“I can help with that.” I rubbed the sides of her arms because she looked cold. “Where is Zoey?”
“In there.” She pointed to the room across from us. “My mom is with her. She told me to step out and get some air.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“I can’t leave her.”
“What are the doctors saying?”
“It could be a virus, maybe the flu. She’s dehydrated.” She started to cry. “She’s been brave but she’s so sick. I called you because I wanted you to be with us.”
“I’m here.” I brought her to me, kissing the top of her head. “It’s going to be okay.”
“What if it’s not the flu? What if it’s something worse? What if it is the flu? People die from that.” She sobbed. “She started to feel sick yesterday. What if I waited too long? Maybe it’s my fault she’s dehydrated.”
“None of this is your fault. Kids get sick. She’s healthy and strong. They’re going to make her better.”
She leaned into me, resting her head on my shoulder. I did my best to comfort her but I was just as concerned for Zoey.
“Ms. Cartwright.” Some young doctor, I assumed, approached us. “We’re going to swab Zoey for the flu. I’m also running some labs. The fluids she’s getting should kick in soon and she’ll start to feel better.”
“Are you sure?” Kara asked. “Her fever is high. She’s lethargic. I’ve never seen her like this before.”
“Dr. Vallin will be here in the next thirty minutes,” I told him.
“Who is that?” Kara gazed at me with curiosity in her eyes.
“The head of pediatrics,” the doctor standing in front of us answered for me. “What would make you think Dr. Vallin would consult on this case?”
“Is Zoey not important enough for the head of pediatrics?” I inquired. “Doctor?”
“Burns.” He glanced at Zoey’s chart, probably trying to figure out who she was. He wouldn’t find it in that chart but I knew who she was. My daughter would always get the best care possible. “I didn’t suggest that, Mr.?”
“Trapp.” I extended my hand. “Xavier Trapp and I texted Dr. Vallin and told him I wanted him to join me here to consult on my…” I stopped and looked at Kara who already appeared stressed. There was no need for me to profess to this young doctor who I was. “I wanted him to diagnose Zoey.”
“Mr. Trapp?” He thought for a moment. “You donated the land for the new pediatric oncology center. I was at the press conference last week when they announced it.”
“You did?” Kara whispered.
“That center is going to help a lot of sick children,” Dr. Burns said.
“I hope so.” I nodded when I thought about Stan’s daughter. Hopefully, by the time this new center was done, she would be in remission. “Why don’t you tend to Zoey now and I’ll let Dr. Vallin know how on top of things you are when he arrives?”
“Of course.” Dr. Burns shook my hand again as he spoke to Kara. “Your daughter is going to be fine.” He went into Zoey’s room.
“How did you manage to get the head of pediatrics here?”
“I asked him.”
“Why am I not surprised?” She took a deep breath. “You get things done.”
“I trust him. I want to make sure she gets the best care.”
“You’re building a pediatric oncology center?”
“I donated land I was never going to use. It’s being put to good use.” I motioned toward Zoey’s room. “Shall we go in?”
She wiped her eyes. “I don’t want her to know I’ve been crying.”
“You’re beautiful.” I stroked her cheek. “The best mom I know.”
“I’m a wreck.” She leaned into my hand. “Thank you for coming.”
“Where else would I be?”
“The last time I saw you, well, I… things got pretty heated.”
“You were upset.”
“I shouldn’t have hit you. I don’t know what came over me.”
“We don’t have to talk about that now. Our only focus is Zoey. I’m here because you need me. I want to be here for the both of you. We don’t have to worry about anything else. Not now.”
“Okay.”
As we entered the room, Sandra Ellis, Kara’s mother came to the door. I hadn’t seen her since Kara found out I’d been lying. I was sure she wasn’t pleased with the way I’d treated her daughter.
“Xavier,” she said. “I’m so glad you’re here. My daughter did the right thing when she called you.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” I gazed at the bed where my fragile, little girl slept. Her arm was hooked up to an IV and she was covered in blankets. “How is she?”
“She finally fell asleep.” Sandra smiled at Zoey. “She was restless when we brought her here and the ER was a nightmare but now that she’s settled she can sleep.”
I wanted to tell Kara she should have called me the moment they arrived and I would have made sure Zoey was seen immediately. But considering she didn’t have to call me at all, I didn’t want to mention it.
Kara moved toward the bed and had a conversation with Dr. Burns.
“The doctor said you called the head of pediatrics,” Sandra said. “It doesn’t surprise me.”
“He’ll be here shortly.”
“Kara and Zoey are lucky to have you. You’re a man who gets things done.”
“I’m the lucky one,” I assured her. “I have a lot of making up to do.”
“You made some mistakes.” She put on her sweater and I wondered if she was going to chew me out right here. “You were coming from a good place.”
“I went about it all wrong.” Maybe she didn’t see me as the bad guy.
“That’s a bit of an understatement but I see how much you love them.” She patted my arm. “They love you too,” she whispered. “Give my daughter time to process. She’ll see what’s right in front of her.”
“Mom?” Kara joined us by the door. “What are the two talking about over here?”
“Nothing,” Sandra said. “I’m going to get you something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry,” Kara mumbled. “I can’t eat.”
“You have to eat something,” Sandra insisted. “X, tell her.”
“Why don’t you go and get something,” I suggested. “Kara and I will meet with Dr. Vallin and then, I promise, I’ll get Kara something to eat.”
“At least make her drink her water.” Sandra shook her head. “She can’t get sick too.”
“I’m fine.” She hugged her mom. “Go get some air.”
“I’ll get Zoey something for when she wakes up. Maybe a cookie or pudding.”
“I’m sure she’ll love that.” I stepped toward Zoey’s bed as Kara said goodbye to her mother. As I watched my angel sleep, I couldn’t help but notice how pale she was. The dark circles under her eyes and her chapped lips worried me as I placed my hand on her arm.