It took him a minute to find me.
When he did, he blinked a few times, and then tears started rolling down his temples.
"Cary."
I rushed to him and slipped my hand in his.
"I'm here."
He gripped me so tightly, it was painful.
"Eva."
"I'm sorry I took so long.
I didn't have my phone.
I had no idea.
I would've been here if I'd known."
"S'okay.
You're here now."
His throat worked on a swallow.
"God .
everything hurts."
"I'll get a nurse," Gideon said, running his hand down my back before slipping silently out of the room.
I saw a small pitcher and cup with straw on the rolling tray table.
"Are you thirsty?" "Very."
"Can I sit you up? Or no?" I was afraid to do anything to cause him pain.
"Yeah."
Using the remote lying near his hand, I raised the top part of the bed so that he was reclined.
Then I brought the straw to his lips and watched him drink greedily.
He relaxed with a sigh.
"You're a sight for sore eyes, baby girl."
"What the hell happened?" I set the empty cup down and grabbed his hand again.
"Fuck if I know."
His voice was weak, almost a whisper.
"Got jumped.
With a bat."