Eric kept close behind, curiosity getting the better of him. “How were you shallow?”
“Do you know why I followed you everywhere back then?” Hadley’s lips curled up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Tell me.”
“Why don’t you take a guess?”
Eric paused to consider and said, “Was it because of my good looks?”
“Exactly.” Hadley gave a little laugh.
That was all she offered, gently steering him toward the front door. “It’s getting late. Go home and get some rest. Make sure you take your medication before bed.”
“Will do.” Eric nodded. Just as he stepped outside, something popped into his head. “Oh, one more thing. I won’t be able to pick you up tomorrow morning.”
Hadley shrugged it off, not bothered at all. Honestly, she didn’t expect him to drive her every day.
She might not have expected the offer, but the fact that he brought it up meant something was going on. So, she asked, “Do you have something important going on?”
“Yeah,” Eric replied honestly. “I’ve got a hospital appointment in the morning.”
“For a follow-up?” Hadley’s brow furrowed in surprise. “Didn’t the doctor say you didn’t need one just yet?”
“It’s not a follow-up this time,” Eric explained, “It’s a pre-op assessment.”
The words took Hadley by surprise, her eyes widening. For a moment, hope flickered in her gaze. “So you’re moving ahead with the surgery?”
“Not right now. Just getting things ready.” Eric shook his head, a soft smile playing on his lips. “The doctors just want to be ready for anything. It’s their call, just in case.”
His health could shift at any moment, so the doctors wanted to be prepared for whatever might happen. That way, no one would be caught off guard.
“Understood.” Hadley’s excitement faded a bit, her voice softer.
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The reality hit her—the hospital wanted to be prepared because his condition could change at any moment. That thought unsettled Hadley, but she managed to keep her tone light. “Will you need to be up early?”
Eric nodded. “Yeah. They need me to fast for some tests.”
Hadley then offered, “Let me go with you tomorrow.”
Eric’s eyes went wide, caught off guard. For a second, he thought he must have misheard.
He didn’t dwell on it, though. His smile came first, bright and genuine. “I’d like that.”
He grinned even wider. “I’ll pick you up early, then.”
“No need for that.” Hadley shook her head. “It’s too far for you to swing by and get me first. Let’s just meet at the hospital instead.”
She paused for a moment and then spoke again. “Tamara’s right here with me. What are you so nervous about? You’ve got a bunch of tests lined up, so don’t make it any harder on yourself.”
“I get it.” Eric grinned and nodded. “I’ll follow your advice.”
Hadley encouraged him to leave. “Morning comes early for you. Head home now and don’t waste any more time.”
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