Almost as soon as Lydia Windham finished speaking, Brody’s hospital door opened and in walked Gina Lee-Xiou.
Chapter 6
I’d only been gone for a few hours, but a lot had happened during that time - my visit with Ang Woo for one. That meeting had me scrapping my current plan and mapping out an entirely new approach for the next couple of days but especially for the vote tomorrow night. I was going to need not just a Plan A but back-ups from B to Z. My attorney, Lim, Hahn, and I sketched out a rough blueprint for a way to move forward, but I left them to work out the details. They were good at their jobs, and I needed to trust that. Still, I should have been glued to the chair huddled up next to them for this marathon strategy session because the stakes were high. After everything that had gone on up until now, I could lose a lot more than the vote tomorrow night.
Even knowing that my life could very well depend on my actions over the next couple of days, my feet still directed me back towards the hospital.
It was late when I arrived. Jamal was standing guard outside of Brody’s hospital door along with another guy I recognized from his team. I acknowledged them as I was about to enter the room, but Jamal’s voice stopped me.
“Ms. Lee-Xiou, the Windhams have arrived.”
I was tired. The day had been long, and now I needed to wear a mask that I wasn’t used to wearing. It had been a long time since I’d been around people who deserved respect. I wasn’t sure I could master it since I hadn’t practiced it since before Laurette left. I needed to dig deep, deep, deep within my soul to pull on those experiences. “Okay . . . good. I’m glad his parents were able to get here so soon. Thanks for the heads-up.”
Jamal placed his heavy hand on my arm to prevent me from going inside. Apparently, I’d missed the message he was trying to send. “I’m sure you’re aware they are a close-knit family.”
I looked down at his hand on my arm before looking up at him, then slowly responded. “Yes.”
This man was bold to think I was just some chick he could touch. Instead of snappin’ on him, I decided to let it go, but only because of his loyalty for Brody. I wouldn’t if it happened again.
He nodded. “The entire Windham clan is here, and obviously, they are pretty upset. Don’t take whatever comes out of their mouths too seriously.”
I was touched. In his small way, he was trying to look out for me. I had to admire and respect that. Maybe he deserved a bit more leeway than I’d initially been willing to give. “Understood.”
I opened the door and finally went inside. His parents, three sisters, and brother were all hovering around Brody’s bed. With less than twenty-four hours’ notice, the Windhams had shown up in full force. As soon as they heard me enter all eyes turned towards me. To say I felt like a fish in a large bowl was an understatement.
It was Brody’s mother who addressed me first. “Are you the woman who called us? Are you Gina?”
My mouth was a little dry. I couldn’t remember the last time, if ever, I’d met the parents of someone I was dating. Not that Brody and I were dating per se. Still, I could admit that I had a few nerves meeting his family. It was a little unsettling. Even though I knew they were coming, I could have used a little more time to adjust to everything going on around me before they showed up.
There was no rest for the weary. As always, I just had to do what needed to be done. In this case, I plastered on something that resembled a smile and extended my hand to her. “Yes. I’m the woman who called you. I’m Gina Lee-Xiou.”
Mr. and Mrs. Windham both shook my hand. “I’m Ethan, and this is my wife, Lydia.”
Apparently, Layla thought the pleasantries in this situation were silly and couldn’t contain her frustration. She blurted out, “Where the hell have you been?”
I watched as Ethan glared at her. That was all it took for Layla to hold back whatever else she was about to say.
His voice boomed throughout the room. “My apologies, Gina. We’re all a bit worked up as you can surely understand. Thank you for sending cars for us.”
Keep it together, Gina. Layla’s upset about her brother, and that’s why she’s talking so reckless. I needed to remind myself of that. “Yes, I know, and I’m sorry I couldn’t be here to greet you when you arrived. There were some pressing matters that needed my attention.”
I stretched my neck to look around Brody’s family and take a peek at him. “Has there been any change?” It was apparent from everyone’s body language that there hadn’t been.
Mr. Windham responded on behalf of his family. “Sadly, no.”
I couldn’t help but think, in some ways, it was good news. The doctors hadn’t expected him to make it through the night. Yet, he was still here and fighting. “I’m sure he feels everyone’s presence.”
Lydia Windham had been quietly studying me. “I believe that too.”
I turned back towards her, and it was easy to see the questions in her eyes. She didn’t voice them. At least, not yet, but I knew eventually they would come.
