473 Getting There

(Winona)

The hospital release is a relief, but it doesn't wipe away the worry. By the time Lisa arrives, I'm eager to get back to the penthouse.

"You look awful," Lisa says, her tone blunt as ever, but there's concern in her eyes.

"Gee, Thanks, Lisa. That's exactly what I needed to hear." I grin.

"Hey, at least you're walking out of here," she retorts, falling into step beside me. "So, what's the verdict?"

"Blood pressure's back down, no signs of infection or anything. But they told me to call if I feel anything even slightly off." I know they think I'll lose this baby and it makes me feel a little hopeless.

"Good," she says, nudging me with her elbow. "You're not exactly known for taking it easy."

I glance at her, surprised by her willingness to show up. "Thanks for coming. Did you watch the USB?"

"No. Not yet. I just can't," she says quickly. "But I needed to get out of the apartment anyway. Sitting there being angry about Lance wasn't doing me any favors. He did what he did, and I can't change that."

"It will take time, Lisa. For all of us. Getting used to Lance not being around will be hard. But he wanted you to find someone and be happy."

"That is the last thing on my mind right now. I'll drive you home."

We head to her car. "Sure, I'll get my car later. It can stay in the carpark for now."

I fill her in on the rest of everything including the strange feeling of freedom now Judy is gone. Also, how I feel awful about that considering Jayden's current struggle with losing his mother. Lisa listens intently, nodding occasionally, her fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel. "So," she finally says, "what's next?"

Will readings happen we can plan the services I guess." I look at her carefully. "Would you... do

have some dinner with us. The kids will love

I'm not staying

***

room floor, their laughter filling the space. The cat is bouncing around the three of them with Henry watching

""Everything okay?" Anne asks.

into her quick hug. "Thanks for holding down the

she's checking for cracks. "We managed just fine. Dinner's prepped;

say, glancing at Lisa. "Ready

looks hesitant but

love her and I can

aside. "Thank you for everything today. I don't know what

Anne says with a

from

to be here. You don't overdo it

"I won't."

the counter. "So," she says, lowering her voice, "how's Jayden

"Trying to process everything. He's got a lot on his

do you."

hands stilling over the cutting board. "We're... figuring it

eyebrow. "Figuring it out or avoiding

I admit. "But

voice softening. "But, you two have been

it would

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