“The bullet that hit Giana was lodged in her chest cavity. We were able to remove it with minimal complications, but she lost a lot of blood. We have her on a ventilator, and the next forty-eight hours are critical, but she should make a full recovery.”

“And Donovan?” I asked.

“You’ll have to talk to his doctor. I’ll go find him. Meanwhile, if you would like to see your friend, you may.”

We followed the doctor down the hallway and into Giana’s room. I gasped and covered my mouth when I stood from the doorway and looked at her. She was pale. The tubes coming from her were hooked up to machines that produced a steady stream of beeps. Simon clasped my shoulders and guided me over to her bedside. Tears fell down my face as I took hold of her hand.

“I’m here, G. You’re going to be okay.”

Another doctor walked through the door to update us on Donovan. “We were able to remove the bullet from his chest and control the bleeding. Due to the severe swelling of his brain from the trauma he sustained when he fell, we had to put him in a medically induced coma and wait for the swelling to subside.”

“Is there any brain damage?” Simon asked.

“We won’t know until he wakes up, which could be days or even weeks. Your friend was lucky that whoever fired that shot missed his heart.”

“Thank you, doctor,” I said as I turned and looked at Giana.

“They’re both alive, Gabrielle. That’s the most important thing,” Simon said as he wrapped his arms around me.

A nurse walked in and smiled as she checked Giana’s vitals. “You two look exhausted. Why don’t you go home and get some sleep. I’ll call you if there’s any changes.”

“What if she wakes up? She’ll be alone and scared,” I said.

“Sweetheart, she isn’t going to be waking up for a long time. Don’t worry. She’s in good hands here. You can come back later tonight.”

“Come on, baby; you need to eat something as well as get some sleep. You heard the nurse. She’ll be in good hands.”

After stopping in and checking on Donovan, Simon drove us back to his house.

“Go upstairs and climb into bed. I’ll have Martha make us something to eat.”

“I’m not hungry.”

He placed his hand on my chin. “It doesn’t matter if you’re hungry or not; you need to eat. Now go.”

I sighed and walked up the stairs. I pulled back his comforter and climbed underneath, gripping the edge tightly and pulling it up to my chin. She was going to be okay. I had to believe that. I couldn’t lose her. Not now, not ever. Simon walked in the room and handed me a cup of tea.

“I thought you could use some.”