Hayden wasn’t released from the hospital until the next afternoon. By the time they were in the suite at the Riverfront Hotel, he was completely wiped out. Neal had him settled in bed and was ordering an early dinner when Hayden fell asleep. He awoke to the sound of soft laughter, voices, and the clinking of silverware against dishes. Hayden frowned and pushed higher in the bed so he could lean forward and squint at the sight before him.
“Mom, am I dreaming? I must have hit my head harder than they told me,” Hayden said.
“How’re you feeling?” Hayden’s mother and Neal asked at the same time.
Hayden took in the table set with dishes holding the remains of a meal and the half-empty wineglasses. “Mom, how long have you been here?”
“My flight got in a few hours ago. You were out like a ligh
