Page 86 of Dark Princess Ascending

Margo lifted her head. "I know he won't. You should realize by now how stubborn Rob is. If he decided that he's done, he's done."

"Yeah, you're right."

In this case, Rob's stubbornness was a good thing, but it hadn't served him well in others. It was what had kept him with Lynda because he hadn't been willing to admit that he'd made a mistake in his choice of life partner and had stubbornly clung to a made-up notion of her.

Stepping outside the clinic, Gertrude headed toward the vending machines in the back of the café. She needed to talk to Hildegard about their living arrangements, and she didn't want to do that in front of Rob in case the conversation got unpleasant.

It wasn't that she really expected that from Hildy, but people often reacted in strange ways to unexpected changes, although her friend should have seen this one coming.

The vending machines stood below the canopy of a large tree, and since the small building housing the café proper was in front of them, they were always in the shade. It was nice in the summer, but quite chilly in the winter, and Gertrude had only her scrubs on. However, it was much more private in the back of the café than in the front, so it was worth the slight discomfort.

Leaning against one of the machines, she placed the call.

"Good news?" Hildegard answered right away, and given the background noises, she was driving.

"Yes. Rob is awake, and if he manages to stay that way for another hour, Bridget is going to run the test."

"Congratulations! That's wonderful! Are you bringing him home after Bridget clears him?"

Leave it to Hildegard to get straight to the point.

"Yes. That's what I wanted to talk to you about."

"No worries. I've already spoken with Ingrid about finding another place."

Gertrude felt her heart squeeze. "What? No, I don't want you to move out. I was calling to ask if you're okay with Rob moving in with us."

Hildegard laughed. "Oh, Gertie. I'm not going to stand in the way of true love. Besides, Ingrid told me that Catrina, Peter's mother, is looking for a roommate, and I've already called her. She was very excited to hear that I needed a new roommate as well, and we decided to move in together."

Despite it being good news, Gertrude felt a pang of sadness. She didn't want to part with Hildegard.

"Maybe you should meet her first?" Gertrude suggested. "Make sure you two get along?"

"Oh, I know Catrina well from back when I still lived in Scotland," Hildegard said dismissively. "We'll be fine. And you and Rob can have the house to yourselves."

Tears pricked at Gertrude's eyes. She and Hildegard had been roommates for so many years, sharing everything from late-night conversations to studying nursing together and working in the same hospital, until Bridget asked them to work in the keep's clinic and then in the village. "I'm going to miss you."

"Don't get sentimental on me." Hildegard's voice softened. "You can visit me anytime, and Catrina and I would love to be invited to dinner from time to time."

Gertrude wiped at her eyes. "Thank you for making it so easy and so hard on me at the same time."

"You're welcome." Hildegard sighed. "Change happens, Gertie, and this time it's for the better. Sooner or later, I will find my truelove mate as well, and then Catrina will have to look for a new roommate. That's how it's supposed to be."

"I guess." Gertrude shifted so she was leaning on her other side. "Where are you off to?"

"The keep. The new Avengers unit is going out tonight, and they'll be bringing prisoners back for interrogation. In case anyone needs mending, I'm stationed there today and tomorrow. Julian is on call."

It must be serious if they needed healers, but Gertrude knew better than to ask for details. "Then I guess I will see you tomorrow?"

"Of course. I need to pack my things and clean out my room."

"There really is no rush. Rob and I only need one bedroom."

"I know, darling. Give kisses to Rob from me and tell him that I will personally welcome him to the clan tomorrow."

"I will. And thank you again."

"No need to thank me. Kisses." Hildegard ended the call.