Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1162

"Eat your dinner properly."

Francis frowned slightly. "Don’t play with your phone while you’re eating. It’s not good for your stomach."

As he spoke, he reached over and took her phone away.

“I’m not playing—I’m checking my emails,” Rebecca protested. “I think my mom replied to me!”

She’d emailed her mom earlier since she’d been unable to get in touch with Jacquetta.

Seeing it was something important, Francis handed her phone back. “Did your mom say anything?”

“Let me check…”

Rebecca opened her inbox. Sure enough, there was a reply from her mom.

As she read, her expression slowly changed, her brow furrowing, the lightness in her face replaced by concern.

“What’s wrong?” Francis reached over, taking her hand. “Did Jacquetta run into trouble?”

“Yeah,” Rebecca nodded. “My mom’s in the hospital.”

The email explained that Jacquetta had gallbladder surgery and was now staying at Sapphire Springs Medical Center in Nightwind City.

“Don’t worry,” Francis reassured her, “Sapphire Springs is one of the best hospitals in the world. Jacquetta’s in good hands.”

He’d sent Caroline Bennett there before, too.

“I know.” Rebecca nodded again, but the worry didn’t leave her eyes.

“Did Jacquetta leave a number?”

“She did.” Rebecca checked the time. “She’s probably resting now. I’ll call her later tonight.”

Francis nodded. “I’m your boyfriend. If you need anything, just tell me, okay? Promise?”

Rebecca felt a warm, fluttery feeling in her chest and managed a little smile. “I promise.”

***

That morning, Sherilyn went with Gilbert for his follow-up at the hospital.

The results were pretty good—the blood clot was stabilizing, and the doctors were happy with his progress.

“I’ll drive you home first, then head to the office,” Gilbert offered.

“Yeah.” Joyce laughed, gulping down the water. “It’s been nonstop all morning. Didn’t even have time for a drink.”

Galen handed her a napkin. “Here, wipe off.”

“Thanks,” Joyce said, dabbing at her forehead.

Sherilyn looked from her brother to her friend, then back again. Was she imagining things, or was there something going on between those two?

Once Joyce caught her breath, Galen pulled out a chair for her.

“Thanks, gentleman,” Joyce grinned, then turned to Sherilyn. “Last time I had to pull your brother in as my driver during an ER emergency. I promised him a lunch as a thank you, so here we are. Hope you don’t mind sharing.”

She gestured at the two siblings. “You two don’t mind eating together, right?”

“Not at all,” Sherilyn smiled.

She didn’t mind, but as for her brother… well, who knew?

Galen just chuckled. “Of course not.”

“Knew it!” Joyce said with a wide grin, grabbing the menu and handing it to Galen. “You’re the youngest here—let your big sisters take care of you. You get first pick. Order whatever you like—lunch is on me.”