Page 57

“I try.”

“I bet if you asked Spike, he’d take you out for a spin. He might even have one of those sidecar things.”

My eyes bugged.

Cody laughed again. “The look on your face—”

“Can you see me in a sidecar?”

“While holding Dickens’s cat Ari who would be wearing goggles? Absolutely. I’d pay good money to see that.”

I’d met the rather rotund cat, Aristotle. Quite a charmer, she was. I wasn’t really a cat person, but I’d found myself enchanted by her.

Jai heading our way caught my eye, and I rose.

As did Cody.

Jai offered a small smile. “They’re resting. The doctors want them to stay the night. Chris asked if I could stay as well, which I will.”

I nodded. “How about I run to Timmies and grab you a coffee? And maybe a dozen donuts for the staff?”

“Yeah, that would be a great idea.”

Cody gazed between the two of us. “I can come back in the morning to pick you and Chris up. Or do you want us to bring your SUV here? Demetrius and I would be happy to do it.”

I appreciated Cody’s understanding I just wanted to help.

“Would you mind?”

“Not at all.” I smiled. “I’ll drive Cody now. He’ll drive your SUV here, and then he’ll be able to drive his car back to camp.”

“Or I can drive Demetrius. Do you have a preference for who drives your SUV?”

Jai met my gaze. “Would you mind doing it? Then Cody can get back to the camp sooner.”

“Of course.” I offered a smile. “I’ll do the Timmie’s run on the way back.”

“There’s a 24 hour one just down the road. I’ll show you.” Cody held my gaze. “I’ll be out front when you’re ready.” He nodded to Jai and then headed out.

We stood for a good thirty seconds just gazing at each other.

“I can’t…”

“I don’t expect you to.” I resisted the urge to take his hand. “You’ve got a lot going on. You’ve got my number. Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you need a hug?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, that I can do.” I pulled him into my arms, tucking his head under my chin. “You’ll be okay. Everything’s going to be okay.”

“You’re right. I spoke to Chris’s family. Chris assured them that they were fine, and they didn’t need family swooping down and taking over.”

“Ah.”

“Chris’s dad had to be talked down, but their mother made a sound and reasonable case why they wouldn’t be able to do anything anyway and since they were on vacation, why not stay? She said they’d come if Chris wanted them to. In the end, Chris didn’t.”