Page 77 of Unexpected

“Ooh,” Sophia chimed in. “Cece had one of those last summer. Can I have a pink one with glitter?”

I laughed, some of my earlier tension dissipating. “If it’s an option, yes.” I turned to Dr. Carlisle. “Please tell me it’s an option.”

“Yes, but not all insurance plans cover it. And, even if they do, it’s typically more expensive than traditional plaster casts.”

“Are there any other downsides?” I asked, knowing that Sophia’s long-term health was more important than her mermaid party, even if I’d hate to disappoint her.

He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Typically, they produce less sweat and odor. And lead to fewer skin problems.”

“Great. Let’s do it.”

“Okay. Let me get the supplies, and I’ll be back.”

As I stood, I swayed on my feet, and Dr. Carlisle reached out to steady me. “Are you okay?”

I waved a hand through the air. “I’ll be fine.”

He frowned. “Are you feeling dizzy? Light-headed?”

“A little, I guess.”

“When was the last time you ate something?” he asked, coming over and flashing a light in my eyes.

“Um…I’m not sure. Maybe breakfast.” I hadn’t had much of an appetite lately. Nor had I had much time to eat.

“Hmm,” he hummed, taking my pulse, listening to my heart with his stethoscope. “I could run some tests…”

“I’m fine, really,” I said, not wanting Sophia to worry. And, really, I was fine. A little tired maybe, but I’d been running like crazy.

Tired or not, it didn’t matter. Sophia needed me. And if today’s events had shown me anything—the only person I could rely on was myself.

Chapter Twenty-Two

“What were you thinking, man?” I asked Sam.

My only answer was the beep of the vital signs monitor, the rhythmic hiss of the ventilator pumping oxygen through his lungs. His eyes were closed, hands lifeless at his sides.

I’d just dropped Sophia off at STEM camp when Indy had called to tell me Sam was in the hospital. At first, I’d assumed he was suffering a complication—one of the latest of many from his treatments. But then she’d told me he’d tried to take his life.

“Fuck.” I buried my face in my hands, wondering how I’d missed the signs. This was what I was training to do—counsel cancer patients. And I couldn’t even help my own friend.

I’d been busy with my job, with Alexis. But that was no excuse. And when Sam had called the other night… I shook my head. I hadn’t been there for him when he’d needed me most. I’d failed him.

I sat in the chair next to his bed, talking to him for a long time. I told him about Sophia. I told him about Alexis. I told him he would get through this—he had to. And that I would be there for him every step of the way.

I must have fallen asleep at some point, because the next thing I knew, someone was gently shaking my shoulder.

“Preston,” Indy said. I blinked up at her, feeling groggy. “Hey, it’s getting kind of late.”

I rubbed my face with my hands and stood. “I should probably check in with Alexis.”

She nodded, walking with me to the door. “Thanks so much for coming. I really appreciate it, and I’m sure Sam does too.”

“You’ll call me when he wakes up?”

“Of course.” She patted me on the shoulder.

How could she be so strong? So brave? I considered telling her that Sam had called the other night, but I was afraid she’d blame me, hate me. And that would break me.