Losing Game

Hold On

Flip's patience was wearing thin. He hated feeling like a caged animal with everyone telling him what he could or couldn't do. He understood that they were all trying to think of what was in his best interest, but he no longer cared. He needed to see her.

"I swear to God, Ron, I'm this close to signing myself out of this damn place." Flip said, barely pinching his thumb and forefinger together to show a small line.

"And then what, Flip?! You can barely move with the help of painkillers. You really think signing yourself out is gonna help anyone?" Ron responded, his arms crossed against his chest. "I don't think you understand, man. You almost died!"

"I get that! I've been reminded of it all fucking day today!" Flip spat back angrily, "Every time someone walks in here they look at me like they're so sorry for me! I don't want a fucking pity party!"

"Flip-"

"Even you do it! I can see it in your eyes. It's like you pity me over all this bullshit!" Flip laid his head back on his pillow as he ran his hands over his face. "I just want to see her. If it was Patrice, and you were in my shoes, you would be doing the same thing."

"You're right." Ron said as he walked over to Flip, leaning on the bedrail, "And you would be standing here, just like I am, having this very same argument."

Flip rolled his eyes, "I'm just asking for some time."

The hospital room door opened with a soft knock from the other end. Zoey started to walk in when she saw the two men obviously having an important discussion, and stopped herself.

"Bad time?" she asked.

"No."

"Yes."

Ron and Flip answered simultaneously.

"Oooookaaaayyy. I'll just bring Noah back later." She replied turning back around to walk out the door.

"No!" Flip said grabbing her attention. "Please, let me see him. It's not like Ron is letting me see anyone else," he said glaring at Ron, "and I really did miss him."

"I'll see what I can do, Flip. No promises." Ron said, brushing past Zoey and walking out of the room.

Zoey looked at Flip, closing the door so their exchange of words couldn't be heard. "Should I even ask what that was about?"

"It's nothing. He's just being a hardass." Flip answered rubbing his temples.

"Ron's worried about you. Maybe, cut him a little slack. We are all processing these things in different ways." Zoey replied sympathetically, "But right now, I have a very exciting four-year-old outside in that hallway with Ronnie, who may or may not spontaneously combust if I don't let him come see you."

Flip smiled, "We can't chance spontaneous combustion. Kelsey would kill me if anything happened to that kid."

Zoey stared at him for a moment.

"Too soon?" he asked, realizing what he had said.

"No. I was just thinking how lucky they are to have you. It's been rough on Noah." Zoey began, " "He doesn't know. Play it off the detective, you're just sick." She said with a wink.

Flip nodded his head, "I understand. Lips are sealed." he said moving his hand across his mouth.

Zoey shook her head and let out a small laugh as she walked to the door. She motioned for Ronnie to let Noah come in. Noah ran next to Zoey gripping her leg tightly with a smile on his face, and his iPad in one hand.

"Flip!" Noah exclaimed as he went running to the bed.

Zoey quickly reached her hand down to stop him, as she bent down to his level, "Gently. Remember what I told you, ok?"