I drew in a deep breath as Lola knocked on the door, and as she went inside, I exhaled.
This was it. I knew it.
This was going to be the moment my entire plan fell apart.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Fresh flowers were on top of the counter. Dozens of them. They were the first thing I noticed as I walked into the sterile room. Apparently, many people knew Keke was awake and back in good health; there were cards attached to each bouquet, even boxes of chocolate stacked near them.
“Keke!” Lola squealed, and I watched her run to the hospital bed to meet her old friend.
“Lola! Goodness, girl, I missed you so much!” Keke cried out. Lola bent down to hug Keke tight around the shoulders, and Keke returned a hug just as tight.
Her eyes were closed as she did, but in a matter of seconds her eyes were open again, and they landed right on mine. She frowned then, pulling away from Lola rapidly.
I waved at Keke. “Hi, Keke. How are you feeling?”
“What is she doing here?” Keke demanded, focusing on Lola. “I thought it would be just you today.”
“Ivy rode with me to come see you. I told her you were awake now, and that you’d love to see her. She was really worried about you.”
I nodded and smiled. Did she know? Could she see through my smile?
Lola looked between Keke and me, then she cleared her throat and pulled up a chair next to the hospital bed. “How are you feeling? How’s your memory and everything after the fall?”
Keke sighed and rested her head against the bed. “I can’t remember shit.”
Relief. Sweet, instant relief. She couldn’t remember, Marriott. This was good.
I moved to a chair in the corner, allowing my heart to settle and my shoulders to relax.
“Everyone tells me I fell, that I probably tripped. One of my shoelaces was untied and all that when they found me.”
Lola rubbed her arm. “I was surprised to hear you’d fallen.”
“I don’t think I fell,” Keke said, her voice serious and her eyes locked on Lola’s. “I don’t know why, but when the doctor was asking my questions, I kept getting this weird sensation that hands were on my back, like someone pushed me. But who would do that? A lot of those pregnant women have been through some traumatic shit, but a pregnant woman wouldn’t have been able to keep up with me on the trail.” Keke turned her head to look at me. “So, what’s going on? You two best buddies now? I checked out your Instagram, Lola. Y’all have been hanging out a lot.”
Lola scoffed at Keke’s remark. “Ivy is a good friend, yes. Why do you sound so defensive about us hanging out?”
“You just met her,” she answered without hesitation.
“I’ve known Ivy for three months now. She’s a good friend to me, and she came here to check on you with me, Keke.” Lola gave her a sympathetic rub on the arm. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, I’m fine. I just don’t trust her.”
“Keke.” I stood up and moved closer to the bed. “I’m sorry if you feel like I’ve gotten in your way, or if my being here isn’t what you wanted. I didn’t mean to intrude. I just know how much you mean to Lola, and I know you had a bad fall, so I didn’t mind tagging along to say hello.”
“Where did you even come from, Ivy? Huh?” Keke snapped. “Lola may have fallen for your sad-girl story, but I don’t fucking buy any of it.”
We stared at each other.
She was a miserable bitch.
“Funny enough,” Keke went on, “I don’t remember much from camp, but I do remember telling you there was something about you I didn’t like, and I still stand by that. A little fall isn’t going to change my mind about you.”
Oh, that bitch. If Lola weren’t in the room, I would have strangled her with my bare hands. But I was the victim here. She was attacking me, and by the looks of it, Lola was seeing it the same way.
“Okay . . . you know what? I’m just going to give you some space. I can see I clearly overstepped,” I murmured, going for the door.
“No, Ivy. Stop right there.” Lola’s voice was stern. She stood up from her chair.
“It’s okay, Lo. She clearly needs some space.”
“Lo?” Keke scoffed, looking up at Lola. “Now she’s got nicknames for you? I can’t with this girl.”
“Keke, that’s enough!” Lola snapped. She glared at Keke, her eyes wide and partially confused. “We came here to see you, and to show you some respect, and you’re acting like a selfish bitch! I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but this is not the Keke I was expecting. Perhaps you need more rest, so I’ll visit you tomorrow.”
“No, wait—Lola, I’m sorry. I just—”