“What?” I asked.
But he’d already turned and headed through the doors indicating me and Lora should follow.
“I can wait,” Lora said.
“You can come,” I said by rote. I didn’t really care if she came with me or not. I was too focused on seeing my mother.
“I suggest you put a smile on your face, Mr. Blake. It won’t do her any good to have you look like you’ve lost your mother.”
It took me a moment, but I mustered a smile. Or at least got rid of my grimace.
“Mom.” I stepped up to the bed. She still looked so small and frail.
“Oh Cy. I’m such a burden. I ruined your date.”
“No, mom.” I took her hand. “We were done.”
She looked over at Lora. “I’m glad you came too. I know he’s a strong man, but he needs you.”
Lora glanced at me probably wondering if I was going to contradict her.
“What I need mom, is for you to take care of yourself and get better. Are you not eating? Drinking?” I thought back to the several unfinished meals. I believed she’d eaten enough. She told me she was full.
“I’m just not hungry a lot,” she said.
“Doesn’t matter mom. You need to eat to keep your strength up.” I didn’t want to force feed her, but I would if that’s what it took to keep her with me.
“Was your dinner nice?” she asked.
I growled hating that she was more focused on making sure me and Lora were together than her own health. “Mom. Focus. You need to do what you can to stay strong.”
“He’s right, Jane. You need to take care of yourself so you can be around a long time. You don’t want to miss anything in Cy’s life, do you?”
My mom shook her head. “I’d like to see him get married. I’d like to become a grandma.”
Jesus fucking Christ. The two of them were plotting my future when they should be focusing on my mom’s health.
“To do that, you need to eat and drink enough liquids,” Lora said gently.
My mom nodded. “Yes, of course.” She looked at me. “But I don’t have forever, so you need to pick up the pace, Cy.”
I wanted to tell her I wasn’t getting married and having kids just to give them to her. At the same, if it made her eat and fight for her life, I’d consider it. I glanced over at Lora. Content.
I shook my head. I didn’t want content. I wondered if Petal would be willing to move to Chicago? Or maybe I could convince my mom to move if I added a marriage and kids to it.
Holy shit, what was I thinking? I didn’t even know if Petal loved me much less would marry me and have kids with me. I was a fucking mess.
“Why don’t you rest a little bit, Jane, and we’ll take you home once we can get you discharged,” Lora said.
My mom nodded. “I’d like to go home.”
It was well past midnight when I got my mom home and settled into bed, and Lora in the guest room so she could be near my mom tonight, and not have to drive home so late.
As I settled into my bed, I wanted so badly to call Petal, but it was late. Or worse, she was on a date. Or a man was in her bed.
I growled under my breath. How did my life get so complicated?
I punched my pillow and turned to my side, hoping a dreamless sleep would carry me away.