I tossed and turned, drifting in and out of consciousness.
The frequent nurse visits to check on Cary also woke me.
His brain scans and lab reports were looking good and there was nothing absolutely definitive to worry about, but I hadn't been there for him when he'd first gotten hurt.
I felt like I needed to be there for him now, sleep or no sleep.
Just before six, I gave up and got out of bed.
Grabbing my tablet and wireless keyboard, I headed down to the cafeteria for coffee.
I pulled up a chair at one of the tables and prepared to write a letter to Gideon.
In the short amounts of time I'd managed to pin him down the last couple of days, I hadn't been able to get my thoughts across to him.
Writing it all out would have to be the way it got done.
Maintaining steady, open communication was the only way we were going to survive as a couple.
I sipped my coffee and began typing, starting with my thanks for the beautiful weekend away and how much it meant to me.
I told him how I thought our relationship had taken a massive leap forward during the trip, which only made the week's backslide harder to bear - "Eva.
What a pleasant surprise!" Turning my head, I found Dr.
Terrence Lucas standing behind me holding a disposable coffee cup like the one I'd filled for myself.
He was dressed for work in slacks and tie with a white lab coat.
"Hi," I greeted him, hoping I hid my wariness.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked, rounding me.
"Not at all."
I watched him take the seat beside me, and I refreshed my memory of his appearance.
His hair was pure white, without a hint of gray, but his handsome face was unlined.
His eyes were an unusual shade of green and they were keen with intelligence.
His smile was both reassuring and charming.
I suspected he was popular with his patients - and their mothers.
"There has to be some special reason," he began, "for you to be in the hospital long before visiting hours."
"My roommate's here."
I didn't volunteer any more information, but he guessed.
"So Gideon Cross threw his money around and made arrangements for you."
He shook his head and took a sip of his coffee.
"And you're grateful.
But what will it cost you?" I sat back, offended on Gideon's behalf that his generosity was reduced to having an ulterior motive.