Ivy didnât rush to head upstairs when they reached the hospital. Instead, Balfour walked beside her as they strolled around the block to help settle the hearty meal they had just enjoyed.
Lately, her appetite hadnât been great, but tonight, the food had been irresistible, and sheâd indulged in a few too many pies. Now, she was feeling the consequences.
âWhy stuff yourself like itâs Thanksgiving and then complain? Next time, just have a sensible portion,â
Balfour chided, half-tempted to fetch some antacids from the pharmacy.
Ivy shot him a look. âDidnât you see how happy Granny was seeing me tuck in? I donât often come home, and they were over the moon to have me. It just made everything taste better.â
âSo, what are you saying? That itâs my miserable company that puts you off your food?â Balfourâs tone had a playful edge, but there was a hint of genuine annoyance too. After all, heâd been running himself ragged taking care of her.
Surprised, Ivy responded, âWhy would you think that? Iâm not ungrateful. Youâve been working so hard, and I can see that youâve lost weight. I do appreciate it. Tomorrow, once Iâm out of here, itâll be my turn to look after you. You can go to work without a worry, and Iâll make sure to spend more time with Grandpa and Granny.â
âTheyâve got Mara at home, so theyâre in good hands. Donât stress yourself. You need to focus on your body,â he said, softening.
But Ivyâs smile faded. Right, Mara had been around for ages. She was practically part of the family.
Why would Alyssa and Dean need Ivy to worry about them?
âYouâre right,â she admitted, âI was being presumptuous. They have Ms. Lewis, and thereâs no shortage of people taking care of them. I donât need to fret.â
Balfour frowned slightly at her words, a pang of regret in his gut. He didnât mean Ivy was unimportant, just that he didnât want her to worry. But before he could say anything else, Ivy had already moved ahead, and he swallowed his words.
âHave you thought about when you might go back to the set? If you need, I can make arrangements in advance,â Balfour changed the subject, hoping to distract her.
The mention of the set caught Ivyâs attention. âI have, actually. Since Iâm almost discharged, I might as well return to the set the day after tomorrow, assuming tomorrowâs check-up is clear.â
Balfour instinctively frowned. âIs it necessary to be so hasty?â His main concern was whether Ivy was fully recovered.
Nodding her head, Ivy was firm. âYou can decide on other matters, but let me handle the set. Besides, when is anything ever perfectly prepared? Thereâs never an ideal time. For me, the moment Iâm physically ready, thatâs when Iâll return.â
The thought of acting again brought a visible ease to Ivyâs mind. It was her passion, after all.
Seeing that Ivyâs expression eased up, Balfour relaxed a little.
He noted that the earlier mention of Mara had dampened her spirits. Even if he was sometimes slow on the uptake, he had definitely caught on to that.
When it got past eight, Balfour suggested they head back inside. It was chilly, and favors. lingering outside any longer wouldnât do Ivyâs health any âSure,â she agreed.
The following day, once the doctor had given the all-clear on her reports, Ivy finally exhaled in relief.
âSo, can I go home now?â Her voice was full of eager anticipation.