Chapter 81
Colby, who behind deflective word-shields loved people in all their messy idiosyncratic patchwork selves, would love that. Stories, and family.
He added, not wanting to keep his sister too long, not wanting to press his luck as far as talking too loudly and waking blue eyes, “I’ll check back in tomorrow, after they let him out of here.” Their nurse had put his head in—presumably also checking in—and had noticed Colby sleeping and Jason on the phone, and popped back out.
“As long as you remember to call this time,” Allie said. “Dad was flipping out. We all were, kinda. I mean, we know about tabloids. Rumors. But…y’know. Stay safe.” Her voice stayed almost purely casual, but the wobble in the middle betrayed the act. Their family also knew about accidents. About Luca Mirelli and surgeries and metal pins. About fear, and hospitals, and waiting to hear news.
“Sorry again,” Jason said, and meant that too. “Things were just…crazy. I’m really fine.”