For Better or For Worse

by Debbi Quattrone

  He shrugged out of his suit jacket and hooked it on his finger as he silently walked beside Marvin down the hall. He’d traveled this same path nine years ago, when he’d found out about the cancer growing inside Sara.

  God, this couldn’t be happening again.

  Sara had been only thirty, as well.

  Damn it. He was jumping the gun. Panicking for nothing. This was probably about Jenny’s health insurance. Or maybe they wanted to keep her overnight for observation. Yeah, that was it.

  “Have a seat, Alex.” The doctor motioned to the overstuffed black leather chair facing his desk, then closed the door.

  His office hadn’t changed, except the walls seemed to be a little closer now. Alex tugged at the collar of his shirt. “Tell me what’s going on,” he said before the man could sit.

  “Are you related to her?”

  Alex shook his head. “She’s here for her father’s funeral. As far as I know, she doesn’t have any other relatives.”

  The doctor pursed his lips in indecision.

  “Don’t do this to me, Marvin.”

  The man’s expression softened. “Ethically I shouldn’t be discussing her medical problems with you.”

  “I understand.” He wouldn’t accept anything less than a full explanation.

  “But since she still isn’t very coherent and we really need to keep her here...” He sighed. “It looks like she might have a tumor growing at the base of her spine.”

  “What?” Ed hadn’t said a word to Alex. “Would she know about it?”

  “I can’t see how she wouldn’t. She has to be in pain at times, maybe even have some difficulty walking and sitting. It’s fairly large. It should have been removed by now.” Marvin pinched the bridge of his nose. “Although it’s in a tricky area.”

  Thoughts were spinning and colliding inside Alex’s head. He couldn’t think straight. “Are you sure? How did you discover it?”

  “The ER doctor had X rays taken. He thought he felt something when he examined her. When she remained unresponsive, he went ahead with a couple of tests and the X rays.”

  “Good thing.” Alex stared out the window, trying to gather his wits. “What now?”

  Marvin stayed silent for so long, Alex looked at him. The man’s face was a mask of concern. “You’re assuming she didn’t know about the tumor. I’m guessing she knows, but she’s chosen not to do anything about it.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  “Like I said, it’s in a tricky area.”

  “Meaning?”

  “It may not be worth the risk.”

  Alex took a deep breath. “Paralysis?”

  “That’s certainly possible.”

  “And?”

  Marvin’s somber gaze gave Alex the answer before he said, “If it’s malignant, the prognosis would not be good.”

  The room spun. A cold sweat broke out down Alex’s back. This wasn’t a surprise, so why did he feel like the wind had been knocked out of him? “But she must know the tumor’s benign, right? Or else she’d have surgery.”

  “Only she can answer that.”

  Alex wanted to punch a wall. “Anything else?”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You don’t look it.”

  “Of course I’m concerned,” Alex said, “but I don’t even know her that well.”

  “I suspect this has brought up some painful memories.”

  Alex shrugged. Hell, yeah, it brought up painful memories. But what was he supposed to do? Abandon Jenny? She was Ed’s daughter. “Can I go see her?”

  “She’s in ICU. I’ll take you in.”

  Both men stood. “Intensive care? Something you aren’t telling me?”

  “No, we’ll be moving her shortly.” Marvin paused at the door. “I advised you of her condition as a personal courtesy. It’s strictly between us. You’re going to have to let her explain as if you have no knowledge of her condition.”

  “I understand, and I appreciate the confidence.” Alex shook Marvin’s hand again and followed him out of the office. He knew it wasn’t easy for an upstanding doctor like Werner to breach a patient’s confidentiality. He’d relied on and trusted the information Alex had given him about Jenny’s lack of relatives.

  The thing was, as far as Alex knew, Jenny really was alone. Ed had never mentioned any serious boyfriends. Of course, she might have chosen to keep that aspect of her life from him. Just like she’d withheld the information about her health.

  This wasn’t going to be easy—getting her to open up to him. But Alex had to try. If she dug her heels in and refused to discuss it, he’d be forced to back off. Man, he hoped she wouldn’t do that. Yet he meant nothing to her, and if she hadn’t told her own father...

  They stopped at the nurses’ station, where the doctor gave orders to allow Alex free visitation. Two doors down, Marvin motioned him inside. Jenny lay on a bed, her eyes closed.

  The doctor clapped him on the back, nodded and then continued down the hall.

  Alex stood frozen in the doorway. Jenny wasn’t hooked up to anything, not the way Sara had been toward the end. But God, he hated hospitals. The smells, the sounds, even the pale green walls. Pretty sad for a vet who had to perform surgery at least twice a month. But that was different.

  He stepped inside, his eyes trained on Jenny, waiting for some movement. For a moment he thought he saw her lashes flutter, but it was a trick of the lighting and his own tired eyes.

  Had they given her medication for pain? She hadn’t complained of any at the cemetery, but he doubted she would have. He turned to ask the nurse at the station. They had to have given her something. She shouldn’t still be out like this.

  “Alex?”

  He swung around. Jenny was trying to sit up. “Hey, easy does it.”

  She blinked and sank down under the encouraging pressure of his hand. “What happened?”

  “You fainted.”

  She frowned and put a hand to her head. “Oh, my God. We were at the cemetery. All those people...”

  “Relax,” he said, keeping his hand on her shoulder when she tried to sit up again. “You’re not the first person to faint at a funeral service.”

  Her gaze surveyed the room. “I’m in a hospital?”

  “Yes. Community General.”

  “For fainting?”

  “I couldn’t get you to come to. I thought it best—”

  She jerked away from him and tried to sit up again. “I can’t be here.”

  He couldn’t keep restraining her, and she sat upright. “Why not?”

  “Where are my clothes?” She clutched the front of the gown once she realized all she had on was the thin cotton hospital issue.

  “Probably in the closet. The doctor hasn’t released you yet.”

  “I don’t care.” She moved to the edge of the bed. The back of the gown opened, exposing her pale slim back. She twisted around, trying to cover herself. “Would you mind looking in the closet for me?”

  “Yes.”

  She blinked. “Excuse me?”

  “You haven’t been released from the doctor’s care yet.”

  “For Pete’s sake, I only fainted. You said yourself I’m not the first to pass out at a funeral.”

  Alex forced himself to stay calm. He realized from the panicked look on her face that she knew about the tumor, but she wasn’t going to tell him. And he wasn’t about to let her leave here. “They took X rays.”

  “What?” The panic slid into anger. “Who gave them the right?”

  “The doctor thought he felt something at the base of your spine.”

  “That’s ridiculous.” She quickly averted her gaze, but then anger brought her attention to him. “They told you that?
”

  “I overheard.”

  “Damn it.” She exhaled loudly.

  “Why are you so edgy?” He kept his voice low and soothing, hoping to lessen her agitation.

  “Because I don’t have medical insurance, that’s why. And this all has to cost a fortune.”

  The information threw him. “Aren’t you covered by your job?”

  She looked away again. “No. I really wish you’d get my clothes.”

  Alex knew what hotel chain she worked for—a large international company. They would offer insurance. Legally, they had to offer it. Unless she no longer worked for them and hadn’t told Ed.

  “Fine. I’ll get them myself.” She hopped off the bed, trying to keep the hospital gown from gaping.

  “Okay.” He went to the closet and found her navy blue suit. He had no intention of dropping the subject, but he knew he wouldn’t get anywhere now.

  She stared at him, her clothes clutched to her chest. “Would you please wait outside?”

  “Oh, yeah, of course.” His thoughts had been speeding like a runaway train.

  While she changed, he told the duty nurse Jenny would be leaving, then he left a note for Dr. Werner to call him. What he wanted to tell the man he had no idea. But they had to do something.

  Jenny opened the door. Her complexion was devoid of color, and she looked frailer than she had this morning. The smile she gave him didn’t reach her eyes. “How about giving me a ride to the B and B?”

  He shook his head. “You’re coming home with me.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  ALEX POURED THEM each some peppermint tea and set the cups on the table. Jenny had remained stubbornly silent the entire way to his house. Too bad. She was here and she was going to talk to him.

  “Do you want sugar or lemon or anything with that?”

  Arms folded across her chest, she shook her head. “Technically, I believe you’ve kidnapped me.”

  He indicated the phone with a jut of his chin. “The number to the police department is written inside the phone book.”

  Her lips twitched. “Very funny.”

  He took a seat at the table. “I should remind you that I did not force you into my car.”

  “Yeah, but—” She sighed. “Okay, what do you want?”

  “The truth.”

  She eyed him for a moment. “What gives you the right to ask about my business?”

  “It’s not about having the right. I was your father’s friend. He’s not here, and I’d like to think I’m acting on his behalf.”

  Pain narrowed her eyes. “That’s not fair.”

  He scrubbed at his face and sank back in the chair. It probably wasn’t fair to bring up Ed, but Alex was desperate. He also meant what he’d said. He owed Ed a stab at trying to help Jenny.

  “Look,” she said, her voice softening. “I know you mean well, but this isn’t your problem.”

  “I know, but I can still want to help.”

  Her light brown eyes got a little glassy, and she sniffed. “You can’t.”

  “Let me be the judge of that.”

  “There’s too much you don’t understand.”

  He hesitated, hoping he wasn’t about to open a can of worms. Damn it. He had to tell her. Reaching for her hand, he said, “I know about the tumor.”

  She jerked away from him. He heard her sharp intake of breath. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Yes, you do. How long, Jenny?”

  She shot up from the table and picked up the phone.

  “What are you doing?” He went to her and took the receiver out of her hand. Her skin was ice cold.

  “Please give that back to me so I can call a cab.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “Will you take me to the B and B? Now?”

  “After we talk.”

  She moved aside, but he caught her by her shoulders. She was so slight she felt like a child.

  “Alex, please don’t do this.” Her eyes were glistening and pleading, and he almost gave in.

  “What would be the harm in talking to me?” he asked in a low, soothing voice. “Whatever you say stays right here. Between us.”

  She sighed heavily, and he could almost feel the fight drain from her. “You’re right about the tumor. How did you know?”

  “I saw the X rays.”

  Anger sparked in her eyes. “The doctor showed them to you?”

  He shook his head, hating that he lied, but he had to protect Marvin. “I saw the radiologist studying them. I’m a vet. I look at X rays all the time. Animals and people aren’t that different.”

  She looked skeptical. “Pretty sloppy hospital if they let everyone nose around.”

  He smiled. “Can we sit down and finish our tea?”

  She nodded, and he found he was reluctant to release her. So small and fragile, she stirred a protective instinct in him that had long ago gone dormant.

  Jenny moved first, and he lowered his hands. She seemed grateful to be sitting again, and lifted the cup to her lips. “Let me heat that tea up.”

  “It’s fine. Really.”

  He sat down, thinking what he needed right now was a shot of whiskey. Strong. Straight up. “Can I get you anything else? Some toast or crackers maybe?”

  “No, thanks.”

  “You should try to eat something.”

  “Trust me. I can’t.”

  He didn’t push. Just then, a scratching sounded at the door. “Aw, shoot. I forgot about Bagel.” He got up and let the golden retriever in.

  Jenny gasped.

  Alex grabbed Bagel’s collar before he made a beeline to her. “Sorry, I should have asked if you were okay with dogs.”

  “Of course I am.” She held out the back of her hand for Bagel to sniff, and Alex let him go. “He’s beautiful.”

  “Not too loud. He already has a swelled head.”

  She laughed and scratched the dog’s ears. He was putty in her hands. “You’re so pretty, aren’t you?”

  “He’ll be three next month and still thinks he’s a puppy.”

  “That’s okay. Nobody wants to grow up, do they, boy?” She stroked his back, then ruffled the fur near his jaw just the way he liked.

  This was a new side to Jenny, Alex thought. Even her face had relaxed, and she looked young and carefree. Just as she should.

  But it wouldn’t last. They still had to talk.

  “Come on, Bagel, let’s get you some chow.” He drew the dog’s attention by getting a can of food out of the cupboard. “I’ll only be a minute.”

  “Take your time.”

  He smiled at the glint of mischief in her eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.”

  “Great.”

  That he glimpsed some humor gave him hope, and he hurried to feed Bagel. When he returned less than a minute later, Jenny was pouring them both more tea.

  “Thanks.” He reclaimed his seat and waited for her to begin.

  She took a couple of unhurried sips, her brows furrowed in thought. She was probably trying to edit what she was about to say. Setting the cup down, she sighed. “My doctor discovered the tumor about six months ago.”

  “You’ve known a long time.”

  “Longer than that...I mean, I didn’t know it was a tumor, but I’ve been sick for almost two years.”

  Alex shook his head. “What took them so long to diagnose you?”

  “Because of where the tumor is located, my symptoms mimicked several other diseases. They kept running tests that came out negative.”

  “For a year and a half?”

  She made a wry face. “I didn’t exactly go to the doctor right away. I’d broken my leg and hu
rt my back skiing the year before, and I thought that was where the pain had come from. But it wasn’t just pain. I’d get really weak and my legs felt as if they couldn’t hold me up. Kind of like when you have a bad case of the flu.”

  “So you put off going to the doctor.”

  She shrugged. “I was busy at work with the new hotel opening.” Her laugh held no humor. “The irony is that when I couldn’t keep up the pace, I got fired.”

  “Why didn’t you go on medical disability?”

  “I hadn’t been diagnosed yet.”

  “But you knew something was wrong.”

  Jenny shook her head. “I thought it was fatigue, that my boss was right and I simply wasn’t up to the task of opening a new hotel. So when they gave me the opportunity to resign rather than have my records show I was fired, I accepted.” Admirably, she didn’t look bitter when she added, “But there was no mistaking the fact I was fired.”

  “Legally your health insurance didn’t have to stop.”

  “I kept the coverage and paid for it myself. But it was difficult to find another job when I couldn’t even get out of bed some days. I’ve been living off my savings. I lost my insurance the month before they found the tumor.”

  Alex didn’t know what to say. So many things made sense now. “So basically, money is the only thing holding you back from having surgery.”

  She put her cup down and stared at it. “It’s more complicated than that. The tumor is encased in nerves, which makes the surgery risky. Only a few doctors can perform the operation.”

  “And you haven’t found one to take your case?”

  “Not exactly.” Her lips curved in a wry smile. “I haven’t found one to do it for free. The cost will be incredibly high, plus there’d be months of physical therapy.”

  Alex let the information sink in. He had money put away, but he doubted it was enough to cover everything she was talking about. “Your dad didn’t know any of this.”

  “Oh, God, no. He couldn’t have done anything but worry.”

  “At least you would have had a place to stay.”

  “I’m an optimist. The specialist I need practices in New York.” She laughed humorlessly. “I guess I was hoping for a miracle.”