Stay(34)

I don’t bother trying to correct her. “Her son has epilepsy.”

“Such a terrible affliction.” The woman shakes her head. “So cruel. I’m sure you’ve been there to help with him.”

“I was today.” Our eyes meet, and hers are sympathetic.

“I’m sorry.” She touches me with a bony hand. “It’ll be easier when you’re married. They’ll let you be a part of the conversation then.”

“We’re not—”

“Okay, now. Take care.” The old lady gives me a smile and pats my arm before slowly scuffling past with her IV stand.

My eyes move back to the glass. In that little box, I see my girl slumped in a chair. She looks so miserable. The Dick is gusting like a freight train, and the doctor appears ready to throw in the towel.

I turn back to find the old woman, but she’s gone. Instead, Lulabell comes hurrying in. “Sorry, I came as fast as I could. I had to take care of the last few customers and close the shop. What’s happening?”

“I don’t know.” I look back at the window. “Only family’s allowed.”

“God, I fucking hate that rule.” Lou hisses under her breath. “Emmy could use somebody now. Burt is such a damn bully.”

He always has been. Only, I’m formulating a plan to rescue Eli and Emmy from his domineering presence. “Give me your number.”

“With pleasure.” Lou winks, taking my phone and texting herself from my number.

“Text me if anything happens. I’ll be back.”





13





Emmy


“Just tell me he’s going to be okay.” My stomach churns, and Burt’s yelling only makes it worse.

As much as I want to be strong, I can’t take the seizures. Every time I see my baby lying on the floor shaking, suffering silently, I panic. This time it seemed worse. It felt longer than before, too long.

I look around the waiting room for Stephen. Where did he go? Lulabell waves and gives me a questioning thumbs up. I give her a weak smile and a shrug in return.

“He’s going to be okay.” Dr. Roberts puts his hand on my shoulder. “You did everything right today.”

“I didn’t have his seizure meds.” My voice is weak. “I’m supposed to give him his meds when—”

“EMS took care of it.” The doctor smiles warmly. “I’d like to do an EEG just to be sure nothing has changed. You said it’s been a while since he had one?”

Nodding, I look down at my hands, feeling so helpless. “The meds have been working… but he…” I decide against throwing Burt under the bus. At least for now. He’d just make a scene. “He bumped his head this weekend.”

“Is that so?” The doctor pulls out his clipboard. “That could be significant. What exactly happened?”

Lifting my eyes to Burt, I don’t even try to mask my glare.

“What?” He steps back, holding out his arms. “Oh, this is my fault now?”

This is all your fault.

I don’t say that.

“The doctor needs to know how he hit his head.”

Burt drops his arms with a loud exhale. “We were playing lacrosse, okay? It’s a contact sport.”

Dr. Roberts frowns at my ex. Big shock. “I’m not sure lacrosse is the best choice for a child with his condition. Not to mention his age.”

I can’t even look at Burt. I’m on my feet pacing while the doctor continues. “I’d like to keep him overnight for observation. Just to be sure he doesn’t have another one.”

I hope Burt intends to pay the bill. Another thing I don’t say out loud.

“I need some fresh air. When can I see my son?”

“We have him sedated for now. If you’d like to step outside, there’s a small park just off the waiting area there. I’ll tell the nurse to call you when he starts to wake up.”

“Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help.”

“I don’t know if I appreciate it.” Burt starts, but I’m out the door. I can’t deal with his bullshit another minute.

Bursting through the crash doors, I put my hand on my chest and gasp for fresh air. My breaths are shallow and new tears coat my cheeks. Lifting my chin, I close my eyes to the heavens.

“Oh, God.” I pray softly. “If there’s any way in the world you can help my baby right now…”

The metal door clangs open, and I look up. Striding into the courtyard like a knight straight out of GQ magazine on a steed borrowed from Town & Country is Stephen. Only he’s not wearing armor or riding a horse. He’s in a brown tweed suit, walking swiftly toward me. His expression is determined, and in his hand is a ragged, stuffed killer whale.

“You brought Kona.” I almost start to cry again.

“How is he?” When he gets to me he pauses a second, blue eyes scanning my face.

“I don’t know.” The tears start again. “They have him sedated.”

He reaches out and pulls me to his chest. I hold a hand over my lips as I wet his shirt with my tears. Stephen only holds me. Occasionally, I feel the press of his lips against my head, the warmth of his breath on my hair. I’m not sure how much time passes before I get myself together and step back, wiping my eyes.