Read Online Second Chance by Linda Kepner - Free Book Online Page A

didn’t mean to you what it did to him.”
    “That’s it,” said Bishou, in lieu of a lie. But it was no lie when she added, “I feel so bad. I wish he’d never seen it. I never thought about him coming here to get his jacket.”
    “Don’t beat yourself up,” said Sukey. “It’s my fault, too. I should never have suggested it, but how was I to know?”
    They lapsed into silence, watching the sleeping patient. The room was very quiet for a long time. Bishou saw Louis’s hands and feet twitch, then his face. He should be waking up soon , she thought. Then, suddenly, he sat up, screaming.
    Sukey jumped back, but Bishou dived for Louis. She grabbed one of his wrists and put an arm around his shoulders. He fought her. “Ssh, ssh,” she urged. “ Doucement, doucement .” Gently, gently.
    “ Oh, mon Dieu ,” he sobbed. “ Ou est-il ?”
    “I have hidden it,” she replied in French. “No one knows.”
    “Oh, non, non,” he cried. “Where did you find that horrible thing? I hoped never to see it again!”
    “It came from Paris in my university research for my doctoral degree. I am so sorry, Louis. Please forgive me.”
    “Oh mon Dieu, mon Dieu. I fainted.” He saw Sukey. “And all the world knows it.”
    “ Non , the world knows nothing,” she said, still speaking French. “The doctors came here and said that you fainted from exhaustion and décalage . They did not see the paper, either. They did not know why you collapsed. Only you and I know what you saw.”
    “Bishou,” he wept, “what have you done to me?”
    “I am sorry. Please, Louis, there are people here now. You must be strong. I will help you. This will pass.” She kept her voice strong, but quiet, and she held him just as Bat held Marine meltdowns that still appeared on his doorstep from time to time. And this was a meltdown, for certain.
    Louis took a deep breath. Bishou wiped his face with the cool, damp cloth. Slowly, it occurred to him that Bishou was holding him tightly, and hadn’t let go. In English, he said, “Mademoiselle, if you do not release me, Madame will think there is more to our relationship than the truth.”
    Bishou smiled, and sat back, relieved. Sukey looked as relieved as she did. “My Lord, Louis, you gave us a fright. I’m going to send you to bed like one of my teenage boys, from now on.”
    “Not for a night or so,” said Bishou. “Tonight he’s staying here, on the couch.”
    “ Quoi ?” Louis asked, startled.
    “Doctor’s orders.” Bishou’s mouth tightened. “They said you’re too weak to walk very far, so they don’t want you walking anywhere, nor climbing stairs. Here you stay. Tomorrow, the Hansens can pick you up and take you to the hotel.”
    “No,” he said firmly. “I am here for the conference. This is — ” He said a phrase in French.
    “Just a minor setback. I know, and you may be right. But the only thing the university is more worried about than propriety is injury. If you hurt yourself, it would be even worse for the conference.”
    Louis made a face. Before he could say anything, a voice called out from the door, “We’re back! We brought take-out chicken instead. That okay with everyone?” Vig and Gray entered carrying bags and boxes.
    “Heeey, Louis!” Gray reached out to shake his hand. “Welcome back.”
    “I am glad to be here. What is it that smells so good? Poulet ?”
    “Yes, chicken,” Bishou answered. “But go easy. You’ve had a rough day.”
    Louis growled. He pulled himself upright on the couch, the blanket still wrapped around his legs. Vig, Gray, and Sukey invaded Bishou’s pathetic little kitchenette.
    “Cryin’ out loud, Bishou,” called Gray. “Don’t you even have three glasses that match?”
    “Why do I need three glasses? I wash out the one I use as soon as I use it,” she called back.
    Louis chuckled. She started to rise, but he grabbed her hands and pulled her onto the couch beside him.
    “Stay here,” he advised. “Let them