Payback and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters Series Book One by Bria Marche

sensual massage in bed tomorrow night.”
    “Hmmm… that sounds dreamy.”
    ***
    “Hi, Matt. Give me a second to grab a piece of paper and a pen. Okay, your flight gets in at eleven o’clock, Saturday morning. You’re on Delta #1254. Got it, no problem. Yeah, Dad came through the surgery just fine this morning. The doctor said he can be transferred to a private room tomorrow afternoon. They have to see how well the medication worked before they know if the stroke did any permanent damage. He may need rehabilitation, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”
    “Sure, Sis, give Mom and Dad my love. Bye.”
    “Mom, are you ready to call it a night? You need to take care of yourself too.”
    “You’re right, Mia. Let’s sit with your dad for another half hour, then we’ll head home.”
    Back at her parent’s house in the spare bedroom, Mia relaxed on the bed with pillows bunched up behind her back. The TV was turned down and played a weekly police series. She made a phone call to Tina to update her on her dad’s condition. Mia didn’t realize how draining it was to sit in a hospital all day. She looked forward to her brother’s arrival. With Matt on board, their mom could have a break for a day or so. She needed time to unwind at home and just breathe.

Chapter Thirteen
    Jack had the boarding passes in his hand as he and Sasha went through security Saturday morning at LaGuardia. This can’t be right. He handed them to the TSA officer. It connects in Tampa, damn it! I didn’t even notice that. He was so excited about the trip, he never paid an ounce of attention to the connecting city. I guess I shouldn’t freak out since Mia’s been there since Wednesday. There’s no reason we would run into her, or anyone else we know at the airport. They boarded the plane, ordered two Mimosas’ and relaxed as the jet engines revved up on the runway. Within seconds the plane surged forward, and they were heading for Tampa.
    Mia and Ann sat in Tom’s private room discussing how pleased they were with his progress. He was coherent and talking the best he could. His speech was slurred and his left arm didn’t work yet, but the diagnosis was favorable. They breathed a sigh of relief. So far, so good. Tom would spend time at the rehabilitation center, but they weren’t sure if would be as an inpatient or not. Mia kept her eye on the clock. She’d be leaving soon to pick up Matt at the airport.
    “Mom, I’m going to head out. Matt and I will be back in an hour or so, okay?”
    “Sure, honey, don’t worry about it. I’m good, and it looks like your dad is waking up anyway. I’ll talk to the doctor about the rehabilitation center. Let’s go over there when Matt gets in and tour the facility. We’ll be fine until you get back.”
    “That sounds great. We’ll be back soon.” Mia gave her mom a peck on the cheek and a hug, and her dad the same. Her mind wandered back to Jack as she drove the short distance to the airport. She hadn’t spoken to him since Wednesday morning when he darted out of the house. The only communication between them were the short messages they left on each other’s voice mail. “Wow, do we have a great relationship or what?” she said, grumbling out loud. Just thinking about him put her in a lousy mood. When I get home, the plan is going into high gear. I want him out of my life as soon as possible.
    She parked the rental car in the short term parking lot and waited inside the airport. Mia sat at a cafe table in the main terminal enjoying a latte grande and checked her watch. Matt’s plane just landed at Airside E on Delta #1254. A few more minutes and I should see him.
    Jack and Sasha just landed too at Airside E on Delta #1109.
    Matt exited the airplane and made a quick stop at the restroom before meeting up with Mia. It was a long flight, and he wanted to freshen up. He set his backpack on the floor next to the sink and pulled a few paper towels