A Need So Beautiful (A Need So Beautiful #1)(49)

I suddenly wonder if it means something more. I wonder if he’s saying good-bye. But he continues to kiss me with an urgency I haven’t felt before. And when we’re out of breath, he buries his face in my hair and holds me tight to him.

“Wait,” I gasp, looking around the room. “Sarah?”

“She’s okay.”

“Where is she?” I try to remember the last time I saw her. She was lying on the seat of the town car, unconscious.

Harlin’s throat clicks as he swallows. “Monroe called Sarah’s father the minute he saw her. He said he couldn’t treat her without her dad’s consent.”

I gasp and pull away. “But he treats me all the time!”

“No offense, Charlotte,” Harlin says, “but Mercy doesn’t own half the city. Monroe has to cover himself.”

“That doesn’t mean—”

A booming voice echoes from the waiting room and Harlin and I exchange a glance. Sarah’s father is here.

“I have to go out there.” I climb off the cot but Harlin catches my arm.

“Maybe you shouldn’t. Let’s stay out of it.”

“No.” I pull away from him and start walking to the door when I feel the Need come back, slowing creeping inside my chest. But it’s changed somehow. Not as overwhelming, and almost . . . irritating. It puts me on edge.

Harlin follows as I make my way out into the lobby. Sarah’s parents are there, still in their formal wear. Her mother’s hair is red, but she doesn’t have the same spirit as her daughter. Maybe she did once, but now she’s not much more than a trophy wife with a Botoxed forehead and plastic boobs.

I pause at the thought, surprised at how cruel I sound. I’d never really disliked her before, but right now, I feel unexplainable hatred. I shake my head, trying to get rid of the feeling, but when we come into view, Sarah’s father turns. His dark eyes bore into me as they narrow.

“You,” he says, pointing. “What did you do to her?”

“Me?”

“You said she was in the bathroom. Where was she? What did you give her?”

“Why would I give her anything?” I’m confused by his accusation. “I had nothing to do with this!”

A look of disgust crosses his face. “I should have known better than to let her hang around with you. No good—”

But then Harlin is there, standing in front like he’s taking a bullet for me.

“I suggest you shut up. Charlotte is your daughter’s friend. Her only friend. I think maybe you owe her an apology.”

“I will do no such thing!” he yells.

“You’re such a prick,” Harlin says to him, and then turns away, putting his arm protectively around me.

My mouth twitches with a smile. My boyfriend is so eloquent. For a second, I wonder if Sarah’s dad is going to argue, but he doesn’t. Instead he storms over to the receptionist.

“I want her released now,” he says, pounding on the desk. “I’m taking her to a real hospital.”

Rhonda sucks at her teeth and types something into the computer as the door to the back opens. Monroe walks out, pushing Sarah in a wheelchair. “Don’t bother, Rhonda,” he says toward the front desk. “I’ve already taken care of it.”

Sarah looks terrible. Her mascara has run under her eyes and her hair is matted and tangled. Her lips are red and smudged. She glances up to meet my eyes and gives me a little shrug before she’s surrounded by her parents.

I listen to Monroe talk to them. He tells them that she has a mild case of alcohol poisoning but that he gave her charcoal to vomit it up. That she needs fluids and rest. Monroe finishes by putting a steady hand on her shoulder and telling them she’ll be okay, physically. He doesn’t know that her father has driven her to this. And that I didn’t stop her from drinking. I wish I had.

Her mother holds Sarah’s arm as she stands up, and her dad brushes back her hair. And for a second, I see a different side of them. Like maybe they love her. And to be honest, I’m jealous that she has a family to care about her. I have Mercy and Alex, but what about my real family?

Again I shake away the strange thoughts popping in my head. Mercy is my mom and I’ve never doubted her love. What is going on? I don’t feel like myself.

Harlin’s hand slips into mine and I’m suddenly comforted. He’s always there when I need him. He’s my steady heartbeat.

Sarah and her parents pass by, her father staring straight ahead like I’m not worth his time. But Sarah glances over and offers a sad, small smile. She looks humiliated.

“Sarah,” I start to say, but suddenly Monroe is in front of me, a stern expression on his face.

“We need to chat,” he says.

“No.” Harlin wraps his arm around me. “You’re done with her. She’s had a long night and—”

“Harlin,” Monroe says, looking at him patiently. “This is about Charlotte. You can wait out here if you like, but I need to speak to my patient. Now.” Then Monroe glares at me like I should agree.

But if I agree now, my boyfriend will be furious with me. He already doesn’t trust me. I straighten and look at Monroe.

“I’m sorry, but—” I start to say, just as he reaches into his pocket. He pulls out the black journal, but doesn’t mention it. Monroe’s right. We do need to talk.