It's Better This Way(52)

“Did he happen to mention how Heath is doing?” Carrie knew her aunt was beside herself for information. Her one hope was that with Hillary working at the hospital, her cousin might be able to get some insider information to relieve her aunt’s mind. One thing was certain, neither Michael nor Adam would be inclined to do so.

“He was in surgery the last I heard,” Eric said. “Your aunt isn’t with him?”

Carrie sadly shook her head. “Michael and Adam didn’t want her there. From what my mom told me, there was something of a scene, and Julia left.”

“A scene? Why wouldn’t Michael and Adam want Julia at the hospital? Heath is crazy about Julia. If he knew this, it would upset him.”

It dawned on Carrie that Eric didn’t know about the connection. Both Hillary and Marie weren’t psyched about Julia being with Heath and hoped the relationship would burn itself out. That didn’t seem to be happening, though. If anything, the two had grown closer. Seeing how good they were together made Carrie happy for them. In time, she believed her cousins would come to accept Heath.

    “Carrie?” he pressed, when she didn’t immediately respond.

“You know Julia is my aunt, right?”

“Yes, you mentioned that before.”

Carrie hesitated, unsure this would be welcome news, knowing Michael was Eric’s best friend. “Her ex is married to Michael’s mother.”

Eric frowned as he processed this news. “Let me get this straight. Michael’s mother is married to Julia’s ex-husband and now Heath and Julia are dating? How did that happen?”

Unsure, she shrugged. “All I know is that they seem perfect for one another and they’re happy.”

“Then more power to them.” Eric easily accepted the information.

Relieved, Carrie leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m glad you feel that way. I wouldn’t want their relationship to stand between us.”

Eric’s arms tightened around her. “Can’t see that happening, Carrie.”

Closing her eyes, she whispered, “Good to know.”





Chapter 20




Heath heard mumbled voices. One he didn’t recognize, but the other was familiar. Straining to make out the words, his mind was clouded, and it seemed as if they were speaking in a foreign language. Slowly opening his eyes, he blinked against the bright light. It was as though he was staring into the sun. He quickly closed them again and rolled his head to one side.

“Dad, are you awake?”

That familiar voice belonged to his son. “Adam? Where am I?”

“You’re in Seattle General.”

“The hospital?” The last thing Heath remembered was being with Julia on the tennis court.

“You had a heart attack. They had to operate and you now have three stents. You’re going to be okay, but you sure gave us all a scare.”

Heart attack? Three stents? Suddenly his entire world was spinning. His heart was perfect at his last physical. He didn’t know how that could have changed overnight. It made no sense. His physician had given Heath a clean bill of health. He ate the right foods, drank red wine sparingly, and religiously exercised. In fact, the doctor had claimed he wished all his patients were as dedicated as Heath was.

    “I need to let Michael know you’re awake,” Adam said.

He heard his younger son talking and realized he was on the phone. “Dad’s awake.” This was followed by a pause. “Yes, I’ll tell him.”

“Tell me what?” Heath asked. While his thoughts remained muddled with questions, he was able to hear only one side of his son’s conversation.

“Michael is on his way,” Adam explained.

Now that his vision had cleared, he looked around the room and was surprised not to find Julia. “Where’s Julia?” he asked.

Adam hesitated. “I have no idea.”

“She was with me earlier.” Now that his memory had returned, he remembered her stricken, horrified expression as he collapsed. Her fear had matched his own.

“Yes, she was,” Adam confirmed. “She was the one who called nine-one-one and made sure you got to the hospital.”

Knowing Julia, she must be worried out of her mind. “I need to talk to her,” he said, eager to reassure her. Eager to have her close to his side.

“That’s not a good idea, Dad.” Adam looked uncomfortable as he walked over to the window and looked outside.

“Why not?” Heath asked, finding the words thick on his tongue. He fought back the need to sleep, refusing to give in until he could connect with Julia.

    “You need to rest. Michael and I will talk to you about her later.”

“No, I want Julia here. If you won’t call her, then I will.”

“Dad, please, that isn’t a good idea.”

No way was Heath willing to let his sons deter him from talking to Julia. He wanted her with him, needed her. No one could convince him she wouldn’t be here now, unless someone had prevented it. Instinctively, Heath knew his sons were the ones responsible.

Despite his best efforts, he fell asleep, waking again when he heard Michael and Adam whispering. He kept his eyes closed, because they were talking about Julia, and he wanted to hear what they had to say.