The Best of Us (Sullivan's Crossing #4)(45)

He didn’t want to watch his son go through that. Not so young.

They got to Denver at five and grabbed a quick dinner. Rob talked Finn into eating, though all he wanted was to see Maia. “You can’t stay long, anyway,” Rob said. “The night before surgery, there’s medical business. Doctors and nurses will be hanging around, her parents will be there, probably with questions and discussions. We’ll eat and go over there—you can visit with her when it’s appropriate, talk to her a little and don’t get in the way. The most important thing is that this surgery happens, successfully, so you kids can get out from under this cloud.”

“No shit,” Finn said.

As Rob pulled into the hospital parking lot his pulse picked up speed and he felt strangely light-headed. “This is between you and Maia,” Rob said. “I don’t want to get in the way. Go ahead. I’ll wait right here. Take your time.”

Finn went into Maia’s room at about six thirty. Her mom sat beside the bed and smiled at him. “Hi, Finn,” Mrs. MacElroy said.

“Hi,” he said. “Thanks for letting me come. I’ll stay out of the way, I promise. But if there’s any way I can help you and Mr. MacElroy...”

“Thank you, sweetheart. I’m going to get a cup of coffee and let you kids have a visit. I’ll be back soon.”

The minute she was out of the room, Finn moved closer and Maia reached for him. She was sitting up, looking beautiful, even smiling. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, getting a little teary. “I hate that you have to go through this.”

“It’s going to be fine,” he said. “I mean, it’s going to be hard, then it’s going to be fine. I just want you to know I’ll be here all day tomorrow. I’ll come early, before you go in, and I’ll stay until it’s done.”

“Are you driving back and forth, all this way?”

“No, we’re staying at the hotel. My dad and me. We’ll stay as long as I think I need to be close. I’m not going to get in the way tonight, but my phone is charged and if you wake up in the night and need me, call me. We can at least talk if you want to.”

“Well, hello,” someone said.

Finn let go of Maia. Maggie was standing at the end of the bed. She had the requisite doctor’s white coat on but under it she wore jeans and a knit shirt, the kind of clothing he’d see her in around town. She held an iPad, her finger running over the screen as she read it.

“Finn, I’m glad you’re here,” she said. “Maia will be happy with the cheering section. So, sweetheart, we’re going to get this done. Nice and early.”

“I didn’t think I’d see you tonight,” Maia said.

“Tonight and again tomorrow morning before the anesthesiologist gets to work. He’s here, by the way, and will come in shortly to talk to you about the anesthesia. I came up early—I wanted to see you tonight. I’m going to get a good sleep and I’m going to order you a little something so you get a good night’s sleep, too.”

“Are you nervous?” Maia asked.

“Not at all, Maia. I feel good about the procedure and I’ve done it many times before. Each time is unique, of course, but that’s why I studied and practiced. I’m very optimistic. The nurse will bring you a sedative in a little while. Finn? Are you going to be here tomorrow?”

“Yes,” he said. “Until I’m sure she’s all right.”

“Did Maia explain she’ll be in intensive care for at least a couple of days?”

He nodded.

“If it’s all right with her, you can see her for a few minutes after the surgery. The first few days can be a little stormy. We’ll be managing her pain and the drugs will make it impossible for her to be completely alert. My advice is once you know the surgery is over and successful, visit briefly, then go home. If it’s okay with Maia, I can give you updates on her condition. I’m staying the rest of the week.”

“Is it okay, Maia?” he asked.

“It’s okay, but Maggie said I’m going to look a little scary for a week or so. Maybe longer. I don’t want you to freak out.”

“I’m not going to freak out, even though it’s true that just getting my wisdom teeth pulled turned me into a giant, insane pain in the butt.”

That made her smile. “Boys just don’t do that well with pain, do they?”

“So I’ve been told,” he said.

“Then do what Maggie says. You can look at me, see I’m beat-up but breathing, then go. Maggie, can he call you for updates?”

“Sure,” she said. “I’ll give you my cell number. If I don’t answer I’m in surgery or with a patient and I’ll call you back. Try not to worry. We’re very good at this and we’re going to watch her closely. I know you know this but just let me repeat—there is recovery time involved. It will be a successful surgery but it’s serious. And we’re all going to work together to get her back to one hundred percent. It will take time and patience.”

“Are you scared?” he whispered to Maia.

“Of course,” she said. “But I want it over.”

“If you wake up in the night...”