Page 62 of Keeping Kyle

I glanced at the message on the lock screen. I just got in the car so I’ll be there soon.

“Very soon,” I said and smiled to myself.

I left her side to talk with Nurse Montgomery. “I just heard from Kyle. He’s in a car on the way, should be about thirty minutes.”

“Perfect. I’ll let the doctor know so that he can stop by close to that time and give him the complete update.”

“I know he’ll appreciate that. Thank you.”

She went back to her computer screen, and I went back to the waiting room.

I texted Kyle to let him know that his Mom was back from recovery and that they’d be ready to give him a full update.

Great. Thanks.

I studied the reply for longer than I should’ve. I’d hoped for a “see you soon” or something to that effect.

THIRTY-ONE

KYLE

AS SOON AS the elevator door opened, I saw Austin. He sat hunched over his laptop and looked as rumpled as I felt—his hair was askew, and he wore jeans and a sweatshirt.

The ding of the elevator got his attention. Our eyes locked and he stood.

Wheeling my bag behind me, I went to him, and as soon as we were close enough, he pulled me into an embrace. I needed the hug, but I’d expected to have to initiate it. But he grabbed me, stepped in, and gave me the tight, comforting touch I needed.

The small bit of resolve I’d held on to crumbed, and I cried. He held tight, a rock keeping me upright and stable as I unleashed all the pent-up emotions I’d carried since I’d seen him last.

I missed this—feeling him, being near him. All of it.

And I’d walked away from it.

“Kyle, the nurse is here,” Austin said as he patted me on the back.

I worked to quickly compose myself before I let him go. He gave me an extra squeeze across my lower back before he let me step back and turn.

“Nurse Montgomery, this is Kyle,”

The kindness in her eyes reminded me of Mom, and it almost triggered another emotional outburst. I took a couple of deep breaths to hold that back.

“I’m sorry to be meeting you under these circumstances. The good news is your mom is resting comfortably, and the surgery was successful. The doctor will be here in a few minutes to tell you more. I can take you back to see her if you’d like.”

“Yes, please. Thank you.” I turned back to Austin. “Thank you for being here. Helping me to get here.”

He nodded, but I couldn’t fully read his expression. Was he as confused as I was by all this?

“I should…” So many responses collided in my head, I couldn’t pick one fast enough.

“You need get back there.” Austin’s tone was solemn, and he looked down at the floor for a brief moment. “I’ve got an early meeting with Tamara, so I’m going to head home and get showered.”

I nodded, appreciating he laid out a plan. It’d be great if he’d stay here, but I couldn’t ask that after all he’d already done.

“If you need anything, call. Okay?”

All I managed was a nod before I gave him another quick hug. “Thank you so much.”

I almost told him I loved him, but he probably didn’t want to hear that, and more importantly this wasn’t the time.