Abbey’s green eyes narrowed. “I’m going to take the Fifth. I’m not getting your mom in hot water.” Abbey hated making waves and hated confrontation. She was the biggest people pleaser on the West Coast...probably the whole west half of the USA. “You can’t blame her for worrying about you. You’re all she has.”
Sighing, Julie eased against the pillow. After discovering during the interview two years ago that Abbey’s parents had moved to North Carolina, her mom had not only hired her, she’d basically adopted the UCLA senior. She’d become like another daughter to Elena. “Let me know how much the charge was to change your flight and I’ll reimburse you.” They might occasionally ask a lot of Abbey, but they paid her well and treated her like family.
“Not necessary,” Abbey said.
It didn’t take long to translate those words. “Ah, so my mom covered it already.”
Abbey made the crinkle face again. It reminded Julie of the expression that launched her television show. A look the critics described as “character defining” and “reminiscent of the comedic style Lucille Ball displayed with her wide-eyed surprise on Lucy.” Whether Abbey meant to copy her on purpose, Julie didn’t know, but the look confirmed her hunch.
“What do you need me to do first?” Abbey asked, dropping the subject. “How about I stop by the house and bring in the mail? I can get your phone messages too?”
Julie nodded and adjusted her arm more comfortably on the pillow next to her. That little move pulled at her stitches and sent a fresh round of pain to her fingertips. She sucked in a sharp breath. “Great.”
Abbey’s brows quirked sympathetically. “I’m guessing most of the calls are going to be from friends, but I think there are a few reporters who have your private line. I’ll write everything down and erase the machine. Unless you want me to keep the personal messages so you can hear them for yourself.”
“Good idea.” Julie yawned, already needing a nap. She’d rather sleep through the pain than take the pain meds the doctor prescribed.
“I’ll let you crash for a while.” Abbey moved Julie’s water cup closer, then crossed to the bedside and took her good hand. “Listen, lady. Whatever you need, don’t hesitate to ask. I would’ve been here sooner, but I was up at the cabin and they don’t have a TV up there. Cell phone reception is a joke too.” She squeezed her hand.
“Tell you what...” Julie said as Abbey pulled the blankets more snuggly around her. “When I get out of here and get back on my feet, I’ll pay for the plane fare so you can go back and have the visit you missed because you rushed back to me.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Abbey said.
“I know. I want to. C’mon, it’s the least I can do.”
“You are the best boss ever,” Abbey said, her smile straight, bright and wholesome.
Julie gave her a tired smile. “I know. I rock.” She yawned again.
Abbey laughed. “I’m going to your place and will be back later to check on you.”
Julie nodded, closed her eyes and fell asleep before Abbey got out of the room.
* * *
The next day, Julie felt like an eighty-year-old woman as she walked her laps around the floor with her physical therapist, Kelly. Getting shot was hell on the body. She’d been in the best shape of her life, which, the doctors had told her, was probably what had saved her life. The weakness she felt now pissed her off, and the fact that someone had likely put her here purposely pissed her off even more. The only thing she could do to retaliate was get as strong as she could as fast as she could. That was the only bird she had to flip to her would-be killer.
After discovering Troy was on the same floor, she’d done some investigating and found his room. But as she shuffled by, she found his bed empty and her hopes of seeing him this morning vanished in a poof of disappointment. Her shoulders slumped and her smile disappeared. She hadn’t realized until that moment just how much she’d wanted to see him.
“Looking for someone?” a male voice asked.
Just the sound of his voice perked her up. Troy rounded the corner with his physical therapist walking next to him.
“Hi,” she said, suddenly and absurdly nervous. He was taller than she expected. Of course, she’d been on her back all the