Page 64 of Gin & Jewels

“Cassie, we’re almost to the hospital. Just hang in there,” one of the paramedics said.

Shannon looked at the paramedic and then looked at me. I met her eyes and clarified, even though my brain was fuzzy, “My real name is Cassie.”

She gave a small smile. “It’s okay, honey. I trust my son that everything is for a good reason.”

“I love him,” I admitted.Why was my mouth saying that to his mother?

She patted my hand. “You don’t know how happy that makes me.”

“Hey, Cassie, I’m your recovery nurse. How are you feeling?”

“I …” I tried to speak, but my throat burned. I tried again. “My throat hurts.”

“Let me get you some water. Your throat might be a little sore because of the breathing tube they inserted during the surgery.”

I nodded and waited for her to pour me some water. Once she did, she helped me sit up so I could have a small sip out of the straw. It felt good going down my throat, almost soothing.

“You’re just going to stay here for about an hour to see how well you do as the anesthesia wears off. Once that happens, we’ll move you to a room.”

“Okay.” I took another sip of water but felt nauseated, so I stopped. “When can I see my …” I hesitated because I wasn’t sure what to call Brad and Shannon, and I had no idea what had happened to Keith.

She took the cup from me. “The doctor has spoken to your friends and family. Once we get you into a room, you’ll be able to see them. Close your eyes and get some more rest.”

I woke to whispering.

“What do you mean you were shot in a robbery?” Shannon asked.

“I was with a woman I was dating, and Cassie’s brother came in with his friends and robbed the place. I disarmed him, and when I did, his other friend—the one I shot tonight—shot me.”

“He shot Keith,” I corrected, not opening my eyes.

“Cassie, you’re awake,” Brad stated, and I heard movement.

I tried to open my eyes, but I was too tired. “Micky shot Keith accidentally, and it went through him and into you.”

“He did?”

I nodded but fell back to sleep before I heard anything else.

I woke again when a nurse came in to take my vitals “How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Sore.”

“I’ll put in for more pain meds. Just rest.”

Brad was sleeping on the small couch, but Shannon wasn’t in the room.

“He insisted on staying even though visiting hours are over.”

I smiled as I stared at him. When he’d told me he wasn’t going anywhere, I guess he meant it.

“Hey.” I smiled at Brad as I woke up again. Light was coming in through the blinds, and I realized it was morning.

“Hey.” He stood and moved to my bedside, brushing hair off my face. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay.”

He smiled. “It’s the meds.”