The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 167

Petty wanted to shoot back with a “Are you sure you’re okay?” but the words stuck in her throat. So instead, she mumbled, “Franco did a good job protecting me. Maybe you should go check on him.”

Laura’s face barely changed. She actually smiled a little, almost like she was relieved. “Last time, taking down that treehouse your dad built really upset you. I kept telling Franco he had to make it up to you somehow. I’m just grateful he was there when the elevator broke down. If he hadn’t kept you safe, I would definitely have blamed him for it.”

Petty’s heart jerked with the realization.

So that’s what this is all about.

Laura watched Petty’s face turn a little pale, then her lips curled at the corners.

She turned to Franco, gave his sleeve a gentle tug, and said with a sweetness that felt practiced, “Franco, will you walk me back to my room? I was so anxious about finding you, I forgot to take my pills. If my anemia gets worse, you’ll just worry yourself sick again and won’t be able to sleep.”

Petty glanced up and caught only Franco’s stern profile. He was already gripping the handles of Laura’s wheelchair, his voice quiet and deep as he answered.

Petty curled her fingers into her palm, determined to bury those strange feelings that had bubbled up in the elevator.

Turns out he spoiled Laura this much. He obviously had something else to do, but still let Laura act cute just because he was worried she’d get sick.

Back in the hospital room, after Laura swallowed her medicine, something occurred to her. “Franco, don’t you have that eye appointment today? I can come with you.”

“No,” Franco said, just glancing at the emptied pillbox before standing to leave. “You should rest.”

As the caregiver shut the door, she turned back to Laura and said, “Franco really cares for you, ma’am.”

Laura took a sip of water, her eyes thoughtful. “I know.”

As long as Franco stayed by her side, still caring like this, nothing else really mattered.

It was worth it, she thought. Even the pain.

…

Outside, Petty left the hospital and patted her pockets.

Her hand froze. She dug around, fast, feeling nothing.

She stopped, checked every pocket again, even the linings. Still nothing.

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