The old woman's eyes fluttered open. She looked confused and weak. "Lyvana... child..."
"I'm here, Grandma. I'm right here."
Her grandmother smiled and drifted back into a fragile sleep. The rhythmic beep of the monitor was the only sound in the room.
She slowly stood up and turned to face Mark. He stood there playing the role of the devoted grandson-in-law to perfection.
"Thank you," Lyvana said. "Thank you for saving her life."
Mark gave a solemn nod.
"Of course, Liv. She's important to me too," he replied smoothly.
He checked his watch and then looked back at her.
"We need to talk. But not here. Let's go down to the cafeteria."
The cafeteria was quiet. Mark sat down and put two coffees on the table.
Lyvana did not touch hers. She folded her hands and waited.
Mark sighed. He looked at her like she was a difficult child. "This jealousy must stop, Liv," he said. "Clarisse is just my assistant. I have told you this many times."
Lyvana didn't answer.
