Page 89

Dr. Kulka nodded. “The nurse will have more information for you,but I’m optimistic, given the test results. She was very lucky. We’ll keep heranother night or so to be sure we’re in good shape, and then send her home withyou.” He turned to Elle. “You were the one who pulled her from the water?”

“Yes.”

“Your CPR training prevented severe damage and likely saved herlife entirely. Without it, we would be having a very different conversationright now. You did a good thing.”

Elle nodded, emotion clearly constricting her throat. Finally, shemanaged a “Thank you. I’m just glad to hear she’s going to be all right.”

Gia hoped Elle finally understood how heroic her actions were. Shewas grateful the doctor took the time to say so.

“When will she wake up?” Dash asked.

“Anytime now,” Dr. Kulka said, and shook all their hands.

He was right. An hour and a half later, a very groggy Holly openedher eyes. Dash and Elle stood at her bedside. Gia watched from a cautiousdistance away at the door. They gave her a minute to orient herself.

“Hey, Weasel,” Holly said in a raspy voice.

The sound of Holly’s voice brought with it a wave of comfort.“Hey, yourself,” Elle said, holding her hand. She brushed the happy tears fromher cheeks. “Dash is here, too.”

“Hi, sweetheart,” he said. “You don’t know how good it is to seeyou.”

Holly nodded but didn’t say anything further after that, herdroopy eyes closing once again. But she was breathing on her own, and awake,and speaking, which felt like a big step forward. With a positive prognosis,Gia was feeling hopeful, amazed that they’d made it through this nightunscathed. She gestured behind her to silently communicate to Elle that she wasoff to check on Autumn. Elle smiled and mouthed the words “Thank you,” and blewher a final kiss. Things were going to be okay on the Holly front.

She found Isabel, Hadley, and Kate all gathered around a smilingAutumn sitting on the edge of her hospital bed. The image was like amuch-needed breath of fresh air.

“Check this out! You’re looking much better than the last time Isaw you,” Gia said, grinning from the doorway.

“Gia-Pet! I’m sorry if I scared you yesterday,” Autumn said. “I’mso grateful for all you did.”

Gia shrugged, embarrassed to have the spotlight shift to her. “Nobig deal.”

“It is, too,” Kate said. “We’re incredibly grateful.”

“And she’s getting sprung in a matter of minutes!” Hadley said,radiating the kind of sunshine they all needed. Her exuberance pulled a laughfrom the room.

Isabel sat on the bed next to Autumn and bounced. “That’s right.Fucking free as a bird. Well, for at least a few more weeks.”

Autumn grinned. “I feel like we dodged a bullet. Oh! And how’sHolly?”

“Awake and going to be okay.”

Hadley leapt up. “That’s fantastic. This is a huge day and wecan’t let it go unnoticed. I feel like we have to celebrate.” An idea seemed tooccur to her and she beamed. “Later, I’m bringing you all ice cream! Meet me inthe center of the complex at two this afternoon. Forget it,” she said, gainingmomentum. Her smile tripled. “Not just ice cream, I’m bringingtoppings,too!”

“Whoa,” Isabel said. “Toppings? That’s quite an offer.”

“Nothing will keep us away,” Autumn said happily. “Thanks, Had.”

Isabel turned to Gia and Hadley. “You guys ready to head out? Letthese folks get discharged in peace?”

Gia nodded. “Just need a moment to say goodbye to Elle. You twocan go ahead.” She kissed Autumn’s cheek. “I’m so glad you and the babies areokay.”

“Thanks, Gia. See you at home soon.”

She waved to her friends and headed to the fourth floor. Gia foundElle in the hallway when she returned, appearing more relaxed now, which madeperfect sense. She reached out and tugged on Gia’s sleeve, drawing her closer.“You’re about to leave me, aren’t you?”

Gia nodded. “Autumn’s being discharged, and Holly’s on the mend.Everyone seems to be doing okay.”

“I’m so glad,” Elle said. She placed a hand over her heart. “Thankyou, Gia, for being here for me, staying with me last night. I can’t imaginewhat it would have been like without you here. It means…a lot to me that youwere.”