Stay(61)

“We’ll see about that.” He finally leaves, and I exhale deeply.

Stephen is still growly, casting an angry glance in the direction Burt took. “If I ever get the chance to kick his ass…”

I put my hand on my chest, and I’m pretty sure I’ve reached the top of my stress level. Tears are in my eyes, but I actually start to laugh. Stephen looks down at me, a confused smile teasing at his lips. “You okay?”

Shaking my head, I follow him out to the car. “If you ever get the chance to kick Burt’s ass, I hope I’m there to see it.”



* * *



“Check it out! They have Netflix here!” Eli grins from where he sits holding Kona on the oversized hospital bed.

It’s a luxurious suite, complete with a leather recliner and a large, flatscreen television. We’ve filled out the paperwork, Eli’s checked in, and we’re waiting for Dr. Rourke to come by and greet us. He wanted Eli to spend the night so they could monitor his brain and watch for any unusual activity.

I packed a bag to sleep here. I was surprised when I saw Stephen did the same. “You don’t have to spend the night in this little room.” I glance around at the small futon beside the recliner.

My plan is to scoot into the bed beside Eli if it’s possible with all the monitors attached to his small head and body.

Stephen shrugs. “We’ll make it work.” Turning to my son, he flips through the Netflix options. “What’s it going to be? Pirates of the Caribbean or The Blue Planet?”

“Pirates of the Caribbean!” Eli cries as if we’re back at Stephen’s place and nothing is happening.

On the one hand, I’m glad. On the other, I hope he’s not repressing any fears.

“Good call.” Several flickers of the screen later, Captain Jack Sparrow appears, riding a sinking ship right up to a waiting dock.

Dr. Rourke taps on the door, and I’m the first on my feet, ready to hear what he has to say, hoping for any kind of relief.

“You all look cozy!” He grins, stepping forward to put his hand on Eli’s shoulder. “How’s my patient feeling today?”

“Great! You have Pirates of the Caribbean on Netflix!”

Henry laughs, his chin lifting. “All is right with the world.” He looks around the room. “All set for the night. I’m sorry to make you sleep up here. I just want to be sure there’s no unusual activity before we start.”

“Whatever you need to do.” Stephen clasps Henry’s hand in a shake. “We’re following orders.”

“This doctor orders you all to get some sleep.” He reaches out to clasp Eli’s foot. “I’ll see you in the morning, yes?”

He’s so positive, I wonder what’s wrong with me. Turning to my son, he leans down. “I want you to be well rested so you can help me while I work.”

Eli nods, his eyes round.

I know what Dr. Rourke means. By doing awake surgery, he’ll talk to Eli and use Eli’s responses to map his brain. It’s freaky as shit if you think about it too much, but it’s the most precise option, especially with this new technique.

Talking to Eli while he operates will guide Henry to the damaged bits and keep him from destroying the parts that could change him forever.

“Betty is your nurse. She’ll check in on you throughout the night. Otherwise, I’ll see you bright and early.” He smiles, and gives a little nod before leaving.

My stomach has gone strangely quiet. It’s as if my nerves decided they’ve tormented me enough. No turning back now.





24





Stephen


We’ve watched Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Eli is cuddled with Kona, asleep with his head on his mother’s shoulder.

At some point, Emmy showered and changed into thin pants and a long-sleeved shirt. I hung my blazer in the closet and got comfortable in the recliner in my jeans and red tee. Now I’m lying awake, mindlessly watching outtakes of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley goofing off in the Bahamas.

“What I wouldn’t give to be there right now.” Emmy’s voice is quiet from the bed, and I glance over to see her watching with me.

What I wouldn’t do to take her there right now. I’ve seen her come close to breaking down more than once since this process began, but she hides it so well.

Sometimes getting exactly what you want can be as hard as waiting for it to happen.

“You’re still awake?” I pick up the remote and reduce the volume, sitting up so I can see her better.

“I won’t sleep tonight.” She rotates carefully, facing me with her head on her hand. “You?”

“Not happening.”

“Feels like the night before a battle.”

My grin is tight as I meet her tired eyes. “Or the night before brain surgery.”

Eli isn’t disturbed by our voices—or by what’s coming in the morning. I’ve told him it will be okay. Emmy’s told him it will be okay. Why would he question us?

God, that’s a lot of pressure.

“What should we do?” I grin, hoping to distract her mind. “I guess Truth or Dare’s out.”