25
Cause Célèbre
When I wake, I’m assailed by the aroma of simmering garlic and meat and … is that basil? Dad’s making his famous spaghetti sauce.
My stomach growls an applause.
I try to sit forward, but ohhhh my God. Every. Thing. Hurts. Gonna need another one of those Delightfully Luscious Orange Unicorn Pills of Tantalizing Deliverance from Pain.
Dad’s talking to someone. “Oh, that’s excellent news. Sure, sure. And they’ve got drains in place? … What’s the prognosis? … Yeah, for sure. Good thing he’s not playing second line anymore, right? [Laughter.] … You bet, I’ll tell her. Give Mr. Fielding our best …”
Mr. Fielding?
Ryan!
“You are absolutely welcome. My Hollie is a great girl … yes, so brave … We’d love to come up to the resort … [More chuckling] Yes, this time without the c
