Exes and O's (The Influencer, #2)(40)
I gape at him. “This is how you decide to reveal her identity? And you say I have a flair for the dramatics. Of all people, I would have understood,” I say, lowering my voice as a tiny pale child passes by with a nurse.
“I know, I know. It’s just, Angie doesn’t like when people treat her differently. I thought if you knew going into it, you’d have a warped perception of her. She’s really strong for a kid of her age and in her circumstances.”
I frown, bracing myself. “She said she had DORV?”
“Yeah. Double-outlet right ventricle. In a regular heart, the pulmonary artery connects to the right ventricle, whereas the aorta connects to the left. In Angie’s heart, both the pulmonary artery and the aorta connect to the right ventricle, causing it to circulate oxygen-poor blood,” he explains. “When Angie was born, she had her first heart surgery. But it was so complex, she needed a transplant. She’s never been healthy like most kids, but last year, she started getting really sick and the doctors realized her body was rejecting the heart. It’s rare for that to happen after so long. So she’s on the transplant waiting list again.”
“That’s awful. I can’t even imagine.” I grimace. “But I’m still confused. Why would you want me to meet her?”
He shifts his weight, his gaze to the floor. “I was kind of hoping . . . you’d help me with something.”
“With what?” I ask.
“Her tenth birthday party,” he says earnestly. Angie certainly doesn’t look like an almost ten-year-old, given her tiny frame. Although now her righteous sass makes a lot more sense. “Her mom, Payton, is way too busy with work, so I offered to do it.” Pained, he lets out the remaining air in his cheeks. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask, And what about your brother? But I don’t. “I know you’re good with parties and events,” he says. Over the past few days, I’ve been in full planning mode for Crystal’s bridal shower in a few weeks. He’s all too familiar with my Pinterest aesthetic board.
“I am . . .”
“I know it’s a lot to ask, though, and I completely understand if you’re too busy—”
“I’m in.” Given that I cobbled together and revamped my former wedding into a brand-new wedding for Grandma Flo a couple months ago (while emotionally wounded), I’m certain a child’s party will be a piece of cake. “When is it?”
“Not for a month and a half. February fifteenth.”
Exactly seven weeks away. I drum my fingers, Mr. Burns–style. The gears are already turning with the possibilities.
His squared shoulders fall with relief. “Thank you. Seriously.”
The nurse emerges, signaling we can head back in. We stay for a little under an hour, and I watch in amusement as Trevor lovingly teases her about anything and everything, like her latest crushes (“You still in love with the kid on your soccer team?”). She gets him back with some sizzling burns of her own (“Do you still eat dinner all alone every night?”).
When it’s finally time to leave, I promise to come back and visit on my breaks, if she wants me to. This pleases her. She even asks me to write down my schedule so she knows when to expect me, which I take as the highest compliment.
Trevor and I are silent as we wait for the elevator. The beeping and the high-pitched laughter of the women at the nurses’ station echo behind us.
My thoughts are heavy with a whirl of questions and concerns as we step into the elevator. “What are her chances?”
“They’re hopeful we can find a donor.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “But you never know. I want her to have a good birthday . . . just in case.”
There’s a long pause as I take in the expression on his face. After years of dealing with parents in the NICU, I’d recognize it anywhere. It’s terror.
Naturally I want to fold him into a comforting hug, but I settle for a reaffirming pat on the forearm. His muscle flexes underneath my touch.
“Don’t worry, Trev. She’s gonna have a kick-ass party. I’ll make sure of it.”
LIVE WITH TARAROMANCEQUEEN—FIGHT CHILDHOOD HEART DISEASE STACK CHALLENGE
[Tara looks somberly into the camera, dressed in a red sweater with tiny white hearts.]
EXCERPT FROM TRANSCRIPT
Tara: Hello, romance book lovers, welcome back to my channel. Today we’re talking about something non-bookish.
Did you know approximately one out of four children diagnosed with congenital heart defects will require surgery within the first year of life? And potentially more in the future?
In honor of all children diagnosed with congenital heart defects, @Emilybooklover, @MeganReadsRomance, @CurvyFitnessCrystal, and @Melanie_inthecity have teamed up. We will be donating one dollar for every red-and-white book stack any of our followers post throughout the month of January to support local Boston families of children with heart defects.
Further, my grandma (follow her at @LoopsWithFlo) is donating crochet dolls to the children’s hospital for every fifth stack. Don’t miss out! They’re adorable!
COMMENTS:
Wow this is such an amazing cause!
You are amazing Tara.