Page 80 of Vain

“Until now,” he agrees.

I look around and frown. “Where is Greyson, by the way? I thought he’d be here waiting for news.”

“He’s been running errands in the evening while Matilda has been working late. You know, dry cleaning, groceries. Because I only ever remember to grab the things I cook with,” he admits, looking at his watch. “He’s usually back by now. So if I had to hazard a guess, I’d say he’s where you just came from.”

I tap my forehead. “Of course he is. I should have figured it out.”

“Matilda is his daughter in every way but blood.”

I shove another mouthful of cake in and nod, letting him know I understand.

“I’m the cool uncle. In case you were wondering.”

“Obviously. And I think she’ll love you even more if you package up a couple of slices of that for me to take back.”

“Now that, I can do.”

“I’m just going to run up and grab the keys to my truck. The police had Matilda’s car towed. But even if they hadn’t, it’s in no state to drive.”

“No problem. I’ll put together some bits ready for when you come down. Might I suggest you grab Matilda something to sleep in and something to wear home tomorrow? If the press have caught wind of what happened, they’ll be all over the hospital tomorrow.”

“Shit, good shout.”

“Not my first rodeo.” He smiles sadly.

I tap the counter and head up the stairs. It’s hard to believe that it’s only been hours since we rolled out of bed to head to the set, but it feels like days.

I grab my keys first and my charger for my phone before deciding I might as well take a quick shower and get cleaned up myself. The scrub top is not exactly the warmest thing in the world. Fifteen minutes later, I’m washed, dressed, and packing a bag for Tilly. I opt for pajamas for the hospital, noting how cold it was earlier with the AC on full. I go for yoga pants, a purple Henley, and an oversized hoodie for tomorrow. I shove it all into my gym bag, not knowing if Tilly has one. I find a pair of sneakers in her closet and a makeup bag in the bathroom, so I throw them in, too. I pick up some toiletries she’ll need and her toothbrush before packing it all and hauling it downstairs.

I hear voices as I reach the kitchen and find Greyson sitting in my vacated seat. “Hey.”

He turns to look at me, his eyes bloodshot, his skin pale. I notice the ice pack on his hand and look to Marley for answers.

“He punched a wall.”

I look to Greyson for more. “Another hospital, another hospital bed. She’s had enough. She looked so small and fragile. I was too scared to hug her in case I hurt her.”

“I get it, trust me. I want to fucking kill whoever did this. For a split second, when the car flipped, I thought I’d lost her.”

His face pales even further.

“But she’s okay, Greyson. She’s strong. Stronger than all of us.”

“She is, isn’t she?” He smiles. It’s small, but it’s something.

“So, no more beating up walls, okay? Tilly will be pissed if you hurt yourself.”

“Yeah, yeah. Marley already read me the riot act.”

“Good.”

“Are you heading back? They wouldn’t let me stay long because visiting hours were over.”

“Let them try to remove me.”

Marley snorts as he hands me a carrier bag. “Cake and snacks. Tell her not to eat the hospital food. It will make her sick.”

I laugh but agree with him. “I’ll let you know tomorrow when she gets sprung.”