Darting nervous glances at the door, she brushed both hands down the front of her capris, leaving a streak of moisture as if she’d forgotten to dry her hands. ‘Maybe you should just tell her I couldn’t come,’ she whispered so quietly Holly had to lean closer so she could hear over the noise and bustle of the nurses’ station.

Sophie, however, wasn’t nearly as hushed, but still spoke low enough that Jersey wouldn’t be able to overhear through the heavy door. ‘I’m not lying to Jersey for you.’

A tear trickled down Leigh Ann’s cheek, and she shifted her gaze to the side in order to avoid eye contact. ‘I’m sorry. I just don’t think I’m ready for this.’ Without another word, she swung around and headed back out the double doors.

Neither Sophie nor Holly said anything for several minutes, and then finally Holly sucked in a gulp of air and linked her arm through her best friend’s. ‘Are you ready?’

A myriad of emotions crossed Sophie’s face as she hovered on a mental ledge. ‘As ready as I’m going to be.’ Her gaze shifted up. ‘I’m scared.’ Her words were soaked in trepidation.

‘Me, too. Um, so do you want to go in alone first? I mean since she’s actually your family and all?’

‘What?’ Sophie jerked back as if she’d been electrocuted and gripped onto Holly’s wrist tight enough that Holly winced. ‘No way do I want to do this alone. First, you’re my family, too. Just because we don’t share a blood bond… Second, she likes you better. And third, I need you with me. I mean, what am I supposed to say to her? Besides, she asked for all of us, and Leigh Ann already bailed, so…’

Holly gently pried her friend’s fingers from around her wrist and then removed the tiny seashell bracelet that had left its mark embedded in her skin. ‘You’re right. I just wanted to make sure.’ They faced the door and then, palms gripped tightly together, the two girls pushed it open.

Aunt Natalia’s head snapped up when they entered, and to be honest, if it hadn’t been for Jersey’s mom hovering over the gaunt and battered figure in the bed, Holly would’ve thought they were in the wrong room.

Sophie’s hand squeezed so tightly, Holly’s fingers tingled.

Natalia offered them a watery smile then bent and kissed the top of Jersey’s head. ‘Look who’s here to see you. I’m going to leave you to talk, but I’ll be back as soon as they leave again, okay?’

‘Thanks, Mom.’

Natalia gathered her purse, phone, and the book she had with her, and gave Jersey one more quick kiss before moving to the door where she hesitated again, afraid to let her daughter out of her sight. ‘I’ll be in the waiting room. Come find me when you leave,’ she told Holly and Sophie. And then she was gone.

Careful to keep her expression neutral, Holly stepped closer to the bed, bringing Sophie with her. She tried not to flinch at the marks marring her friend’s once perfect features. And then without any warning, a dam opened, releasing all the emotion she’d held inside from the moment Jersey went missing to the moment she’d heard she’d been found alive. She yanked her hand from Sophie’s and grappled for a tissue. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… you don’t need…’