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I remind myself that Lars has known Hunter much longer than I have and is truly concerned about his welfare. I’m being a bitch for no reason, or, as Hunter would probably say, “not being helpful.”
“They don’t know, Lars, but I can tell there’s growing concern for every additional day he spends on the ventilator.”
I gently stroke Hunter’s forearm as our child moves inside of me. The small fluttery movements remind me that I haven’t eaten much today except for a few saltine crackers a nurse was kind enough to bring me.
Lars steps inside the room.
“We need to talk, Megan.”
I rub my fingertips against the back of Hunter’s thick knuckles, hoping he can sense my presence.
“About what?”
“Maybe we can step outside first?”
“For privacy?” I scoff.
“Well–”
“Hunter is in a coma, and I’m not getting out of this chair. Just say whatever you have to say right here.”
Lars sighs. “The Boss was very organized and always had contingency plans in place for most situations, except he didn't account for feelings.”
“Feelings?” I reply impatiently. “What are you talking about, Lars?”
“In case of an emergency, I think it was always his plan or intention that Vaughn and Christian would handle the business, but they are not in the right headspace to do so. The shooting happened right under their noses while they drank with DiAngelo's security. They feel incredibly responsible for what happened, so all they're thinking about is—retribution.”
“What's your point, Lars?” I'm getting annoyed by this conversation. I don’t care what those two are thinking about. It’s of no consequence to me. Hell, the shooting did happen right under their noses. Maybe they should feel guilty.
“You need to return to the Blue Whiskey and run it.”
“Gage can run it. It’s his actual job to manage it, remember?”
“Gage has Hunter's back, that’s true, but I'm not really sure about his management style. Even the boss was wondering about it lately. People listened when you were in charge, Megan. I think they respected that you used to do their job.”
Funny, that’s not how I remember it.
“Lars, I’m not leaving this hospital. What part of that do you not understand? I'm pregnant, Hunter is in a coma, and it's my job to advocate for him because he can't advocate for himself. Between you, Gage, Vaughn, and Christian, somebody should be able to run the damn business.”
Lars takes a few more tentative steps towards me.
“All I'm suggesting is that you have a conversation with them because what I do know is that The Boss is not going to want towake up and hear that his business is in shambles. He'll never forgive any of us for that.”
While I’m irked that Lars is bothering me with this save-the-business conversation, a part of me understands what he means. Hunter has had to fight for everything he has in this world, and it would crush him if he woke up and most of it was gone. While his health should be the primary focus, I must also consider other things. I hate to admit it, but maybe Lars is right.
“I just don't want to leave him. What if he wakes up alone? He may be frightened not knowing where he is.”
Or I could simply be projecting my own fears onto him.
“I’ll stay with him while you're at the club, and when you're here, I'll be at the club. We can work together, Megan. I failed him once, but I won't fail him again.”
I stare up silently at Lars and study the look on his face. It's a pained one. Maybe I must consider that other people feel just as emotional about Hunter as I do.
“You’ll call me if there's any sudden change in his condition?”
“Immediately.”
“I’ll let the nurse the nursing staff know you'll be here in my place.”