“Yes, Suzy, babe. He’s going to be okay,” I said, wrapping her in my arms. I rubbed her back until my phone started to vibrate. I looked over her shoulder to read the message.

Mia: It’s great news. Still going to be a long recovery, but he’ll survive.

Suzy clung to me, her silent sobs of joy dampening my shirt. Needing the comfort as much as she did, I rested my head against her hair and held her.

“I was so damn scared, Mike,” she said, fisting my shirt in her hands.

“I know, Suzy. We all were. You know Joe. He’s not going out that easy. He loves you too much to go out that way.”

Instead of consoling her, she cried harder into my chest, breaking out into a sob.

“He’s never going back on that god damn bike. Over my dead body,” she muttered into my shirt.

I bit my lip, trying to hold in my laughter. “Good luck with that, Suz. But if anyone can keep him off that bike, it’s you.”

She patted my stomach as she backed away.

He was so head over heels in love with her that he’d do just about anything to make her happy, but his bike might be a bone of contention.

I knew why my brother loved her so much. Suzy was a special kind of girl – the needle in the haystack. Why he hadn’t married the girl was one thing I didn’t understand.

They had recently begun building a home on his property in the middle of nowhere. They called it ‘love shack’, but it was more like a grand palace. My mother was giddy when she learned they would have five bedrooms. She started planning for her future grandchildren immediately like a woman possessed, hence the baby blankets.

I tossed my phone on the side table, as I collapsed in the chair and rested my head against the wall. I couldn’t relax even though my eyes burned and my body felt heavy.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the phone dancing across the Time magazine and I scooped it up. I rubbed my eyes as looked at the screen.

Mia: I’m in the hallway, come out.

Looking around, I saw her standing in the corner as she motioned for me. My heart sunk until I noticed the smile on her face, but I couldn’t shake my paranoia about the entire situation.

“I’ll be right back,” I said, as I stood and walked out.

“Hey,” she said, walking to me.

“Everything alright? Something wrong with Joe?” Reaching out, I grabbed her hand and squeezed.

“Nah, he’s doing great and your family will be able to see him soon.” Peeking over my shoulder she looked in the waiting room. “I wanted to make sure you’re okay. I needed to check on you.”

I smiled, brushing my thumb across the back of her hand. “Aw, you got a soft spot for me, Doc?”

She punched me in the shoulder. “You ass. I was being nice and thoughtful but you’re smug as always, I see.” She laughed, the joy touching her eyes.

“I’m doing okay. Everyone is relieved and waiting to see him.”

“His surgeon will be in soon to talk and give you the details.” She smiled and closed her eyes, exhaling. “I’m glad he made it, Michael.” She blinked slowly as her face softened, the smile gone.

“Me too, Mia.” I slid my hand up and down her arm before grasping her hand again. “When’s your shift end?”

“I don’t get off work until tomorrow,” she said, moving closer.

“I’m sure I’ll see you around tonight and in the morning. I’ll be in and out, but can I see you after work tomorrow? Away from all this.” I waved my hand in the air.

“I’ll be exhausted and useless, but if you want to… I’m yours.” Her large hazel sparkled as she smiled.

Warmth spread through my body, from my core it radiated outward to my limbs. “Text me when you’re done if I don’t see you before then.” Touching her cheek, I wanted to lean forward and kiss her, but I stopped myself.

It took everything in me not to give in to my craving.

“I have to go,” she said, touching my hand.

The electricity between us felt as strong as the first time we touched.

“I’ll text you when I’m done,” she said, and pecked me on the lips.

“Don’t forget me,” I whispered, swiping my finger against her soft cheek.

“One thing you aren’t is forgettable, Michael.”

She smiled before walking away and glanced back before turning the corner, disappearing.

Looking at the floor with a stupid grin on my face, I walked toward the waiting room and was met with a pair of black leather boots.

“Who’s the girl?” Izzy asked with a shitty grin and her arms across her chest.

My big mouth sister should be the undercover cop. She never let anything get past her.

Looking at her with my mouth set in a straight line, I responded, “My friend.”

Grinning at me, she turned her head to the side, essentially calling bullshit. “Uh huh,” she muttered, before moving to the side, letting me pass.

Her stiletto boots click-clacked against the floor as she followed me. She stopped in front of our ma as my ass hit the chair.

“Ma, Michael’s friend is a female doctor at the hospital. They looked to be a little more than friends, too.” Izzy smirked as my mother looked at me and then back to her.

“Isabella, leave your brother alone,” my ma said in a stern voice as Izzy sat next to my father and rested her head on his shoulder glaring at me.

Patting the chair my ma called to me, “Come sit with me, Michael.”

I moved to the seat next to her and winked at Izzy.

My ma squeezed my leg before turning to me. “Did she say anything about your brother?”

I told her everything Mia had shared with me about Joe.

I could see my ma’s entire body relax with each word. “Is she your girl, son?” she asked with a small smile on her face when I finished.

Laughing, I shook my head. “I don’t know what we are, Ma. We just met a bit ago.”

“It was nice of her to give you information about Joseph. She a good girl, baby?”

I didn’t want to get into a debate on her meaning of good. To me, she was that and more. “Yes, Ma. I think she actually is.” I grinned, thinking about her tiny snores as she slept.

“Don’t let that one go, you hear me.” She arched her eyebrow as she stared at me.

“We just met, Ma.”

“A mother knows, son.” She winked.

“You just want grandbabies. Let me get to know her first, but I’ll hold on tight if she’s the one for me, Ma.”

“Good, Michael. Now go grab me a cup of coffee, please?”

“Light and sweet?” I asked as I stood.

I’d do anything she asked me to do. I loved my ma.

She was my first love.

“No other way,” she said, laughing.

“Anyone want anything? I’m headed to the cafeteria.” I asked happy to be leaving the room for a bit. I needed to stretch my legs and get some fresh air.

Standing up, Anthony replied, “I’m coming with you. I need to get out of this room for a while.”

“We’re good,” my pop said, placing a hand on Izzy as she tried to stand and forced her back in her seat.

My sister’s face turned red and I expected to see fire come out of her nose, but she remained quiet, for once.

I stirred the sixth packet of sugar in my Ma’s coffee as Anthony paid for his drink.

Someone poked me in the shoulder. “Mikey,” a female voice purred in my ear.

Fucking shit. I knew that voice.

Tammy.

Psycho Tammy.

Scrapbook Tammy.

Closing my eyes, I felt the need to slap my ear like a gnat buzzed around it, annoying me.

“Where ya been, baby?” she said grabbing my ass.

I jumped and the coffee spilled, scalding my hand. “Fuck,” I said, gritting my teeth.

I crumpled the packets in my hand and turned around. I didn’t really need her fucking bullshit right now.

“Sorry.” She smiled as I glared at her. Her smile fell. “I’ve missed you.” She reached out, trying to touch me.

“Tammy.” I backed away, my ass bumping into the counter.

“Mikey, I’ve been thinking about you for days.” She wrapped her arms around me. “Why haven’t you texted me back?” She stared in my eyes, pouting.