Noah knew he risked encountering Jeremy at the hospital, but he went anyway. He still didn't know what he would say to Violet, but he couldn't let her face such a frightening knee surgery alone.

Kaleb had texted him the surgery time and estimated it would last about an hour. Afterward, Violet would remain in a hospital bed until she could walk with crutches. He'd already dropped her off and picked up her pain medication prescription, as per Kaleb's text.

He wasn't sure why Kaleb was providing these details. When he asked, the reply was simply, "She would want you to know."

What did that mean? Had Violet forgiven him? Did she still want to see him, despite her boyfriend and his knowledge of his feelings? Noah was completely baffled.

Nevertheless, he found himself in the waiting room with Kaleb on Monday morning, having called in sick to the dojo. Technically, someone was sick or injured, even if it wasn't him.

Kaleb impatiently scrolled through his phone and tapped his foot. He seemed genuinely worried about his sister.

"You don't have to wait here if you don't want to. I can take her home if you have other plans," Noah offered.

Kaleb seemed slightly offended. "What could be more important than making sure my sister is okay? If you want alone time with her, just say so. No need to beat around the bush."

That wasn't what Noah meant, but he couldn't deny wanting to talk to Violet, even if he didn't know what to say. It might be best to act as if nothing had happened; he didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

"I didn't mean that I don't even know what I would say," he confessed.

Kaleb scoffed. "You're kind of pathetic, you know that? You two need to resolve your issues so Vi can get back to normal. She was crying all weekend watching old family videos, for some reason, but I know it had something to do with you."

Huh? How could old home videos relate to him? Noah was about to ask when the surgeon emerged, fresh from surgery.

Both men jumped to their feet, equally anxious. The surgeon smiled reassuringly.

"The surgery went as well as possible. Her recovery depends on her care of the sutures and following the physical therapist's instructions. She should be ready to go home later today. Which of you is family?"

"I'm her brother," Kaleb replied. "I'll take her home."

The surgeon nodded. "You'll need to complete the discharge paperwork. She's awake but currently lacks feeling from the waist down. You'll need to wait until she can move her legs."

He indicated Violet's room down the hall. They thanked him and headed over. Kaleb stopped Noah from opening the door.

"I'm still responsible, but I'll let you talk to her alone first. I'm sure she'll want to see you."

"Does she really?" Noah asked, quieter than he intended.

He shouldn't be this nervous. It was Violet! He'd never been this apprehensive before.

"Just go," Kaleb said, pushing him into the room after opening the door.

Violet stared in shock. "Noah! What are you doing here?"

That wasn't encouraging. Hadn't her brother said she wanted to see him? Noah moved closer to the bed, hand at his neck, avoiding her gaze.

"Um…I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Surprisingly, she smiled brightly. "You did?"

Why was she smiling? Wasn't she angry or upset? This made no sense, but it was encouraging. He pulled up a chair beside her bed and sat.

Violet looked tired, her eyes red and puffy—evidence of Kaleb's comment about her weekend crying. She wasn't a casual crier. Something in those old videos must have truly upset her.

But what? And why was she looking at him like that? Noah was clueless. He cleared his throat.

"Duh. You're my best friend. How could I not be here for your surgery? I didn't bring a get-well card or flowers, though… I should have. Sorry. I can do it later!" he blurted.

Ugh, he was an idiot. Why did he ramble? She wasn't going to bite him.

Violet shook her head. "No need. I'm just glad you're here."

His heart warmed. Kaleb was right; she did want to see him. Their friendship meant a lot to her, even with her boyfriend. That reminded him…where was Jeremy?

Even a workaholic should take time off for his girlfriend's post-surgery care. His absence didn't reflect well on him. Maybe his mother was right; their relationship was doomed.

(Please note: I removed the unauthorized promotional text.)