Piper smiled weakly. “Of course.” She turned to her computer and began typing as Josh and Elsie fell into conversation. Why was Margaret looking into buying more land? Briarwood was already too much property for her. She brushed away the thought. It was none of her business what Margaret decided to invest in.
She’d hoped Josh would divulge more of his conversation with Drew, but she couldn’t bring it up again without sounding nosy. She forced her attention to the task at hand, pulling up potential properties. But her mind kept replaying Drew’s words. Even though she couldn’t say them out loud, her heart repeated the words she wished she’d told him with every tick and tock of the clock on the wall, each passing second taking him farther from her.
I miss you. I miss you. I miss you.
Chapter Thirty-One
“Hey, good to see you again, Piper.”
“Hey, Jerome,” Piper said, nodding to the hospital clerk she now knew by name. “Glad to see you’re still smiling.”
His grin widened. “Miss Piper, you’d bring a smile to anyone’s face.” He leaned forward on his desk, his eyebrows furrowing in concern. “How’s your dad?”
She shrugged, knowing the worry was written all over her face. “I talked to my mom this morning and he wasn’t doing very well. I’m just praying he can get a liver transplant before it’s too late.”
Jerome frowned and crossed his fingers, holding them in the air. “I’ll be praying right along with you, girl.”
“Thank you.” She gave him a grateful nod and hurried toward the elevators. She wouldn’t have long to visit before she had to get to the Silvermine. She stifled a yawn as the elevator doors closed. She hadn’t slept well last night—or any night since she’d last seen Drew. Dark circles were forming beneath her eyes that even her trusty concealer couldn’t hide anymore. Piper ignored her reflection in the metal doors and fidgeted her purse strap, wishing the elevator would move faster. When she stepped out onto the second floor, the nurse stopped her.
“Your dad isn’t here, Piper.”
She frowned in confusion. Nobody had mentioned that her dad might be changing rooms. Had something happened? “Not here? Where is he?”
The nurse pointed up. “He was moved a few hours ago. Fifth floor.”
Piper blinked. “Okay. Thanks.” She turned and stuck her arm out to keep the elevator from closing. Why hadn’t her mom told her about the change when they’d talked this morning? Probably because it had just happened, and her mom was exhausted from round-the-clock care for her dad. She pressed the button for the fifth floor, tapping her foot as the door slid closed. She bit her lip, wishing she’d asked what was on the fifth floor—was it ICU? She couldn’t remember. The elevator dinged and she practically burst through the doors as soon as they opened.
The nurses at the desk looked up in surprise.
“George Robinson?” Piper asked.
A nurse who was leaning against the counter pointed down the hallway on her right. “Suite Six. Is he expecting you?”
She stared. “Ye-yes, I’m expected.” She held up her hand, “I’m sorry . . . did you just say, ‘suite’?”
His smile deepened. “Our nicest one. Let me take you there.” He walked around the nurses’ station. Piper was barely aware of the teasing looks the other nurses gave him as he hurried to her side. “Are you family?”
She nodded, her mind a flurry of tangled questions. What was her father doing in a suite? Were her parents so out of touch that they considered an upgrade in the realm of what she could afford? She was going to be sick. The nurse made small talk and she tried to nod at the right times, anxious to get to the room and see her dad.
“Here you go.” He tapped on the door and stuck his head in. “Mr. Robinson, you have a visitor.” He smiled at Piper and opened the door wider. “Let me know if you need anything.”
She registered that his smile was borderline flirtatious and she’d barely acknowledged him. She glanced at his nametag. “Thanks, Kyle. I will.”
He nodded and she walked into the room, her eyes widening. She had no idea hospital rooms like this even existed. The suite was spacious, and light, feeling less like a sterile hospital and more like a luxury studio apartment. A large vase of flowers sat on the table by her father’s bedside.
Her mom stood, her face bright as she went to Piper. “Can you believe this?” She reached up and kissed her on the cheek.
Piper shook her head. “No. I can’t. What are you guys doing here?” She tried to keep her voice calm, trying not to panic.
“They moved me here a couple of hours ago,” her dad said.
Piper went to him. He was propped up in an oversized hospital bed, looking weaker than before. She noticed with alarm that his skin was taking on a yellow tinge, but she arranged a smile on her face. “How are you doing today, Dad?” She kissed his cheek and he took her hand.
“Did you ever think a guy like me would be in a place like this?” he asked, shaking his head slowly from side to side.
She sat in the chair next to him, not wanting to think about having to kick her parents out of this room when they were obviously so thrilled to be here. “It’s very nice,” she hedged.
“Nice? It’s the lap of luxury!” her mom gushed. “Have you seen the bathroom?”
“I couldn’t believe it when they wheeled me in. I thought there must have been some kind of mistake,” her dad added.
Piper frowned. “Wait—you didn’t ask to be moved here?”
Her mom snorted. “We didn’t even know they had suites. Apparently, we have a private sponsor who arranged it, though they’ve asked to remain anonymous.” She shook her head. “It’s like we’ve won the lottery. Can you believe we’d be so lucky?”
Piper squeezed her dad’s hand. “I’m pretty sure luck had nothing to do with it.” It had to have been Josh. He was the only person she knew who could afford this. The level of his generosity stunned her.
“You haven’t even told her the best part, Sonja.” her dad said.
Piper looked between them, noticing her mom’s eyes misting over.
“It looks like your father is going to get a transplant,” she said. “Much sooner than we expected.”
Piper’s breath caught. Her eyes widened as she looked at her dad. “Oh, Dad. I’m so relieved!” She put her head on his shoulder, careful not to bump any cords.
He gently patted the top of her head. “I don’t deserve it, that’s for sure. I’m getting a second chance.” His voice choked off at the end and he cleared his throat. “You’d better believe I won’t waste it.”
Tears rolled down Piper’s nose and onto her cheeks. “I know you won’t, Daddy. I know you won’t.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
“Josh, please give me a call when you get this,” Piper said, leaving him a voicemail before ending the call and dropping her phone into her lap. She checked her rearview mirror and then looked over her shoulder to back out of her parking space at the hospital. She’d stayed a bit longer than she’d intended. Her dad’s doctor had come in just as she was leaving and she’d had a few questions for him about the transplant.
She pulled out of the hospital parking lot and made her way toward the Silvermine, her thoughts swirling. She needed to talk to Josh and thank him for his generosity in helping her parents. But for some reason, the only person she wanted to talk to right then was Drew. Her phone rang and her heart picked up, wondering if it might be him.
She answered without looking at the screen. “Hello?”
“Piper, are you available? I have a bit of an emergency,” Leah said.
Piper blinked a few times. “I’m on my way into work, but if it’s an emergency I can call in and let them know I can’t make it.”
“No, don’t do that,” Leah rushed, “I know you need the money. Savannah has a wedding and I can’t reach Jade so I thought I’d see if you were free.”
Piper had never heard Leah sound so stressed. She was always calm and collected.
&
nbsp; “I’m in Chicago,” Leah hurried on, “I’m about to take my next flight to Miami and my mom needs help.”
Piper’s brows furrowed. “What happened, is she okay?” She could hear the airport security announcement in the background.
“My neighbor found her wandering on the street, several blocks from our house.” Her voice shook.
“Oh, Leah. I’m so sorry.” Piper’s heart ached for her friend. Her mom had early-onset Alzheimer’s and so far, Leah had been able to take care of her. But it sounded like that wasn’t going to work anymore, especially with how much Leah had to be gone for work.
“She’s getting worse. I’m going to have to find someone to stay with her until I’m done with my route in two days. Can you think of anyone who might be available on such short notice?”
Piper blinked, the name coming to her like a bolt of lightning. “Actually . . . I might have the perfect girl. Drew’s sister Olivia has been looking for work.”
Leah was silent for a few beats. “Would you be okay with me asking her?”
Piper didn’t hesitate. “Of course. But I don’t have her number. I’ll give you Drew’s number and he can put you in touch with her.”
Leah blew out a long breath. “You’re a lifesaver.”
“Let me pull over after and I’ll send you his info right away.” She guided her car into a nearby parking lot and put it into park before sending the number. “It’s done. Good luck. And let me know if Olivia isn’t available. I can come help your mom if not.”
“Thanks, Piper. I’ll keep you posted.” She ended the call and Piper made her way back into traffic, hoping Drew would pick up when Leah called.
She made it to the Silvermine several minutes late, rushing into the kitchen with her bag. “Hey, Romero,” she called.
“Hey, lady,” he said, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “I’ve got the chess board all set up. Ready for a rematch?”
She pointed at him and smiled as she rushed by. “You’re on. I’ll try to take it easy on you this time.”
He shook his head and turned back to his stove, whistling along with the mariachi music playing from a small radio.
Piper darted to Gary’s office, giving the doorframe a couple of quick taps. Gary looked up from his desk and smiled. “What can I do for you, Piper?”
She entered, taking a few steps forward. “I was just at the hospital, visiting my dad.”
He set his paper down and clasped his hands. “How is he?”
She gauged his reaction but didn’t find anything beyond concern in his expression. “He’s in really good spirits. A private sponsor arranged for him to stay in a hospital suite. Do you know anything about that?”
His eyes widened and he leaned back. “I wish I could take credit, but it wasn’t me. I’m thrilled for you, though. This sponsor will relieve some of your financial burden, I’m hoping?”
She shifted her weight. “Yes. The hospital stay anyway. I’ll still need to help with the lab work, testing, and other fees, so you won’t be getting rid of me anytime soon.”
He dipped his chin. “I’m happy for my sake—and for our customers’—but I hate to see you working yourself so hard.”
She shook her head. “I enjoy my work here, and I appreciate you letting me take on the extra hours. You’ve helped me more than you know.”
He sighed. “Okay. But don’t hesitate to take time off if you start getting burned out.”
“Will do.” She gestured behind her. “I’d better go. Laura gets grumpy if she’s on her own too long.” She winked before she could catch herself. The winking was already happening. Maybe it was contagious.
Gary smiled. “Better get out there then. Keep me updated on your dad.”
She nodded and hurried to the back room to change into her uniform.
***
“Piper, there’s a gentleman at a table in my zone asking if you can be his server,” Laura said, giving Piper a hip nudge as she placed an order in the clip.
Piper turned, her lungs squeezing in hope. “Is it . . .?”
Laura frowned and shook her head. “Not him. But this guy isn’t hard on the eyes either. When are you gonna tell me your secret for drawing in all the good-looking men in this town? The scenery around here’s never been so good.” She flashed a toothy smile and Piper raised an eyebrow, wondering who it could be.
They went to the circle window in the door leading to the dining area and peered out together.
“That’s him, in the lime green polo,” Laura said, nodding to the guy sitting alone on the edge of the room. Piper gasped and Laura turned to her with big eyes. “You know him?”
“It’s my boss.” She grabbed her notepad, not waiting for Laura’s reaction before pushing through the door. She made her way straight to Josh, who had his head bent over the menu.
“Josh.”
He looked up and smiled. Before Piper could think, she reached down and hugged him.
He hugged her back. “Wow, this is a pleasant surprise,” he teased. “Can I expect this every time you see me now?”
She pulled away, taking the seat across from him. “I tried calling you earlier.”
He nodded. “I know. I thought it would be fun to see you at your other job. Do you mind?”
“Not at all . . . especially because now I can thank you in person.”
“Thank me for what?” He quirked an eyebrow, searching her face.
She flushed, ducking her head. “For being so generous with my dad. At the hospital. It will take me a while to repay you, but I promise you I will.”
“Piper.” He touched her hand, waiting until she met his eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She blinked. “You aren’t the sponsor?”
He gave a short laugh. “I’ve sponsored a few events here and there—a float in the
parade. Team jerseys for the town little league. It’s good for business.” He leaned back. “But I didn’t sponsor your dad. I wish I could take credit.”
She stared at him, stunned. If it wasn’t Gary or Josh, that only left one other possibility—but one that didn’t make sense. She closed her eyes, feeling sick. Drew, please tell me you didn’t.
“Is everything alright?”
She opened her eyes again, forcing a small laugh. “Everything’s fine. I’m just trying to find out who’s responsible for helping my dad. This anonymous sponsor has made a huge difference in his life, and mine.”
Josh’s hazel eyes turned thoughtful. “There’s a lot of anonymity going around lately.” He shook his head. “I wish you luck in finding out who it is.” He leaned forward, taking her hand again.
Piper stared down at his hand, confused.
“Listen, Piper. Dinner wasn’t the only reason I came in tonight.”
Her eyes flicked to his, her stomach muscles tight as she worried where this might be headed. Please, no.
“I was kind of hoping that I could take you out sometime . . . as more than just your boss.” His gave her a cajoling smile.
Oh boy. Piper felt the air leave her lungs, and suddenly she realized why Drew thought Josh’s pictures were smug. In the same moment she realized she would compare every guy she ever dated from here on out to Drew, knowing no one would never measure up.
She brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, her mind racing to come up with an answer that wouldn’t cost her her job. She cleared her throat. “Josh, I’m flattered, and I really enjoy working with you. I wouldn’t want to do anything that might jeopardize that.” She lifted a shoulder. “So I think it would be best if we kept things professional between us.”
He let go of her hand and sat back with a sigh. “Fair enough.” His mouth twisted and he drummed his fingers on the table. “It’s not what I was hoping to hear, but it’s fine.” He shrugged. “If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.” He winked and picked up his menu. “So, what’s good here?”
Piper stood, slightly stunned but mostly relieved. That con
versation went much easier than she’d hoped. She dug out her notepad and pen from the pocket apron at her waist. “You can’t go wrong with the steak, but if you’re not in the mood for that I can make a couple of different recommendations.”
After he made his selection, she jotted down his order and headed for the kitchen, her mind dizzy with questions. She wouldn’t have a moment’s peace until she talked with Drew.
Chapter Thirty-Three
“Drew, can you reach that hot chocolate mix on the top shelf?” Olivia asked, cradling the phone to one ear while pointing up to the shelf.
Drew stepped forward, easily reaching the high shelf and handing the can to his sister. She was nodding into the phone. “Uh-huh. Okay.” She took the mix to the counter and found a mug in the cupboard. “Sure, Leah. It’s no problem at all. Your mom is really sweet, so thanks for giving me the opportunity.”
Drew took a few steps out of the small kitchen and peeked into the living room. Leah’s mom, Carol, was sitting in a recliner, watching TV. She wore a content expression, so he didn’t want to disturb her. He and Olivia had picked her up from a neighbor’s house a few hours ago after he’d gotten a call from Leah. Carol had been confused and agitated at first, so he was happy to see her looking calmer. Olivia had been on the phone with Leah for several minutes, jotting down instructions.
When he heard his sister ending the call, he stepped back into the kitchen. Olivia turned to him with a smile. “Leah is so sweet. She’s offered me a job caring for her mom.”
“That’s awesome.” He leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms. “Will it be full-time or part-time?”
“She works full-time as a flight attendant, so I’ll come help when she’s on her trips. It works great for both of us.” Olivia stirred the hot cocoa. “I won’t have to commute to Denver, and she won’t have to stress every time she has to go out of town.”
He nodded, not wanting to be nosy, but needing to ask. “Will she be able to pay you much?” He wasn’t sure how much money flight attendants typically made.
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