My list was extensive as well as concise.
“I want Julia. I want my phone. I want to know about Margaret and Vicki and about Lena’s business that took her away.” My nostrils flared as I exhaled. “I don’t mind your being here, Liv. Thank you for coming…” I looked toward the window. “Ashland, I presume.”
Pulling a chair across the floor, Liv sat at my side, perching on the edge of the seat. “No, we’re in Madison.”
“Madison?”
“You were Lifelined to Madison. This hospital was better equipped than the one in Ashland.”
I shook my head. “How do I not remember any of that?”
Liv laid her hand over mine. “Apparently a gunshot to the abdomen is dangerous because of the infection as Neil said. Thankfully, you’re going to be all right.”
“I still can’t believe you’re here. Where is Julia?” When she didn’t answer, I said, “You know why I haven’t been in contact with you…with anyone.”
“I do. I also know you’re used to getting your way. Nevertheless, I made the decision that my little brother being shot, Lifelined, and unresponsive was more important than thirty years of family shit.”
Little brother.
I towered over her.
Liv meant youngest.
Yeah, that was me.
“Try forty-one years of shit,” I said as my expression contorted at the lingering discomfort.
“Right, Van. You’re still holding a grudge over getting the bottle while Lip and I got ours straight from the tit.”
“Yeah, that’s it. I guess it could be said that I’ve been known to hold a grudge for a long time.”
“A lifetime.” Liv shook her head. “Why can’t this all stop?”
“All what?” I closed and opened my eyes, the pounding in my temples growing louder. “And fucking answer me about Julia.”
“How about first you tell me what you recall.”
Each time my question went unanswered, my nerves grew tauter.
Inhaling, a twinge of discomfort came from my abdomen. “Fuck,” I growled, acquiescing to my sister’s demand. I’d tell her what I remembered, but I’d make it short. “Julia and I were supposed to be married.”
“I guess my invitation was lost in the mail.”
Ignoring her comment, I went on. “A week ago…” My eyes opened wide. “Wait, what day is it? How long have I been here?”
“It’s Wednesday,” she said. “You’ve been here since Saturday.”
Four days.
I shook my head as memories appeared and slipped away. Vapors of thoughts, faces, and voices. Some were real while others were simply visions. My wedding. I was on my way to the cabin.
Fuck.
The wedding.
Divorce papers.
Margaret.