Brian returned. “We should hear something soon.”
A doctor came in half an hour later. “Grace?” She followed him into the hall. The surgery had gone well. Roman now had an ICD, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, a small computer that would regulate and monitor his heart. “He’s lucky to be alive. He’s probably had a few episodes and didn’t know what they were. Has he ever blacked out before today?”
“I don’t know.” She remembered finding him sprawled across the bed once. She’d assumed he was sleeping.
Before going into ICU, she cleaned her hands with antibacterial gel and put on a mask. The doctor opened the door for her and spoke softly. “We’ll keep him here for twenty-four hours and then move him into a room, barring complications. Good thing he’s in peak physical condition. Is he an athlete?”
“An artist.”
He looked relieved. “His heart was an easy fix. We have another doctor handling his leg.”
“What’s wrong with his leg?”
“Can’t say.”
He couldn’t say, or he didn’t know? When could Roman have injured his leg?
Though he was still clearly in pain, Roman’s color had improved. He was tethered to monitors beeping heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure. An IV drip stood beside the bed, the needle inserted in the top of his hand. A thin tube connected to a bag measuring urine. His eyes were open, wide-open. “Grace.” He breathed out her name, his body relaxing.
Grace moved to the side of his bed and took his hand. “I told you I’d stay.” She managed to smile. “You’re doing better than the last time I saw you.”
His hand tightened on hers.
Her emotions tumbled one over another. She didn’t want to think about how much she cared about him, and what kind of complications that would bring to their working relationship—not now. “A lot of people are praying for you, Roman. I hope you don’t mind that I spread the word.”
“No.”
“Brian and Shanice are in the waiting room.”
“He got me out.”
Grace didn’t understand. “You don’t have to talk right now. Try to rest.”
He squeezed her hand again. “I was in hell.”
Grace felt goose bumps rise all over her body. Leaning down, she put her free hand on his forehead. “What are you saying?”
“Jesus,” Roman rasped. “He got me out. They were hanging on to me. Ripping at my leg.”
A nurse checked one of the machines. “He’s under medication.” He came around the bed and injected something into a small port attached to Roman’s IV. He gave Grace an understanding smile. “Another minute, and you should go. He needs to rest.”
Roman’s body tensed. “She stays.” When he looked up at the IV drip, his expression changed. The heart monitor beeped faster. “What’d you put in it?”
“Just something to help you relax.”
Roman’s eyes fixed on Grace. “Don’t let them put me under. Oh, Jesus, don’t let me die again.”
The nurse frowned. “I guess you can stay with him a while longer.” He made an entry on the computer terminal. “I’ll check back in a few minutes.” He left the room.
Roman’s grip loosened, but he didn’t let go of her hand. He groaned. “That nurse put something in the IV.” His eyes drooped. He widened them, fighting sleep. “Jesus, I don’t want to die. I’m not ready to die.”
Grace couldn’t bear it. She cupped his face. “Listen to me, Roman. Jesus would not rescue you from hell and then throw you back.”
“It grabbed me. It ripped me . . .”
“Roman.” She spoke quietly, calmly. “Jesus saved you.”
He looked broken and confused. “Why?”
What could she say to that? “He’ll tell you later.”
He was losing the battle against whatever medication had been added to the IV. “Don’t go.”
“They may not let me stay, but I promise I’ll come back.”
He couldn’t keep his eyes open. “My mother used to say that.”
The nurse returned and checked vitals. “He’ll sleep now. You look like you could use some rest, too.”
“Do you know where I can stay, a hotel with a kitchen? Somewhere I can wash clothes?”
He suggested an Extended Stay America only minutes away.
She returned to the waiting room, expecting to find it empty or filled with strangers, but Shanice and Brian were still there, sitting on the sofa together, deep in conversation. They didn’t even notice her come into the room. Grace watched them a minute before she cleared her throat. They both glanced up sharply and stood. Brian met Grace halfway. “How is he?”