like to, of course."
"I would like that," I chuckled. "I think you're more excited than I am. But she can come tomorrow. I’m going to settle into my usual chair here by her bed and I’ll call you in the morning."
***
We pulled into my driveway, and Jane's face lit up, beaming a huge smile. "Daddy! We're home! We're home!" She was still sick but was much better than she had been.
Vivienne was waiting for us on the front steps when we got out of the truck. It was wonderful to see her so happy, and from the broad, warm smile on Vivienne's face, I could tell she was feeling the same thing.
"Yes," she said to Jane. "Welcome home! Are you happy?"
"Very, very, very, very happy!" exclaimed Jane, still gushing with joy. "I don't like the hospital. I don't want to go there. I want to stay home! I like home!"
Vivienne hugged her. "Don't worry, sweetheart," she said in a soft, reassuring tone. "You won't be going back there. You'll be staying at home."
"Will you stay here, too, Vivienne?" asked Jane.
Vivienne and I exchanged a glance, and we both smiled.
"I will tonight if it’s okay with your dad," she said.
"And tomorrow night?" asked Jane excitedly. "Can we have ice cream? And will you stay here again?"
Vivienne laughed warmly. "Well, maybe! We'll see. Now come on, let's go inside. You want to watch a movie, don't you?"
"Yeah! I wanna see a movie!"
Vivienne turned to me. "I'll take her in while you put your truck away."
"Thank you," I said, handing her the spare house keys.
She leaned across and gave me a quick peck on the lips, and then picked Jane up and took her to the side door.
Things felt like they were finally falling into place. I parked the truck and killed the motor. As I was about to grab Jane's bag and get out, my phone buzzed with an incoming text.
It was from an unknown number, so I opened the message and started to read.
"Hi, Ev. It was great to see you again yesterday. Ever since I saw you, I haven't been able to get you off my mind. I hope we can see each other again soon. Really, really soon, actually. XXX – Liza."