“Here? In the hospital?”
“Yeah... it’s just easier.”
“But surely, you’d be better off at home? In your bed, familiar surrounds and all that?”
Tegan shifted in her bed. “Can we just drop it, please?”
Owen thought for a minute of replying but instead held her hand. “OK.”
“Hail the conquering hero!” came Fiona’s voice from the doorway, approaching and high fiving Owen. Now Tegan was awake, she could obviously congratulate him properly. “Jesus, you gave us all a heart attack against Williams. Please, tell me it was for dramatic effect. Don’t do that shit again.”
“Wish I could. But he got me good.”
“Nope, dramatic effect. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it,” she said, walking towards the bed, looking down at Tegan. “Doc says you can go home until Monday.”
“I’m not really feeling great.”
“Of course you’re not, but if they think you’re OK to go home...” Owen started.
“No...” Tegan replied, closing her eyes, appearing to try and control her breathing. Or her temper. “If I have another attack, like before, it’s best if I’m here.”
Owen again tried to respond but was stopped this time by Fiona who called his name and beckoned him outside. He excused himself and joined her.
“Look, I didn’t want to say anything in front of Teegs because it would embarrass her. She has nowhere to go. She’s been kicked out of her apartment for not paying the rent.”
“Oh shit.”
“Don’t say anything, I’m not supposed to know. I’m going to get her to bunk with me until she gets back on her feet. Unless you want her to stay with you?”
Owen looked back and forth from the room to Fiona. “It’s probably best if she stays with you. She’s being a bit funny with me. I think I’m making her uncomfortable.”
“No... she’s been through hell. Just give her time.”
Owen nodded. “OK.”
“Speaking of going through hell, what’s this about you retiring?”
“I’m not. I’m just not fighting Diaz.”
“It’s your title shot. I don’t get it, why?”
“Because I have somewhere I’d rather be. Someone I’d rather be with.”
Fiona blinked repeatedly. “You’re giving up your dreams... for Tegan?”
“Yeah...” Owen shrugged. “Let him say what he wants. I need her more than I need the title.”
“Wow,” was all Fiona could muster though Owen did get a twinge of disappointment.
“Oh hey,” Owen started, leaning in and kissing her on the cheek. “I never thanked you for your help with Williams. You saved my arse.”
Fiona let him kiss her but didn’t move, staring at the floor instead. “Didn’t really mean much in the end, though, did it?”
“Yeah, well. I’m doing the right thing.”
“You sure about that? The right thing for who?”
“For her.”