“Hi.”
I spun to see Kayla with her fingertips on either side of the kitchen doorway. “Good morning,” I said brightly. “Tea is ready, and I was going to make toast.”
Her smile fell. “I don’t think I can eat today.”
Taking her tea in one hand and her elbow in the other, I guided her to the dining table. “And yet, you’re going to eat two pieces of toast, and have a glass of orange juice as well as your tea.”
After she sat down, she turned slightly, sticking out her bottom lip like a bratty child. “I don’t wanna.”
Then we both laughed together as I took her hand and guided it to her teacup. “We can’t have dizzy spells at the doctor’s, so you’re going to need blood sugar. I’m not being a jerk here, it’s science. Right?”
“Yeah, I know. I’m just…”
My hand skimmed over the top of her head, stroking her hair. I couldn’t help it, even though I managed to not pull her into my arms. “You’re nervous as hell. I get that. I’m going to be right there with you.”
I turned to go back to the kitchen, but her arm shot out, grabbing wildly until she gripped my hand. “Liam, will you come into the office with me? When he takes the bandages off? I know some people are squeamish about eye stuff, but–”
“I’ll be there,” I said quickly. “I’ll be holding this hand. I won’t leave you.”
Her shoulders rose and fell with a shudder of relief. “Thank you.” As she released my hand, it struck me all over again how I’d have to let her go later today. I was grateful that she couldn’t see my face fall as I went to make us breakfast.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
* Kayla *
When Gwen had taken me home from my surgery, she had a practiced manner of holding my arm under the elbow, keeping our hips in line so that her walking guided me smoothly.
I preferred Liam’s manner of holding my right hand against his chest while his left arm curled around my back, holding my hip. He walked me as if we were dancing. He was steady and patient. It felt like he was watching several steps ahead, to warn me of any upcoming obstacles.
Even though I was terrified, I knew that knowing the truth would be best. No matter how the surgery turned out, no matter how I was healing, it would be better if I knew so that I could move on with my life and adapt accordingly.
I hadn’t had any trouble with the healing, other than a dull ache and a bit of slight itching from the bandages. I tried to believe that was a good sign.
Liam walked me into the medical building, taking the elevator up and escorting me to the ophthalmologist’s reception area.
“Kayla Mowat, here to see Doctor Murphy,” Liam said.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” a high pitched, nasally voice responded. “We called Kayla ten minutes ago. Doctor Murphy has the flu and won’t be in today.”
Liam’s hand slid up to begin gently stroking between my shoulder blades. “Ten minutes ago we were already in a cab,” he said smoothly, but I could hear anger creeping into his voice. “Who is covering for him today?”
“Well, nobody, really. We’re super busy you see and–”
“Hold on, I’ll be back in a second,” he told her. Liam guided me to a chair and patted my shoulder. “I’ll sort this out, little one. Stay still.”
“Okay. Thank you,” I whispered. Swirling dread washed through me. Waiting even longer? I couldn’t. The thought made me queasy. It felt like there were at least two or three strangers in the waiting room. Not knowing was unnerving, since I was already so terrified.
I could hear Liam muttering to the receptionist. His deep voice sounded darker than usual. The receptionist tried to suggest I come back in a few days, but he was obviously furious at the way she was so flippant. Liam was demanding to see whoever was the absolute head of this practice.
Then Liam’s voice was close to me. “I’m right here, Kayla. We’re going to go see a different doctor, okay? Doctor Williams is the head of this facility. He’s one of the top-rated ophthalmologists in Ontario. So he’s probably qualified.”
I could hear him smiling, and attempted a giggle. He helped me up gently, whispering in my ear, “I know you’re scared. I’m going to be right here with you.”
Liam led me to a treatment room, sitting me in a chair that felt like it was in the center of the space. He pulled another chair over, sitting close as he held my right hand. His thumb stroked along my skin, making me realize that he was nervous as well.
“You don’t have anything to worry about,” I said. “I can’t wait to see what you look like. At this point, it’s funny… I don’t have a clear picture of you in my mind, so any picture at all is going to be amazing.”
“Don’t you worry about me, Kayla. Let’s focus on you. How are you feeling?”