Page 28 of Should the Sky Fall

“Mr Reeves?”

Dawson stands up. “Yes?”

Ellis stands next to him. The doctor gives him a glance, but turns his attention back to Dawson.

“We just finished the surgery.” A hint of a smile. “Your husband will be alright. He’ll need to stay in the ICU for longer than we intended. We’ll keep him sedated for a couple more days, but—”

Dawson’s thoughts begin to wander. He’s vaguely aware of what Dr Wells is saying, catching a word here and there.

“Missed bleed… happens sometimes… seat-belt syndrome…”

They don’t always make sense, and honestly, it makes no difference. Cal is alive and he’ll be up in a few days.

And things will go back to the way they were.

“We had to perform exploratory laparotomy. We opened up his abdomen to stop the bleeding,” he explains when he sees their blank expressions. “It will require some extra post-op rehab and home care, but if you follow the instructions everything should heal with no issues.”

Dawson nods absently while Ellis asks questions. Dawson just tunes him out. He should probably pay more attention, but he’s not sure it would stick.

“You should go home, too,” Dawson says when the doctor leaves. “You heard him; Cal is sedated.”

Ellis sighs. “Yeah, I know. And I do have a shitload of stuff to iron out. It’s just…”

“I know.”

Ellis eyes him with concern. “Will you be okay?”

Unlikely. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“It’s not the same. You know that.”

Swallowing hard, Dawson looks away. Ellis’ gaze is way too intense, not unlike Cal’s. They both have the ability to make a person feel like they’re a bug under the microscope. For Dawson, who hates being the center of attention—positive or not—this is really uncomfortable.

“I’ll be fine. I might stay with Kieran for a bit.” He doesn’t want to impose, but he wants to stay at the apartment by himself even less. Hopefully, Jess will survive his company for a few days.

Ellis nods. “Good idea.”

They walk towards their respective cars. Dawson takes five minutes to put himself together, using the time to shoot a text to Kieran.

Dawson:Could I stay with you for a few days?

The response is instant.

Kieran:Pack your stuff. I’ll pick you up in an hour.

Dawson smiles, tearing up a little. He really should give Kieran more credit. He’s made it clear to Dawson several times that friends come first. If only Dawson could say the same for himself. He’s the shittiest friend one can have. Hopefully there’s still time to make up for it.

Dawson:My suitcase is still in my car. I can head straight over.

He laughs at Kieran’s message.

Kieran:Then put your phone away and get your ass over here.

Dawson puts his phone away and gets his ass in gear.

“Sorry about the mess,” Kieran says as he opens the door to his apartment. “I would’ve cleaned up if I knew I’d have a guest.”

Dawson snorts. “No, you wouldn’t.” He doubts Kieran even owns cleaning products. “That’s fine. I don’t care.”