Page 85 of Almost Beautiful (Beautiful 3)

Dad returned with a cup with a plastic spoon poking out from the top. He handed it to me when I reached for it.

“Thanks, Dad,” I said, spooning a few pieces of ice into my brother’s mouth.

Trenton nodded and relaxed back, his breath slowing, allowing himself to feel the misery that was taking over his body. He closed his eyes and winced, his body curling inward from the pain.

Dad stood by the bed and ran his hand over the buzz of Trenton’s brown hair. “Just rest, son.”

Trenton leaned into Dad’s touch, keeping his eyes closed.

Whatever it was, I had a feeling Trenton would be spending more than one night.

Chapter Twenty

Better

Travis

IBLINKED MY EYES UNTILthey focused in the darkness of Trenton’s hospital room.

Dad was lying still and breathing deep in a cot in the corner. I’d dozed off in a chair next to Trenton’s bed, and Cami was hunched over, using Trenton’s thigh as a pillow.

The IV pump seemed to suck in another breath, the PA system outside called for a nurse to come to the nurse’s station, and—since I’d been there—someone had come in to take Trenton’s blood twice, and a nurse had come in to take vitals and check his tubing every hour.

I wondered how anyone got any rest while recovering in a hospital. I wasn’t even a patient, and I was starting to feel exhausted and sick.

My phone buzzed, and I noticed I had several missed messages.

“Shit,” I hissed, sitting up to check my phone. Only one message from Abby, telling me good night. I smiled, refraining from replying. God, I missed her.

It was the first night we’d spent apart since Vegas, and it sucked. A lot.

The other messages were from Thomas and the twins. I scanned them and answered back.

No new news.

He’s stable.

I’ll call if anything changes.

A light knock on the door sounded, and Raegan stepped in, looking like she’d just rolled out of bed. “She sounded exhausted on the phone last night. I thought I’d come get her. Let her get a few good hours of rest before her shift.”

I nodded. “Good idea.” I leaned over to touch her hand, whispering, “Cami?”

She stirred and then sat up, rubbing her eyes.

“Raegan’s here. She’s going to take you home to get some decent sleep before you have to go to work.”

Cami looked back at Raegan, who waved sheepishly. She glanced around again, still a bit disoriented, then stood, watching Trenton for a moment before kissing him lightly on the forehead.

“Let me know if anything changes,” she said. She grabbed her things, moving without a sound, and then made a point to walk out just as quietly.

We all knew if she woke Trenton, he wouldn’t be able to rest as well without her there.

Raegan put her arm around her as they made the turn into the hall.

Moments later, Dr. Walsh slipped into the room, holding two Styrofoam cups of coffee with lids, looking like she’d just woken from nap. “Hey,” she said in a hushed tone.

“Hey,” I whispered back, rubbing my eyes.