“Well, that’s great news. Do you remember what happened?”
I try to think, but it’s like a thick fog I still can’t break through. So, I shake my head. “I remember cooking the chicken, then I turned off the stove to go and get changed. When I came back, the kitchen was on fire…” My eyebrows furrow. “It doesn’t make sense, Aiden.”
“It’s okay, I’m sure there’s an explanation. Do you remember anything else?”
“Just the smoke, and then waking up in the hospital. How long have I been here?”
“You came in on Tuesday night. It’s Thursday morning.”
“And you’ve been here the whole time?”
“Yes.”
“But what about work?” I ask, making Aiden chuckle.
“You’re in no fit state to work.”
I roll my eyes. “Obviously. But what about you?”
“What about me? You’re my first priority. Not work. Plus, Bree and Father have it covered,” he tries to reassure me.
“We’re going in on Monday.”
He frowns. “Let’s wait and see what the doctor says about your condition, and we’ll go from there.”
Throughout the day, the doctor comes and goes but finally informs me I’m well enough to go home. With the good news, Aiden and Callie pack all my things and take them and the flowers out to the car while I’m being discharged.
After I’m dressed, Aiden and Callie join my mom and I, and we all head to the car together.
“Look after my girl, won’t you?” Mom says, looking up at Aiden.
“Of course. Thanks for your help, Ev. We’ll be around to see you soon,” Aiden tells her while sliding into the back seat with me, and Callie gets in the front with Mike.
“The kitchen’s partitioned at the moment, and the apartment has been aired out, and everything’s been washed. The repairs are being made as we speak,” Aiden declares as he helps me out of the car after making the short drive home.
Mike and Callie walk with us to the elevator, each holding flowers from my hospital room. As the elevator reaches our apartment, I can hear banging and men chatting. The noise fills the space when the doors open.
“Repair guys.” He winks.
Walking into the living room, we place the flower arrangements on the coffee table. Curiosity gets the best of me, and I head off to check out the kitchen, but I am met by a large white plastic sheet hanging from one side of the wall to the other. The entire kitchen is partitioned off, but Aiden pulls it back. Where the fire was above the stove, along the wall and ceiling, has been completely removed. I’m surprised at how well they cleared the smell of fire. There’s a wooden framework on the wall, and a man on a ladder hammering, plus two other men doing other things, I’m not sure what. Instantly, I feel terrible that I created such a disaster zone.
I sigh. “I’m sorry. See, there is an upside, though.”
“And what’s that?”
“You should never allow me to cook again.” I grin.
He laughs. “Don’t be sorry. This is only material. I can fix that. I can’t fix you. If something had happened to you, I—” He stops and shakes his head.
I lean in and hug him while he holds me tight.
Not wanting to linger, Callie and Mike make their way to the elevator.
“Don’t forget, come to my place for meals until your kitchen is back up and running. Dinner is at six.”
“Thanks, Callie.” I smile at her warmly.
After we make our way to the bedroom, I sit on our bed and flop down on the comfortable mattress. Aiden walks to the ensuite and announces, “I’m having a shower. Are you going to be all right?” He stands in the doorway to the ensuite and slowly takes off his clothes.