Andrea raised her brows. “Even better. You can make a celebratory batch of Margaritas when this is all over. Let me know when and where, and I’ll be there.”
Many times, small talk was overrated. It awkwardly filled a void, though Addison usually preferred silence. But to her credit, Andrea was good at it.
Another nurse stopped in the doorway and knocked lightly.
“About fifteen.”
That was all she said before disappearing. It was as if they were speaking in code.
Andrea waved and turned back to Addison. “Well, we’re getting closer to margaritas.”
“Fifteen minutes ’til surgery?” Addison asked.
“No, they won’t start for another forty-five.” Andrea tucked Addison’s chart under her arm, smirking. “For most people, we can’t begin without the patient. In your case, we’re waiting on your partner.”
My new heart.
“Ahh.” Addison tapped her fingers on the bed. “The real star of the show.”
“You both get top billing.” Andrea winked.
No, we don’t.
“Will it arrive in a beer cooler?”
Andrea snickered, glancing over at the machine monitoring her heart. “Now, that would be fitting for you. But unfortunately, hospitals aren’t that creative. Just a standard transport coolerescorted by a member of medical staff.” She chuckled. “He gets a credited role in this show.”
Addison had been given the entire rundown of how it worked. She’d seen movies where the organ was transported via helicopter with dramatic music in the background. There was always someone carrying the cooler, handing it off to the hospital. It was an important job. And in fifteen minutes, her own handler would arrive.
With a cooler and my new heart.
Someone else’s heart. That fact was still lingering in her mind. She’d had two sessions with a therapist in the last year. They broke down all the potential concerns and fears. Dissected all the emotions that went along with receiving someone else’s heart. But at that time, no one had died so she could live.
Until now…
Her eyes welled, and she sucked in a breath, willing her tears away. She needed to focus on the good. This was a life-changing moment. One that she and her family had been waiting for. While they’d always kept a positive attitude and never spoke about the possibility that Addison wouldn’t get a heart in time, she knew her mom and dad thought about it. How could they not?You’re not supposed to outlive your children.And they wouldn’t. Her parents wouldn’t have to bury their child. But the donor’s family would.Goddammit!She turned her head toward the window and closed her eyes.
Focus on the good.
“Hey.” Andrea’s voice was soft as she slid her cool hand over Addison’s arm. Obviously, she wasn’t hiding her emotions very well. A tear slipped down her cheek, and she immediately wiped it away, forcing a smile.
“I’m fine.”
Andrea slowly nodded. “If you have any more questions, I can get the doctor. We want you to be as comfortable as possible without any concerns.”
She blew out a heavy breath. “No, they’ve been thorough.”
And they had. Not a detail was missed. No question went unanswered. Addison knew exactly what was going to happen from prep to recovery. However, the aftermath was uncertain. She’d been given all the statistics. Her chances for a complete recovery were good.But nothing in life is guaranteed.That thought, once again, circled back to the donor.
“Okay.” Andrea wrapped her hand around Addison’s wrist. “We also have an onsite psychologist. I can have her come up if you want to” —she shrugged— “talk.”
The idea of speaking with a stranger about her deep-routed emotions was not an option. Thirty minutes of therapy wasn’t going to change how she was feeling.
“Thank you, but I’m fine.”
No, I’m not.
“Well, if you becomenot fine, let me know.” Andrea paused, and her gaze softened. “It’s normal to be nervous, Addison. I’d worry if you weren’t. So, if you change your mind about talking to any of the doctors, we’ll make that happen. No one wants you going into this without all your questions and concerns addressed, okay?”