The Redemption of Lillie Rourke by Loree Lough

Author:Loree Lough [Lough, Loree]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-01-11T19:54:50+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

“LILLIE ROURKE, PLEASE.”

“Speaking...”

“Lillie. Hi. It’s Brant Perry, Sally’s dad?”

She hoped he wasn’t calling to set up an interview between her and his producer friend. She hadn’t had time to give his offer the serious consideration it deserved. And as she’d admitted to Jase, it had been a long time since she’d really put her voice into action.

“I’m afraid I have bad news.”

She’d heard that tone before. She’d asked the hospital’s volunteer coordinator to let her know whenever one of the kids had died, so she could prepare herself before going in to see the others. Sinking onto the foot cushion of the gazebo’s chaise lounge, she held her breath. Not Sally, she thought. Please, not Sally...

“It’s about Jason.”

“Oh, no...”

“Not sure what happened, really. While I was visiting Sally this afternoon, they rushed him to the OR. Overheard a couple docs and a nurse discussing his case. Seems this operation is his last hope...if he survives it.”

“I—I don’t know what to say.”

“I understand. Believe me. Sally’s a mess. This isn’t the first time another kid has, well, you know...but Jason and Sally have a special bond. More like siblings than fellow patients. For the life of me, I can’t figure out what to tell her.”

“Poor little thing,” Lillie said. “Is there anything I can do?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. Can you come down here? No need to bring your guitar or paints. She thinks a lot of you, so I’m guessing a short visit will snap her out of her funk.”

“I’ve been working in the yard. Give me half an hour to clean up, and I’ll be there.”

“Thanks, Lillie. I appreciate it more than words can say.”

As she got ready, Lillie considered things she could bring to cheer up a very sick, very sad little girl. Candy was out of the question, thanks to her treatments, and at her age, flowers didn’t seem appropriate. Besides, the staff prohibited plants of any kind, since they exposed the vulnerable kids to mold, bacteria or fungus. A book, or better still, one of those adult coloring books that had a lot of complexity. Colored pencils, too. She’d noticed during her last visit that most of those donated to the playroom were broken.

“Mom? Is it okay if I borrow your car?”

Amelia looked away from her latest painting. “Sure, honey. Where are you going?”

“To Hopkins. Little Jason is in bad shape, and Sally isn’t taking it very well.”

“Oh, dear. What’s wrong?”

Lillie gave her mother a quick rundown of what Brant had said. “I hope he’ll rally. He was counting on making that wedding happen for his mom.”

“I love your big caring heart, honey, but please don’t get all worked up over this, okay?”

Worked up. In other words, don’t backslide. She’d done everything in her power to show how she’d changed. If the big smiles, the always happy demeanor, the continual upbeat outlook hadn’t convinced them, what would?

“Don’t worry, Mom. Even if—God forbid—the worst happens, I’m not going to sink back into the addiction pit. I promise.

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