Truth or Lies? by A. Gomez (book club recommendations txt) 📗

in a sling. He started to stand up but Josh gently pushed him back down in the chair, patting his back and nodding his head in affirmation as if to let him know it was okay to just rest.

“David?” was all I could muster.

“She’s going to be fine,” he answered. “They tried to stab her in the heart but missed it by a mile. She lost a lot of blood but thanks to our last blood drive we have plenty to give her. A piece of the weapon that was used broke off and was lodged in her chest, but Dr. Rodriguez was able to get everything out. They want to keep her in a sedated state for today to make sure everything goes well with her. They’re worried about infection now. Plus, being like this will keep her more comfortable for a bit longer.”

“Thank you, David.” I didn’t take my eyes off of Jill. “Could you please give us a minute?”

“Of course. I’ll go check on a few patients while I’m down here and come back once I’m done.”

I waited for him to leave and be out of earshot. Once I knew the coast was clear and he was gone, I started crying. I couldn’t help myself. Stupid tears! Damn female emotions! I was trying to control myself but it just made me cry harder. Josh came to my side and hugged me tight against his chest. He kissed the top of my head. This was entirely my fault. Josh was right; I didn’t know how to communicate. I could’ve prevented this.

“Stevens,” I said sobbing, “I’m…so…very…sorry! This is my fault; I should’ve gone to Josh with my theory. He could’ve talked to you and you could’ve been prepared. Look what I did to my dear friend,” I said through my sobs. “It should be me in that bed.”

“Dr. Langley, this isn’t your fault. Please don’t think that for one second.” Stevens stood up; I think I was getting him a bit too agitated. “I’m fine, really, and Jill is going to be just fine.”

I didn’t entirely believe that but I had to get a hold of myself before David walked back in. I didn’t want to have to deal with him trying to console me.

“Hey, baby, you’re starting to scare the other patients and their families.” Josh was still holding me, his voice soothing. “We can come back later today or tomorrow when you’re feeling up to it.”

I buried my face in his chest, giggling. “You’re not funny, Josh, but I agree. Let’s go before David comes back.”

He kissed my forehead, handing me tissues to wipe my tears. I was grateful for him at that moment. I was grateful he was there with me and I was grateful he could make me laugh.

“Oh, Josh, I’m sorry! I just made a mess of your handsome blue dress shirt.” I had left a giant wet spot in the middle of his chest from all my tears and mucus. “Please let me take care of that for you when we get to my house. My mama didn’t raise no hick.”

They both guffawed loudly, catching me by surprise. I looked at them perplexed.

“Jill’s right, your twang does come out at the most unexpected moments,” Stevens exclaimed through his laughter. “And your expressions…”

Their laughter was infectious; I ended up laughing with them. Stevens promised he would call or text Josh with any changes. We said our goodbyes; I took one last look at Jill, holding her hand, guilt and regret running through me, and then we headed to the elevators in a rush. I suspected Josh wanted to avoid David just as much as I did, so I tried to keep up with him regardless of my heels. At the elevators, I saw Ginger again but this time she was arguing with David. Hm, I hoped it wasn’t about me because I was not in the mood for girl drama.

“Let’s go home Josh,” I suggested. “It’s Friday and I’m useless here.”

“I was just thinking the same thing. Also, you forgot about Samson today. Didn’t you tell me you sometimes go home in the middle of the day and let him out?”

“Crap! You’re right! My poor Sammy Bear. Just let me pack up; I’ll hurry.”

We got to my office and I shoved whatever files and books were on my desk into my bag and was set to go. Like a gentleman, he took my bag for me and we started for the elevators. I caught a glimpse of David and suggested we take the stairs. Josh saw David and agreed. I told him I didn’t get enough exercise in heels as it was. He chuckled.

We made it to his truck without incident. I felt relieved I didn’t have to drive or take public transportation after the day I’d had. I started to relax. We climbed in and he brought the truck to life. It sounded so absurdly loud in the parking garage, roaring like a monster. I wondered if we’d frightened anyone.

Josh was quiet. I could sense something was on his mind but he didn’t want to spit it out. Was he the type to speak his mind or was he like my brothers, where I had to pull teeth just to get them to talk? The awkward silence was bothering me a little too much. I eyed him, appraising. He looked at me with curiosity.

“Spit it out, Rockwall. I know something’s on your mind. You can say whatever you want, I’m not the sensitive type.”

He pondered on that for a hot minute and turned the radio off to talk. “Are you in love with Summers?”

Shit! He wanted to talk about David. Well, it had to happen, given my behavior in the elevator. I sighed, “No, not anymore. And yes, I once was but that was a long time ago.” I