“No, really,” Beau said. He had the hospital’s phone awkwardly cushioned against his shoulder, trying to support it over his chest with his unbroken hand. “I’m mostly all right. There’s no need to fly up. I’ll be back at school before you get here.” He gestured with the other hand, beckoning Vin into the room.
Vin slid in, taking up residence in the chair that seemed to have molded uncomfortably to just not quite fit his buttocks.
“Seriously, no,” Beau said to the phone. “I think I’m getting out today. Tomorrow morning at the latest.” He sighed. “Yes, Momma, I already talked with my advisor. One of my friends is bringing me my—” He clenched his jaw, waited again. “I’ve got a week to make up the work, it’ll be fine, Momma, I promise.”
Vin used the opportunity that Beau wasn’t looking at
