The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 49

Even as she apologized, her chest and throat still hitched with spasms. Through her blurred vision, she could see Jamie’s face had turned a deep, furious red. His deep-set eyes were filled with a disgust so profound he looked as if he’d just swallowed a fly.

“Aaron! Pull over!” he roared.

Aaron swerved sharply, bringing the car to a screeching halt.

Jamie immediately scrambled out of the car. He didn’t seem to care that they were on the side of a busy road as he stripped off his shirt and tossed it into a nearby trash can.

Aaron jogged to the trunk, retrieving a spare shirt and a pack of wet wipes.

Several minutes later, Jamie finally returned to the car. “Aren’t you going to rinse your mouth? Or wipe your face? How can one woman be so disgusting?” he snapped, shooting her a withering look before settling into his seat, keeping a clear distance from her.

Perhaps hearing Jamie, Aaron passed back a pack of wet wipes and a bottle of mineral water.

Suzie took them, cleaned herself up as best she could, and then sat in silence for the rest of the ride.

Soon, the car arrived at the hospital.

Suzie no longer had the energy to argue. Her mind was filled with worry for Richard, imagining all sorts of terrible scenarios that made her grow increasingly anxious. Jamie’s expression had also become somber, and he didn’t say another word after getting out of the car.

As they reached the floor where Richard’s room was, Suzie heard a burst of laughter from down the hall. No matter how she listened, the hearty laugh sounded just like Richard’s. Wasn’t his condition supposed to have relapsed? How could this be?

He deliberately told her Richard had relapsed? Why? What was wrong with him?

As she mulled it over, about to turn and leave, Richard spotted her through the door. “Suzie! Suzie? You’re finally here! Come in!”

Suzie froze. She shot Jamie a venomous glare, then quickly composed herself, forcing a bright smile as she opened the door and walked in.

“Richard…” she began softly, hurrying to his side and taking his hand.

Richard ended his call and grasped her hand in return. “Silly girl, I was starting to think I’d never see you again. That boy Jamie told me you went abroad. Why would you go so far? We have plenty of famous photographers right here. You tell me which one you admire, and I’ll get you in touch with them. You can’t just run off to another country by yourself. What would Jamie do? What would I do? I’m just an old man who looks forward to you visiting for a nice chat.”