Read Online Your Heart to Keep: Holly and Jax by Amanda Mackey - Free Book Online Page B

buds and exploded in my mouth. Before I even knew it I had my eyes closed and was moaning. “Oooh, this is sooo good!”
    “It is?” Both my parents shocked voices asked in unison.
    “Aha. If it’s not too much trouble, I may even have another one when I’m finished.” What had I been missing all these years?
    “I don’t think that’s a very good idea. Too much caffeine will increase your heart rate. We don’t want to overdo it or set you back in any way. Let’s just limit it for now,” dad replied.
    Oh. I hadn’t thought about that. I couldn’t focus on anything except the glorious taste in my mouth as I swished it around savoring it like a fine wine. It was like liquescent energy. I was buzzing.
    “Mom? Could you get the McQuade’s number now? I think I’m ready to call.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “Yeah. If I don’t do it now, I’ll probably chicken, out.” I think the coffee had given me some liquid courage. I’d heard of it with alcohol but never, coffee. Then again, I was a caffeine virgin and my dad had made it extra strong.
    “Mitch, Honey? Could you Google the donor registry for me?” My mother asked as I saw her shape move to the phone on the counter.
    “Hang on a second.” He was fiddling around for a bit, probably grabbing his cell out of his jacket pocket where I knew he kept it. The beeps of his keypad rang out.
    He talked through his search, finally finding the number.
    My mother dialed as he called it. I waited, praying they would give her the information she needed.
    From the one-sided conversation and all the explaining my mother had to do and then waiting while they verified my details in their database, I could hear her writing. This was where my ultra-sensitive hearing came in handy. As my eyesight had failed over the years, my hearing improved, dramatically. Not only my hearing but my sense of smell and taste had become sharper too.
    The fact that she was writing, signified getting some sort of information and the tone of her voice and thankfulness at the end told me she had been successful.
    “It’s done. They were quite helpful and only give out information between patient and donors if it’s requested. After verifying your name and details, Holly, they were only too happy.”
    “Thanks Mom. Could you key in the number for me?”
    “Sure.” She moved back down to sit beside me, bringing the handset with her, dialing and then passing me the phone. I really could have used that second cup of coffee now.
    Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.
    “Hello?” It was female. Thank goodness.
    “Um…Mrs. McQuade?”
    “Yes, that’s correct.”
    “I’m sorry to trouble you. You don’t know me but my name is Holly Jenkins and I was the recipient of your daughter’s heart after her passing.”
I swallowed hard, hoping the woman would stay on the line. There was silence for an extended moment before she uttered a surprised, “Oh…Oh… well, hello. It’s nice of you to call.”
    This was so hard. “I really just wanted to call to offer my sympathy and tell you how sorry I am for your loss.”
    I could hear a sniffle down the line. This must be awful for her. Had I done the right thing?
    Maybe I should have just sent the letter as originally planned.
    “I appreciate you contacting us at this difficult time.” I could tell she was only just holding it together. “She…Chloe would have been so happy that she helped give you a second chance.” At this point her words began to fracture and quiet sobs broke through.
    “Mrs. McQuade, I didn’t call to make you upset. I apologize. If there is anything I can do for you, please call me. Can I give you my number?”
    Someone’s voice in the background. A man’s. Mrs. McQuade was telling him she was okay and explaining who I was.
    “Go ahead dear, I’ve got my cell so I’ll key in your number.”
    I gave it to her and was going to finish the conversation but something in me paused. Should I? I just had to know.
    “I was wondering how