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It looks different now though. Before I thought that no one saw the crying woman in the middle of the crowds, but from this distance it seems that a few of the people’s gazes have shifted, their focus solely on her. She’s not alone, even though she feels like it. She’s seen and loved by the people closest to her. The only ones that matter.
“Where did that come from?” I ask.
Connor looks where I’m pointing. “Oh, a police officer came and delivered it while you were asleep. He said they just recovered it and the museum wanted you to have it. You never told me that painting was on the other side.”
There’s probably a lot I didn’t tell him, but I’m stuck on the fact that an officer just “brought it by.” An officer? Or a person dressed as an officer? Because why would the museum give me something they rightfully bought? They didn’t. Liam brought it. Maybe he’s not so bad after all. I’ll have to clear things up with the museum, but for now, I’m grateful to have it back.
“Was the officer tall with dark hair and blue eyes?” I ask to confirm my suspicions.
“Yeah,” Maddie says. “Pretty attractive too.”
“You know I’m sitting right here,” Connor says.
“I know.” She presses her lips to his cheek. “I like keeping you close enough to kiss whenever I want.”
Now I’m nauseous again.
“Hey Connor, can you help me?” I say before they start making out.
“Yes!” He jumps out of his chair and is at my side in a moment.
“I can’t sleep without my fuzzy blanket. Can you get it for me?”
“You don’t own a fuzzy blanket. You say they make you too hot to sleep.”
I don't recall those words ever coming out of my mouth. “Well, I’ve changed my mind about them. I’m a new woman who almost died and fuzzy blankets are how I choose to evolve. “Can you get me one, please?”
I can see him wanting to argue, but he’s too worried about me and he gives in. “Okay. I’ll see if the gift shop is open.”
“If not, there’s a Target down the road,” I yell at his back.
“Maddie?” I call her once Connor is gone.
She’s at my side almost as quickly. “What do you need?”
“Do you think you could bribe the nurses to turn Psych on that TV?”
She snorts. “I’ve got my tablet in the car. I’ll go get it for you.”
“You glorious goddess.”
Maddie chuckles and reaches for my IV stand, wrapping the cords around the basket. “Better take this with you when you search for Caleb,” she says with a wink.
A slow grin grows on my lips. “You’re the woman of my dreams. Don’t let my brother tell you differently.”
“Would you like me to tell you where he is?” She asks, helping me stand.
“Nah, I like a mystery.”
“Just don’t get kidnapped again, please.”
“I make no promises. Danger finds me.”
“Then you better stick with Caleb.”
“Like a fly on rice.” My voice comes out all high and sing-songy. It’s kind of fun to be loopy.
“You mean white on rice.”