Saving Grace

Chapter 17: Grace

I had been released from the hospital the day before and was back in my room at the Lodge. Due to the circumstances, the front desk had told us our stay had been extended if we needed. I was feeling much better, but I still had not been able to see Colt or figure out if he was okay. None of the doctors or nurses would tell me his room number or give me any update on him which was extremely frustrating.

I kept wandering around the lodge, hoping to run into his mom, not that I would necessarily know it was her, but I had to do something that felt productive. I figured she was spending all her time at the hospital, which made sense but had me worried. I was determined to see Colt though and know if he was okay, so after my random running around in search of her, I decided to just camp out at the front desk. I wanted to know as soon as his mom came back.

I am sure I annoyed the poor staff by my constant presence which included a lot of pacing, but I didn't care. Mark said we needed to leave the following day for work, and I couldn't go without seeing Colt at least one more time. I had to talk to him.

I had to thank him for saving my life.

"Miss Campbell?"

My name being called had me on my feet in an instant. I rushed over to the desk.

"Yes. That's me."

"I am aware Miss Campbell as you have been here for the last two hours." A small smirk tugged at her red painted lips.

"Of course. Sorry. Is there any news on Colt?"

"Mrs. Walker just called and will be here in a few minutes."

"Great! Thank you so much. I will just be...over here. Still waiting."

A knowing smile overcame her features and she gave me a quick nod before answering another call. I sat back down on the brown leather couch, my knee bouncing up and down from the movement of my foot.

What felt like an eternity, but I am sure was only a few minutes, a beautiful older woman stepped into the waiting area. Her chestnut hair was pulled back into a bun, a few stray pieces framing her round face. I recognized her from my stay and knew she had to be Colt's mother.

She looked around the room, searching for something, until her eyes landed on mine, her face lighting up in the same moment. She approached me as if we were long lost friends.

"You must be Grace."

I nodded as she pulled my hand into both of hers and held onto it.

"Mrs. Walker, I am sorry for practically stalking you. Its just that, I haven't been able to see Colt, and I wanted to make sure he was alright. I couldn't think of any other way to get in contact with him."

She patted my hand, shaking her head. The twinkle in her eyes reminded me of Colt. She swiped her hand across her forehead, pushing a few small strands of hair off her face.

"Please, call me Emily. And don't you worry about it. Stalk away. I have been wanting to see you also. Colt has been asking about you."

"He has?"

"Of course." She winked, as if I was missing some sort of inside joke.

"How is he?"

"He's doing better. He was allowed to come home today. But he will be resting until his leg heals a bit more."

It felt as if I had been holding my breath since my hand slipped out of his the day we were found. The news he was okay had me breathing much easier.

"That's great news. Is there any way I can see him? I don't want to have to leave without saying goodbye."

Something flashed in her eyes, but it was gone before I could decipher it. She gently smiled and released my hand.