“Sure, no problem.” After he finished the paperwork, he called each of his siblings, giving them what information he could. His sister Maria said she’d come right away, but her kids were asleep and her husband was out of town. Leo told her that if there was a significant change in their dad’s diagnosis, he’d call her. His other siblings said they’d be there in the morning. Then he sent a text to Angelo.
Angelo replied a few minutes later. I’m at the movie with Grant. I’ll have him drop me off at the hospital.
Leo hoped he hadn’t made Grant feel like he had to be Angelo’s best friend too. You don’t need to come at this point. I’ll let you know if anything changes with Dad.
Now that everyone was in the loop, he checked on his mom. One of the nurses must have brought her a blanket, and she was staring blankly across the room. Thankfully the ER waiting room was empty, so there wasn’t any other stressful situation going on. “Do you want a water or coffee?”
His mom blinked, then met his gaze with her watery eyes. “Water is fine.”
When he returned with two water cups, he handed one to his mom, then sat beside her. She reached for his hand. “What would I do without you?”
Leo gave her a half-smile. “Call one of your other kids?”
His mom shook her head. “They aren’t like you in an emergency. Your sisters would have just bawled their eyes out, and your brothers would have been yelling at the paramedics.”
“Lucky me.” Leo wrapped his arm about his mom’s shoulder and kissed her cheek. “Sorry I didn’t answer on the first ring.”
His mom took a sip of her water, and Leo noticed that her hands were shaking. “She must be a special woman.”
Distraction might be good for his mom at this point while they waited for news on Dad. “Felicity is different from any woman I know,” he said. “In a good way, I think. We’re opposites in a lot of things, but we also have a lot in common.”
“Like what?”
“Well, we’re both stubborn.”
His mom gave a soft laugh. “You need a stubborn woman to put up with you.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said. “And I think Felicity would too.”
Surprisingly, his mom didn’t pepper him with any more questions. She only patted his hand and said, “I’m happy for you. You need a good woman in your life.”
Leo was about to protest, to say that he was perfectly able to survive life without a girlfriend, but his mom leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. He closed his eyes, too, knowing he wouldn’t be able to sleep; but for now his father was in good hands.
Felicity had been staring at her phone for what felt like hours. She didn’t know if it was okay to text or call Leo to find out how his dad was doing. What if his dad had died? That would be the worst phone call ever. She couldn’t get the expression on Leo’s face out of her mind. Full of anguish. His actions had been calm, though, almost robotic. A man who was no stranger to emergencies. How must it be when it was his own father?
So she waited. And wondered.
The rain started again, and Felicity listened to the drops hitting the windows as she scratched General’s head. It was nearly midnight now, and so whatever had gone on with Leo’s dad was probably either a lot better, or a lot worse. Again she debated whether or not to reach out to him. They were dating, barely, and really, things were still so new between them. She hadn’t even met anyone in his family yet . . . well, if she didn’t count Angelo. She pictured the hospital waiting room filled with members of the Russo family. They’d all stare at her if she showed up. And if she did go, what would Leo think? Would she be another complication to the night, or would he be glad to see her?
Felicity continued to do nothing, but each moment she second-guessed herself. Finally, she couldn’t not know anything, so she texted Leo. Checking to see how your dad is doing.
Simple, short.
No reply. After another full hour, she texted Livvy. If you’re up, call me. If not, no worries. She didn’t want Livvy to wake up to another panicked message.
Seconds later, the phone rang.
“Livvy, you’re up,” Felicity said.
“Is everything okay?” Livvy asked, concern in her voice.
“Can I borrow your car tonight?” Felicity said, then went on to explain what had happened with Leo.
Livvy was silent for a few seconds. “First of all, sorry to hear about his dad. But . . . you’re dating Leo now? Wow, I’m trying to wrap my head around it.”
Felicity exhaled. “Well, get over it. Yes, he’s hot, but I’ve been told I can be cute under certain circumstances.”
“It’s not that,” Livvy quickly corrected with a laugh. “I’m just . . . impressed?”
“That’s not much better,” Felicity teased. Her tone sobered when she said, “I’d have your car back in the morning, promise.”
“Sure, no problem,” Livvy said. “Do you want me to go with you? I mean, maybe Slade is there too.”
“I think it’s going to be awkward enough with me showing up and meeting the entire Russo family for the first time,” Felicity said. “I’ve been debating all night, and he hasn’t replied to my text, so I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad thing. Or if he doesn’t want to deal with me.”
“Take my car,” Livvy said. “And keep me posted on whatever happens. I’m not going to be able to sleep, anyway.”
“Sorry,” Felicity said.
She heard the smile in Livvy’s voice. “That’s what friends are for. We stay up all night worrying together.”
After hanging up with Livvy, Felicity went into her room and changed into something more presentable. Then she brushed her hair and braided it. She pulled on a jacket, then hurried over to Livvy’s house. Livvy met her at the door and gave her a quick hug, then handed over her keys.
On the drive to the hospital, Felicity grew more and more nervous. But her nerves also wouldn’t let her stay at home and stare at her phone. She decided that if the waiting room was full of people, she’d quietly leave.
But when she walked into the lobby of the ER, she only saw one person in there. Leo sat on one of the chairs, his elbows propped on his knees, and his face buried in his hands.
Felicity froze. Had his father died? Was Leo sitting here alone and grieving? Maybe the rest of his family was in their dad’s hospital room.
She couldn’t move. She wanted to go to him, but she also didn’t want to intrude. Taking a step back, she was about to turn around, when Leo lifted his head. Her heart pretty much melted right there when she saw his face transform from tired and worried, to surprise, then relief.
“Hi,” she said, her voice sounding odd. “I wanted to check if you were all right.” For some reason, tears stung her eyes when he rose, crossed the room, then pulled her into a hug.
He was glad she’d come, she realized. She hugged him back, still not knowing what was going on with his dad.
Leo was so sturdy and solid, and holding onto him probably gave her more strength than the other way around. “I texted you,” she continued, “but didn’t hear from you.”
He drew away but kept his hands at her waist. “My phone died a while ago, and one of the nurses was going to round up a charger, but she must have gotten busy with something else.”
Felicity kept her hands on his upper arms, glad that she’d come, and that Leo was being so receptive. But . . .
“Dad had another stroke,” Leo said, answering her biggest question. “We got to see him about an hour ago, and my mom’s still in there. Probably asleep in the chair by his bed.”
“I’m so sorry,” Felicity said.
Leo blinked against the redness in his eyes. “Me too. The doctors won’t know the damage until they run more tests in the morning. My mom has had so much on her plate caring for him with his previous limitations. And now, we don’t know what the future will hold.”
“Do your brothers and sisters know?”
He nodded. “My
siblings will show up sometime in the morning, but I didn’t want to leave my mom here alone in case she has another breakdown. I feel bad enough for ignoring her calls.”
“Did she try calling your other siblings?” Felicity asked. Or 9-1-1, she wondered, but she already knew the answer to that.
“I’m sort of my mom’s go-to person in situations like this,” Leo said. “Being a cop and all.” His brow furrowed, and he scanned her hair, her face, her clothing. “Don’t tell me you rode your bike here.”
Felicity smiled at that. “No, I borrowed Livvy’s car.”
Leo nodded. “Sorry I didn’t get to look at your car tonight.”
Felicity gazed into his warm, brown eyes. “Forget my dumb car. What about you, Leo Russo? Who takes care of you?”
His mouth twitched. “You sound like my mom.”
“I think I like her already,” Felicity said.
Leo smiled.
“Officer Russo?” a woman’s voice cut in. “The doctor would like to speak to you and your mother.”
A woman in scrubs who appeared to be in her fifties walked into the lobby. She gave Felicity a pointed look. In a small town, even the nurse at the hospital knew Felicity wasn’t a family member.
Leo released her. “All right,” he told the nurse. “Thank you.”
“I’ll wait here,” Felicity said, moving toward the row of chairs.
Leo nodded, then followed the nurse. A few steps down the hall, he turned back around, then strode to Felicity before she could take her seat. He cradled her face in his hands and gave her a gentle kiss.
“Thanks for coming,” he whispered. He released her before she could respond.
She stood in the middle of the floor, watching him walk away, as all kinds of emotions rippled through her.
Her eyes started burning with tears again. What was wrong with her? She took a seat, feeling breathless and shaky. She was probably tired too. Pulling out her cell phone, she sent a quick text to Livvy, telling her about Leo’s dad and how Leo had hugged her. She’d keep that kiss to herself, because, truthfully, she was starting to feel overwhelmed.
Leo was the real thing, and Felicity’s heart knew it. She’d never been in love before, but things with Leo were different. When she was around him, she felt so much more; she felt everything, and she wanted to be there for him. She didn’t want him to have to sit in a hospital waiting room alone.
But she wasn’t good at relationships. She wasn’t good at family life—like what Leo had with his family. She was good at being alone and having limited friendships.
When Leo returned to the waiting room, there was another woman with him. Felicity knew instantly that the dark-haired, dark-eyed woman was his mother. Her hair had probably once been impeccably coifed, but the curls now drooped, and the circles under her eyes attested to a difficult night.
But when her gaze connected with Felicity, the woman smiled, and Felicity saw the resemblance between mother and son in that smile.
Leo’s countenance was bright, too, and Felicity hoped that meant they’d had good news from the doctor.
Felicity stood at they neared.
“You must be Leo’s mom,” she said, holding out her hand.
But instead of taking her hand, Leo’s mom pulled Felicity into a hug. She couldn’t be more surprised. Her own parents weren’t huggers.
“Thank you for coming,” Mrs. Russo said, drawing away. She clasped Felicity’s hands. “It means a lot to Leo.”
Felicity felt a slow burn start along her neck. What did Leo think of his mom’s frankness? She glanced over at him, but he didn’t seem bothered in the least.
His mom insisted that Felicity sit down with them. “The doctor says my husband’s suffered another stroke, but it was more mild than his first one. He will still need quite a bit of recovery time.” She reached for Leo’s hand and squeezed, then grasped Felicity’s hand as well. “Worst case, we’ll need to hire a nurse to come in and help him bathe, and things like that. He’ll be more dependent now.”
Felicity’s heart expanded in compassion for this woman.
Mrs. Russo stifled a yawn that made her eyes water.
“I should take you home,” Leo said, “so you can get sleep in your own bed.”
“No, that’s all right,” his mom said. “You’re the one who needs rest. You have to work tomorrow.”
“I’m taking the day off.” His gaze connected with Felicity’s.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to yourselves,” his mom said. “I’m going to wait the night out in the hospital room.”
She rose to her feet, helped by Leo. She didn’t need the help, but her son was being courteous. He kissed her cheek before she headed back to her husband. When Leo settled next to Felicity again, he reached for her hand.
For several moments, they didn’t say anything, and Felicity wondered what it would have been like growing up with a mother like Leo’s. “I can’t believe your mom hugged me. You must have said only nice things about me.”
Leo rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “There are only nice things to tell. And besides, my mom’s a hugger.”
“So, I’m not that special after all.”
Leo’s mouth lifted into a smile. “You’re definitely special.”
“You’re cheesy when you’re tired.” Felicity fought back a yawn.
Leo lifted his other hand to smooth her braid. The brush of his fingers against her neck sent a warm rush of sensation through her.
“You don’t need to stay,” Leo said. “Although I’m glad you came.”
Felicity smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder. Eventually she closed her eyes, and somehow she slept for a little while. When she next awoke, the ER was a much busier place. The clock on the wall across from her read 5:30 a.m. Felicity blinked her dried eyes and looked up at Leo. His eyes were closed, and he was leaning his head against the wall, his breathing steady.
Their hands were still interlocked, so she slowly disentangled her hand. She needed to shower before work, and it might be good to be gone before Leo’s entire family showed up. Meeting his mom had been nice, but it had also made her realize how different her and Leo’s lives were.
Leo stirred and lifted his head. He looked over at her, and she could see the comprehension dawn in his eyes. “You’re leaving?”
“Yeah, some of us have to work.”
His smile was soft. “Okay. I’ll walk you out.”
“You don’t have to.” Even as she said it, she knew he wouldn’t be dissuaded.
So, in front of everyone who was coming and going from the Pine Valley Hospital at that time in the morning, Leo walked with her, hand in hand, to Livvy’s car.
Felicity found the keys in her purse. “Let me know what the doctor says after the tests.”
“I will.” Leo leaned down and kissed her forehead. It was a tender gesture, and more than she expected in a very public parking lot. He held the door to Livvy’s car open as she climbed in. She started the engine, and he shut the door. She pulled out before she would watch him walk back into the hospital alone.
Three days later, Leo watched the early snowflakes drift lazily from the sky as he stood at the window in his parents’ living room. Winter had come early to Pine Valley. He could just imagine the buzz at the ski resort. Rumors had already circulated that the slopes would be opening early this year. For Leo, it meant more traffic, more accidents, and more emergency calls.
“Thanks for helping get Dad home,” his mother’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
Leo turned from the window to see his mom smiling at him. How did she always keep up such a positive attitude? The home-health-care nurse was with his dad right now. Starting today, she’d be coming every morning for two or three hours to help with his father and give his mother a break.
His mom stepped up to Leo and hugged him. “Now, go see that girlfriend of yours,” she said. “You’ve been working around the clock, or at the hospital helping me with Dad. Maria will be comi
ng this evening, and Angelo will be here too.”
“I know, Mom,” Leo said. “I just want to make sure you are all right.”
“I’m all right,” she said, then patted his cheek. “But you need to take care of you right now.”
Leo smiled. “Got it. Do you want me to bring dinner over later?”
“No, Angelo can order something if I’m not up to cooking.”
Leo nodded. He should be more supportive of Angelo helping out—he was living here rent-free, after all. Leo just hated seeing the circles under his mom’s eyes.
His phone buzzed with an incoming text, and he waited to check his phone until he got back in his car. He was relieved to see Felicity had finally texted back. He hadn’t heard from her all day, even though she’d told him she had the day off.
But when he read her text, it wasn’t exactly good news.
Not feeling too great, maybe you can look at my car another time.
Leo re-read the text. Things had been so crazy the past few days, so tonight would be the first chance he’d have to check out her car. But the tone of Felicity’s text felt off. Something wasn’t right. Not that he didn’t believe her, but she’d been quiet since yesterday when she’d met his whole family. She’d come by the hospital to bring him and his mom dinner, when apparently the rest of his family had decided to show up too. He hadn’t been able to warn her, because it had been unexpected. He supposed that a lot of Russos in the same room could be overwhelming, yet Felicity had been gracious to everyone.
She’d stayed around for about half an hour, putting up with the banter between siblings, and some awkward questions thrown at her. She’d taken everything in stride, and when the doctor delivered the news that his dad could be released the next day and continue his recovery at home, she’d celebrated with the rest of the family.
So why was his gut tight and his heart beating too fast?
He texted Felicity back: Can I bring you anything? Chicken soup?
Her reply text came moments later. No, I’m going to try to sleep it off.
He started up his car, but he didn’t head home. Instead he decided to drive by Felicity’s, just to see if he felt any less worried by doing so. But when he pulled alongside the curb in front of her house, all the curtains were closed. Maybe she was taking a nap. He checked the time to see that it was only 3:00 in the afternoon. But if she was sick, that made sense.
Finding Us (Pine Valley Book 5) Page 13