Brock exhaled. “You didn’t find out anything?”
Abby grimaced. “No. Sorry. None of my nursing friends work this shift, but I think things will speed along a bit more now.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem. We’re all hoping things turn out well for Iolana.”
A doctor stepped into the waiting room, scanning the area with his eyes. Brock recognized him from his numerous work-related visits to the hospital.
“Dr. Weaver, do you have any news?”
“Moore? Sorry I didn’t make the connection.”
“I know. Workplace hazard. How’s my mom doing?”
At the question, Brock’s party all snapped to attention, craning their necks to listen. Lily came over with Brianna, and Nash and Toby perked up to, stepping to Brock’s side with Jax, all waiting for word.
“We ran a lot of tests, but those would take some time. You mother helped us by referring us to her specialist…”
“What specialist?” Brock’s bear braced with impatience and surprise. Mom hadn’t told them anything about seeing a specialist. And why was the doctor so hesitant about revealing what was wrong?
“Talk to me, Doc.?” Brock asked in a gruff tone.
Dr. Weaver glued his eyes on Brock’s. “Your mother prefers to tell you and your sister. She’s insistent about that, and I’m obligated to respect her wishes.”
Brock sighed heavily. “All right. Where is she?”
The doctor held up his hand. “She’s resting right now. She’ll likely be out for the night. We gave her something for the pain and to help her sleep. She exhausted.”
At the mention of painkillers and sedatives, anxiety ripped through Brock’s chest.
Painkillers for what?
“I’ve asked the nurse to let you know when she’s awake. It likely won’t be until morning. You’re welcome to wait here, but you may be better off getting some rest and coming back tomorrow.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
Everyone else echoed their intention to stay as well.
Dr. Weaver nodded. “If you need anything, just ask for me. I’ll be here all night.”
“Thank you,” Brock forced himself to mutter.
The doctor turned and disappeared down the hallway. Brock held Brianna around the shoulder and went to sit with her. “We’ll find out more soon.”
“Why didn’t she tell us what was going on?” Brianna asked, distraught and exhausted from crying. His sister had come home for a few days. Just for the barbecue, so this was just as much a surprise to her.
“You know Mom…she probably didn’t want us to worry.”
“Not knowing makes it worse.”
“We’ll know soon enough. Now she has to tell us. The doctor’s right, though. We should all go home and get some rest.” He looked over at Zeke, who rubbed his face, looking about two seconds from sleep himself. The others were stretching and groaning. There was no reason for them all to wait around any longer.
Toby and Lily cam over, asking what they could do to help.
“I want everyone to go home and get some rest,” Brock told Toby. “I’ll wait here, and I’ll get word to everyone.”
“I’m staying, Brock,” Brianna whimpered out.
“No.” Brock’s tone told everyone this was not a topic for debate. “You’re jetlagged from the flight in. Look at you.” He leaned his head in and whispered, “Mom’s gonna need you tomorrow. Get home and get some sleep.” Finally, she nodded. Brock looked up at his friends. “Someone take Brianna home.”
“I’ll do it,” Nash announced.
“Thanks.” Brock pulled out his phone and sent a text to Sky. It didn’t make sense to have everyone losing sleep when Mom was asleep. She’d need them more in the morning. “Thanks for being there for Mom, everyone. Get some rest. I’ll message Toby or Jax in the morning and they’ll send word.”
Brock turned away. Seeing them all so concerned for his mother was enough to turn him into an emotional mess. No one needed to see him have a breakdown tonight.
“I’ll stay,” Jax said.
“No. Joleen is waiting for you. You just got engaged. Go home.”
Jax crossed his arms. Brock knew that pose. Jax wasn’t backing down. “Joleen will understand.”
Toby nodded. “Lily can get a ride home with Abby and Andrew. I’m staying.”
“Same here,” Nash chimed in. “Well, I’ll take Brianna home, but I’m coming right back here.”
Zeke came over too. “I’m sleepy as hell, but I’m staying too.”
Mr. Wittfield stood up. “I may be old but I’m not going anywhere.”
Abby’s boyfriend Andrew, also a bear shifter, approached the group. “Nash can take Abby and Lily home too. I don’t have to be at work for two days. I’m here until we get word on Iolana.”