The
doctor stepped into the room. Georgia jumped out her seat, jostling William awake. Nicholas, who had not slept, was by her side when she reached the doctor.
“Your
father’s out of surgery,” the doctor announced.
Georgia
let out the breath she had been holding. As long as her worst fear did not come
true, she was certain she could handle whatever else he had to tell her.
“He
took quite a beating and he was stabbed several times. He’ll have long recovery
ahead of him.”
“When
can I see him?”
“We’re
getting him settled in a ward—ˮ
“He’s getting
a private room,” Nicholas stated.
“I was
under the assumption…well, you know…ˮ the doctor stuttered.
“What?”
The
doctor glanced down from William to Georgia. “A private room can get expensive.
How do you plan to pay for it?”
“You
only worry about doctoring,” Nicholas said. “I’ll worry about the expense.”
The
doctor glared at Nicholas for a second before he nodded his head.
“When
can I see him?” Georgia repeated.
“Right
now, he’s resting, so I suggest you go home, do the same and come back during
visiting hours.”
“Excuse
me, Doctor, but they just brought someone in,” a nurse announced the hall.
“I’ll
be right there,” he called over his shoulder, before addressing the group in
front of him. “If you’ll excuse me.”
“Glad the news was good,” William said once the doctor rushed out the room. “For a while I was wondering. He was a mess when we found him.” He glanced at his watch. “This was a long night. I’ll be lucky if I get two hours of sleep after I drop you off.”
Georgia
shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“What
are you talking about? The doctor told you to go home.”
“I
don’t care what he said. I’m not going anywhere ‘til I see my father.”
“Why?
It’s like you’re a doctor or anything.”
“I’m
not leaving.”
William
released a hard breath that sounded close to a growl. His attitude reminded her
of their earlier discussion.
“Listen,
I don’t have time for this, woman. I have to go to work in the morning.”
“Then
leave.” Nicholas’s tone was calm, yet the challenge was clear. “If Georgia
wants to stay then she stays.”
“I’m
her ride.”
“I can
drive her home.”
William
cocked an eyebrow. Georgia knew he was facing a dilemma. He did not want to
leave her there with another man. However, he had made it clear he needed to go
and would look like a punk caving in to a woman…and a white man.
Though
she understood his predicament, she was not in the mood to sooth egos. Her only
concern was her father and she was not going to leave the hospital until she
saw him. Even if it meant she had to walk home.
“William,
just go.”
He
jerked back, apparently shocked by her order. He opened his mouth, yet one
glance over her head had him pursing his lips. Georgia did not know what
Nicholas did to change the other man’s mind, but, at the moment, she was
grateful for any help she got.
“Are
you sure?” William asked through clinched teeth.
“Yes.”
“Okay,
fine.” He leaned forward, his lips aiming for hers.
Georgia
turned her head. The kiss the land on her cheek. She refused let him mark his
territory by kissing her in from of Nicholas. The only person in the hospital
who should be playing with tonsils was the doctor.
“So,
it’s like that,” William whispered in her ear.
“This
is not the time or the place,” Georgia replied before she stepped back from
him. “We can talk later.”
William
straightened. “Sure, later.” Without acknowledging Nicholas, he turned and
strolled out the room. His wingtips echoed through the hall.
Expecting
a snide remark, Georgia spun around to face Nicholas once William’s footsteps
fade. Instead of a smug grin, she saw concern in his eyes.
“Did
you want anything, while you wait?” he asked.
“You
don’t have to stay.”
“Yes,
I do.” His tone was firm; telling her there would be no more discussion
regarding the matter. He was not going to leave her side.
*****
Return to Tuesday's Tales
*****
Return to Tuesday's Tales
Great scene. What a tough situation-- her father so injured and her having to manage the menfolk. Looking forward to more.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to TT. I enjoyed your first post and look forward to reading more :-)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to TT! Really enjoyed this. The line about doctors and tonsils made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to TT! This is a great, intense and emotional snippet. Love the challenge between the men, and her standing up for herself. Look forward to more from you!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to TT! I really enjoyed your snippet.
ReplyDeleteI love the sparring of the two men over her. And Nicholas is a sweetie. I like that he's not letting her boss him around. He's gonna be there for her, dammit! Powerful scene.
ReplyDeleteLove your writing style and looking forward to more. This is awesome.
ReplyDeleteGreat scene! I too loved the interaction between the two men. Great dynamics!
ReplyDeleteHi Ursula,
ReplyDeleteI went and read your earlier column to get a feel for the story. You did a great deal with her turning her cheeck for the kiss. :)