Read Online Friends--And Then Some by Debbie Macomber - Free Book Online

sound of her clicking shoes told him she was leaving. The feeling came again—the sensation that told him something was awry—and for the second time it had to do with Lily. Rick wasn’t right for her, either, and Jake had to find some way to put an end to that relationship before it got started.

Chapter Four
    Holding a small bouquet of flowers, Lily traipsed through the hospital lobby to the open elevator, stepped inside, and pushed the button for the appropriate floor. She’d worried about Jake all night. He’d looked so pale against the starched white hospital sheets. Pale and confused. Lily should never have left his side, but Rick had convinced her that there wasn’t any more either of them could do. Jake had been given a shot and would soon be asleep. Nonetheless, Lily had lingered outside in the hall until the shot took effect, then reluctantly left.
    When the heavy metal doors of the elevator parted, Lily stepped out eagerly. She had so much to tell Jake. He’d been such a dear to have taken her to the party. Everything had turned out beautifully—except for his fall, of course. Lily had met several men, all of whom had an aura of wealth. She prided herself on her ability to recognize money when she saw it. Rick had tried to buy her a new dress, since the one she’d worn to the party had gotten stained. But Lily had adamantly refused. The evening dress wasn’t ruined. Gram had used vinegar and a few other inventively chosen ingredients to remove Jake’s blood.
    Lily stepped past the nurse’s station and headed down the wide hall to Jake’s room. The faint smell of antiseptic caused her to wrinkle her nose. Jake would be glad to get out of there.
    The door to his room was open and Lily paused in the doorway, looking at the nurse’s aide who was stripping the bed of the sheets and blankets. Troubled, she looked to the number printed on the door for a second time to be sure she had the right room.
    “Good morning,” Lily murmured.
    “Morning,” the other woman answered flatly. “Is there something I can do for you?”
    “Do you know where Jake Carson is?”
    “Mr. Carson signed himself out early this morning.”
    Lily swallowed to relieve her voice of its shock and surprise. “Signed himselfout? But why?”
    “I believe Mr. Carson had several reasons, all of which were described in colorful detail.”
    “Oh, dear.” Lily was shocked to realize she’d spoken out loud.
    “I’m afraid so. He also insisted on paying his own tab and wanted the bill brought to him immediately.” Impatiently, the woman jerked the bottom sheet from the raised hospital bed. “I’ve seen a few stubborn men in my day, but that one takes the cake.”
    It didn’t take much imagination for Lily to picture the scene. Jake could be a terror when he wanted to be, and from the frustrated look on the nurse’s flushed face, Jake had outdone himself this time. Lily was all the more convinced that she shouldn’t have left him. She shouldn’t have listened to Rick. Next time, she’d follow her instincts.
    “Did he say where he was going?” Lily pressed.
    The woman hugged the sheet to her abdomen and slowly shook her head. “No, but I’m sure the staff could give you a few suggestions about where we’d like to see him.”
    “I am sorry.” Lily felt obliged to apologize for Jake, although she was convinced he wouldn’t appreciate it. “I’m sure he didn’t mean … whatever it was he said.”
    “He meant it,” the woman growled, placing the sheet with unnecessary force inside a laundry cart at her side.
    “Well, thank you, anyway,” Lily stammered. “And here …” She shoved the small bouquet of daisies into the woman’s hands. “Please take these.” With that, Lily turned and hurried from the room.
    By the time she arrived back at Gram’s, Lily was more worried than before. “Gram, Jake’s left the hospital.”
    Gram stood at the ironing board, pressing dried flowers between sheets of waxed paper.