Dolly (Part three-Max Mitchell series)

SIX

"How do you feel now, having met the Mitchell crew?" I asked Tom.
"I should ask you the same question. I'm sure you weren't quite planning on having me meet them just yet." he had found himself some room to sit at the foot of my hospital bed.
"I might have planned to have the mood a little more joyful, but I'm happy they're here...and I'm so happy you're here."
He picked up my hand, and kissed it, careful to avoid one of the numerous places I had something hooked onto me.

Looking at him then, with clearer eyes, I could see that I wasn't mistaken in seeing a man, riddled with stress. He was always the one to be full of vigor and life, and in that moment he looked distressed and exhausted.

The hospital deemed me worthy of moving out of the intensive care unit and into a regular room. I was thankful to be in a less stressful environment, but what I really wanted was to be at my own home, in my own bed.

I'd sent my family off to have a break from the hospital scene. Wendy had come in after the detective left and assured me that she would take care of them and get them anything they might need. Tom, however insisted on staying with me...I assumed he needed a break from overwhelming activity that came along with my family.

"I forgot to mention my Dad is a big fan, didn't I?"
"Oh, he definitely made me aware." Tom smiled.
"He seems to like you, Magnus or not."
"If it weren't for Magnus, I'd probably be out with the rubbish!"
He laughed wholeheartedly, for the first time in awhile, I was certain. His laugh was one that came from deep down in his soul, and it made me happier each time I heard it. It made me smile from the inside out.
"If I weren't in such a bad way, I'd scold you for missing your press tour." I nudged him with my foot, from under the blanket.
"Don't even try, missy. There isn't a snowball's chance in hell I'd have stayed away."
I laughed at his paltry attempt at a serious scolding. Bad idea. It felt like I might literally split a seam if I laughed too hard.
"Ouch. Don't make me laugh...it hurts."

His eyes softened, and he scooted closer to me and leaned in to give me a kiss.
"Mmm, it's nice to have you kiss me back. For a bit there I was beginning to feel like the prince, trying to wake up sleeping beauty."

A knock at the door interrupted our little moment, and Tom went to the door to see who it was.
"Delivery. We were told Miss Mitchell could receive these now." a hospital worker rolled in a cart that was filled with numerous floral arrangements.
"My god, news travels fast, doesn't it?"
"Once the paparazzi is onto your business, it's only a matter of time before the world finds out."
"Who are they from?" I asked, and gestured to the cart.
"Well, there's only about twenty bouquets here so you'll have to give me a minute." he said, sarcastically as he began opening the tiny cards attached to each vase.
"Here's one from Gwen and her husband...one from your aunt Mary...Adele, of course...Ben and Jenne...Pharrell."
I shook my head in disbelief, and told him to keep going.
"Chris and Elsa sent these...Adam..."
"What about that big one, there?" I pointed to an enormous posy of peonies, anemone and roses. He opened the card and a huge smile spread across his face, and he handed it to me.

Max,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. I can't wait to meet you. -Diana Hiddleston

"Your mother?" I felt a catch in my throat and thought I might cry again, for the hundredth time that day. He nodded. "I can't believe it."
"Once you're all better, we'll make a trip to visit her."

Even though I'd been sleeping a few days, I still felt ridiculously tired. Apparently, getting shot in the belly will wear you out a bit. Tom pulled the armchair to the side of the bed and took a book out of his bag, and got settled in for a read, so I could sleep.

"Will you read to me, Sugar?"
"I'd love to." he flipped open his book, and I nuzzled into my pillow, feeling like sleep would creep over me quickly.

"They say the lady is fair. 'Tis a truth, I can bear them witness. And virtuous-'tis so, I cannot reprove it. And wise, but for loving me. By my troth, it is no addition to her wit-nor no great argument of her folly, for I will be horribly in love with her."

***

"She's asleep now. What time is it, where you are? "It's midnight here. My show just finished, and I'm spent. I'm leaving for Sydney in the morning."
"Call us back once you've slept. She'll be up then."
"Tom, you're an angel, she's lucky to have you."
"I have you to thank for that, Stef."
"Give her a kiss for me."
"I will. Goodnight, Miss."

"Who was that?" I asked Tom sleepily, as he was hanging up the phone."
"You're up! I'll ring her back." he dialed the phone again, and handed it to me. The distinctive ring of FaceTime echoed through my room. He had been talking to Stef. The call connected and there she was.

"Stef--where are you?"
"Max! I've been so worried. I'm in Brisbane. I feel like such an awful bitch, not being there with you."
"You can't exactly cancel on the good people of Australia...I understand."
"You always do. How are you feeling my dear?" Stef was laying down in bed, probably just after her show. She was free of makeup, and costume which was when I always thought she was prettiest.
"I'm feeling a bit jealous that you're in Australia. I should have come with you in the first place."
"Yes, I think you should have. Then you wouldn't..."
"I wouldn't have been ambushed by my psychopathic ex." my reply came out snarky and bitter, which wasn't what I'd intended. Tom heard it and snapped a wide eyed look at me. I shook my head quickly, as if to ward off the dark cloud that was beginning to circle my head.
"I'm sorry. I'm just...I don't know..."
"Stop right there. You've got every right to be pissed off, or hurt or bitchy or whatever you want to be. You can take it out on me, I can handle it."
"I love you Stef. I'll follow you to Australia next time. I've got some college friends there that I'd like to visit."
"I love you too, Max."
Tom came closer and peeked over my shoulder so that both of our faces were in the frame.
"Take good care of our girl, Thomas." Stef ordered.
He kissed me on the temple.
"With pleasure."

***

I know you probably don't want to talk business, but there are some things I wanted to go over if that's ok."
My parents and Tom had gone out for breakfast and Wendy and I sat together on my hospital bed, talking over the iced Americanos she had smuggled into my room.
"I'm going to have to get back to business eventually. I've been out of the ICU for two days now, hopefully they'll let me recover at home, soon."
"Believe me, I've been pestering the staff here to let you out. They're probably tired of me asking."
"So, what do we need to talk about?" I asked.
"Well, there is a lot of buzz about what...happened, and numerous magazines are asking for interviews. Is that an idea you'd entertain?"
I huffed out a breath, pondering the idea.
"I suppose it might be wise to set the record straight. Who's asking?"
"US, Spin, People and Rolling Stone have called me so far."
"What do you think I should do?"
"I would choose one and keep it at that...and I'd go for People or Rolling Stone."
"Ok. Tell People I'll give them an interview, but not until I've gotten settled back at home."
She nodded and scribbled a few notes down.
"Also, you've gotten very regular flower deliveries. Your house is beginning to look like a flower shop. it smells lovely in there."
"Speaking of home...it's in pretty bad shape, isn't it?" I asked, fidgeting with the hem of my blanket.
"Tom's taken care of that. It will be good as new once you get home."
"He's too good to me..." I started to feel a bit guilty for being on the receiving end of his constant kind gestures and overall attentiveness.
"Oh, stop it. You two are perfect for eachother. That man loves you so much."

Knock Knock

"Miss Mitchell, you have a visitor."
"Visitors are to check in with me, first." Wendy jumped off of the bed and ushered the nurse out of the room. "I'll be right back."
After a couple minutes, the door opened slightly and Wendy squeezed through its tiny opening, looking like she'd seen a ghost.
"Wendy. What's wrong?"
"Um...your visitor..."
"Jeez, what's the big deal? You look like you're gonna barf."
"It's Robert."