“You’re a funny girl, Jade. I’m gonna sleep some more, okay?” He was already closing his eyes.
“I assume he’s getting pain meds in that IV, but did the doctor set up medication for withdrawal symptoms?” I tried to read the chart hanging on his bed. “Also, he looks rather pale.”
“I’ve already put a call in to the doctor about his pallor, and that extra bag there is for the delirium. And before you ask, he is already getting antibiotics,” his floor nurse answered. “Can I get you anything?”
“I’m going to stay with him overnight. Do you think you could bring me a pillow and blanket?” I gestured toward the recliner chair. “I can sleep in that chair, apparently, since I already did.”
“I’ll get that for you. You should go home and get whatever you need. He’s going to sleep for a few hours. I just gave him more pain meds.” The nurse smiled. “Go on, get some food and a change of clothes. Allen tells me you were in the water. Those clothes probably need to be changed.”
“Thanks, but Bobby is getting his wife to get me some clothes so I don’t have to leave him tonight.” I thanked her and she left the room.
“Jade! Jade! Are you there?” Dad called out.
Chapter 22
Sawyer
Itossed and turned the better part of the night. I was having second thoughts on doing this bride thing, at least this mail-order bride thing. The sun had just filled the sky when a knock came at my door.
“Sir, your Aunt Victoria is on the land line. She says she’s been trying to reach you,” Josh called from outside my room. “I’ll have her call you again on your cell now.”
“Thanks, Josh. Can you get breakfast ready? I’ll be out soon.” I called out, then reached for my ringing cell. “Hey, Aunt Victoria. Sorry, I couldn’t sleep all night, then I guess I passed out.”
“Were you boys drinking all night as usual?” Aunt Victoria asked, then went on speaking. “I gave up on trying to reach Asher.”
“We were up late working on the bride plan that we’re going to discuss with you,” I said, matter-of-fact. “And yes, I drank some, and Asher drank everything.”
“Sounds about right! My plane will be landing in about thirty minutes, but I can’t get ahold of the marina,” Victoria said.
“Ah, the Admiral was injured and his daughter had to rush him to the hospital yesterday,” I explained. “They’re very professional. I’m sure you’ll have a boat waiting for you.”
“See you soon. And wake that son of mine up and feed him before I get there.”
“I’ll even make him shower,” I laughed and hung up.
“Yo, Asher. Get up, man. Your mother just got me up.” I banged on his door. “Don’t make me come drag you out of there.”
“Why are you banging on my door and yelling like a maniac?” Asher yelled. “Where’s the remote to open the door? Wait, I found it. You better have food with you.”
“Get out of that bed. Your mother and sister are landing on the main island, so they’ll be here sooner than you’ll be ready to be seen.” I pulled the covers off of him. “Meet me in the kitchen in fifteen. I’m going to get a shower and you need one, too.”
“Just because this is your island doesn’t mean you get to boss me around.” Asher threw a pillow at me as I walked toward the door. “You better start being more fun.”
I’m fun. I’m always fun. He just forgets because he’s a drunk.
My cell chimed and I knew the text was going to be Aunt Victoria.
“Marcus, I’ll have my breakfast out on the veranda. Bring Asher’s out, too,” I said as I pulled my cell out of my pocket.
“We’ve landed and are arriving at the marina. See you soon.”
“Glad you landed ok. Hope you’re hungry. Marcus makes a mean omelet.”
“I can always make room for his food.”
“Let me know when you leave the marina.”
“Will do.”