When the Bough Breaks (Rose Gardner Investigations #6) - Denise Grover Swank Page 0,78
and Neely Kate had placed cash on top of it.
“That took a while,” she said, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.
“Just as I was gettin’ ready to walk out, a contraction hit, so I rode it out in there. Didn’t think people wanted to see the spectacle of me waddling and practicing my new X-rated breathing techniques.”
She cracked a wide smile as she stood. “I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind catchin’ a glimpse.”
My face flushed, but I shook my head. “Come on.”
She followed me out of the restaurant, still grinning.
We headed to the nursery, and Neely Kate told me that Jed was incensed by James’s request and was considering paying him a visit at the pool hall.
“No. He can’t. He’ll only put himself in danger. I’ll just ignore it.”
“You sure?” she asked with a leery look.
“Yeah. Besides, I want to tell Joe before he finds out from a police report that will inevitably will be filed if James and Jed get into it.” Not to mention it was bound to be a bloody mess.
“Yeah, probably a good idea.” I was sure I didn’t imagine the relief on her face.
When I pulled into the parking lot of the nursery, she turned to me. “I’m still not sure it’s a good idea for you to be alone.”
“I’m tired and cranky and not up to greetin’ people and standin’ on my feet at the nursery right now,” I said. “I think I’ll go lock myself in the office and get some work done, then find out when Joe’s plannin’ to go home and meet him there. ”
“Okay,” she said with a frown, obviously not fully on board with my plan. “You call me if you need anything, okay? Maybe we can go see Muffy together after I get off work.”
Since I had no idea what would happen this afternoon, I didn’t want to commit to anything, but I couldn’t just tell her no, so I said, “Let’s see how the rest of the day goes.”
Thankfully, she didn’t look hurt, just understanding, which made me feel all the more guilty for not sharing what I was really planning to do.
As she was getting out, Maeve was coming through the double doors.
Maeve.
I was a terrible friend. I should have called and given her an update.
I opened the truck door. She held up a hand to stop me, but I got out anyway and met her on the sidewalk. I owed her that much.
“Maeve,” I said, my voice breaking. “I’m so sorry. I should have called you.”
Worry covered her face. “Joe came by and filled me in earlier this morning. Thank goodness you’re okay.”
I nodded, thankful Joe had thought of it. Just another example of what a great man he had become. “I don’t think they were going to hurt me, and I’d like to think that they ran over Muffy on accident.”
“Any word on how she’s doing? Joe told me it was touch and go.”
“Levi hasn’t called with any updates,” I said as I reached for my phone in my pocket. “But how about I call him and we can hear what he says together?”
Tears filled her eyes and she nodded. “That would be lovely.”
I pulled up Levi’s cell phone number and he answered right away.
“Hey, Levi. I’m calling for an update on Muffy,” I said. “My friend Maeve is listenin’ in too.” I glanced up and saw my best friend’s worried face. I took a step back so we formed a huddle. “And Neely Kate.”
“Hi, Maeve and Neely Kate,” Levi said in the voice he used when he was comforting patients’ owners. Which meant things were still serious.
“How’s our girl?” Maeve asked, her face pale.
“Same as this morning when Rose and Joe came to see her. We’ve had some blood sugar issues, but we’re treating her like the princess she is and doing everything we can for her.”
“Will it be enough?” Maeve asked.
Levi paused. “I sure hope so.”
“Can I come see her?” she asked.
When Levi didn’t answer, I said, “Muffy spends a lot of time with Maeve. Maeve’s like her grandma. I’m sure Muffy would love to see her.”
“Well, okay,” Levi said, not sounding happy about it. “But I’m worried that a lot of visitors will stress her.”
“I truly think Maeve will soothe her,” I said. “Likely more than a visit from me.”
Levi sighed. “Rose, I didn’t mean to insinuate that you were causing her distress. She needs to see you. She just seemed to be straining to stay awake for you.”