Page 106 of Tough Justice

Liar.

“Don’t forget, sis,” Margo said. “He almost lost you. After last night, I think he has a pretty good idea of what you’re going through.”

She hadn’t considered that. Then again, she didn’t even know how he felt about her. He’d never said he loved her.

Another long moment of silence followed before her dad spoke again. “I’ve always told you girls it’s your life to live as you choose. I know you’ll choose wisely. I’d just hate to see you miss out on a good thing. Even if he is a DEA agent.” He patted her hand. “Consider this food for thought from your dad who loves you very, very much.”

Tori sniffled. “Thanks, Dad.” She turned to her sister. “Thanks, Margo.”

“For what?” Margo asked. “I don’t have any sage advice.”

“For being here. You guys are my family, my rock. You’ve never failed me.”

“Stop.” Margo swiped at another tear rolling down her cheek. “And speaking of family, Zach and the kids were here waiting for you to wake up. They went home to make you cookies.”

“Chocolate chip?” she asked hopefully.

“Naturally.”

Her stomach took that moment to growl, making them all laugh and easing some of the tension.

“Uh, Dad has something else to tell you. Tell her, Dad.” Margo nodded.

“Tell me what?”

“Deck brought me something. Something very unexpected.” He began stroking his chin, and his eyes took on a faraway look.

Tori waited for him to tell her what Deck had brought him. The suspense was killing her. “What was it?”

“My pharmaceutical license. He got it back for me.”

She looked from her dad to her sister, knowing she ought to say something, but no words came to mind. “That was a very thoughtful gesture,” was all she could think to say.

“Thoughtful?” Another duh look from Margo. “It’s an amazing gesture, and you know it.”

She did know it but didn’t dare acknowledge any possible hidden meaning behind what Deck had done for her dad. “Dad,” Tori said, watching him still pensively stroking his chin. “Do you want it back?”

“I don’t think so. I’m happy teaching my music class. Deck must have pulled a lot of strings, but I did appreciate the gesture. Retirement’s been good to me, and I don’t think I want to come out of it. Besides, I’ve just started seeing a student in one of my classes. She wanted to meet you, so she’s stopping by later.”

Wait. Her dad was dating?

She looked at Margo, who shrugged, telling her she already knew. Tori clapped a hand to her mouth, not certain she could handle any more revelations in such a short period of time. And he’d said “student.” Hopefully, he hadn’t hooked up with a young twenty-something who, one day, might be hers and Margo’s stepmother.

Suzie breezed into the room, carrying a fresh bag of what Tori assumed was fluids to keep her hydrated. “Good morning, sunshine.” Her friend leaned down and kissed Tori’s cheek, hesitating a moment before pulling away. Her eyes were glossy as she sniffled. “You really scared us. You scared me.”

Again, Tori’s throat clogged with emotion. I’m lucky to be alive.

Suzie hooked the bag of fluids on the IV pole. “Doctors and nurses have been asking about you all night, and there’s a crowd of people in the waiting room to see you.” Oddly, Suzie didn’t mention Wil, so she assumed her friend already knew he wasn’t coming back.

“Is Deck waiting to see me?” she asked, holding her breath.

“Deck?” Suzie waived her hand in the air. “No. That man would never waste time standing in line. If he was here, he’d barrel through like a steam roller and mow down anyone who got in his way. Did they tell you he almost punched out the hospital’s entire security team?”

Margo and her dad nodded.

“We told her,” Margo said.

Heavy, booted footsteps echoed outside the room. A moment later, Brett and Evan came in. Brett carried a glass vase of pink tulips. Evan held out a potted bromeliad.