Page 92 of How We Fooled

“We would have done it only to be overly cautious, just to rule anything out, but I don’t think it’s necessary. The officers told us about your boyfriend getting arrested, so I really don’t think these guys would be so bold with him physically there at the place the entire time.”

I nod, then remember what she said. “Other girls have come in with these same symptoms?”

She sighs. “Technically, I can’t discuss other patients, but I will tell you, I’m going to go make a call to have a conversation with the police department, as you’re the third this month. I feel like we get one every weekend.”

I’m dying to ask what happened to them, but know she won’t tell me. And if I’m being honest, I probably don’t really want to know.

I can’t imagine what could have happened to me if Eli wasn’t there.

I still don’t even know exactly what happened at all. I only know whatever Eli did to protect me must have been pretty extreme if I’m here and he’s in jail.

Another female nurse peeks around the curtain, asking, “Liza Hernandez?”

I meet her eyes. “Yes?”

“You have someone named Heather Jones on the phone, saying she is driving here and wanted to make sure you’re still here. I can’t give out any information, even if you are indeed here, without your permission. What do you want me to tell them?”

Tears prick my eyes as the name she said sinks in. Heather Jones. Eli’s mom. He called his parents. Did they know he was here with me? Oh my God, they know he’s in jail then.

She tilts her head to the side, raising her eyebrows slightly, encouraging me to give her an answer.

I close my eyes, ridding every thought out of my mind. Obviously, our secret is out of the bag, and right now, we both need their help.

“Yes, please tell her I’m here.”

She nods and leaves me alone again with the first nurse who stands from where she was entering things in the computer. “I’m going to go get you some food and a drink. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do now, so let’s work on getting your strength up, so when your family gets here, you can go home with them.”

My family …

I’m sure they’ll never look at me like that after I put their son in jail.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Liza

Not knowing what’s going on with Eli is killing me more than the thought of what I just went through. As of right now, I know I’m going to be okay, but I need the same guarantee for him.

“Liza, you have a visitor,” a nurse peeks around the curtain to say.

She opens it a little wider for Eli’s mom and dad to walk through. A rush of emotions overcomes me, and I instantly start crying.

Heather is quick to rush to my side. “Oh, sweetie. We’re here. Don’t cry.”

I hold on to her tighter. “I’m so sorry,” I say through sobs.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.” Heather rubs her hand down my hair. “I’m sorry this happened to you. Are you okay?”

I lean out of her hug, and she drops her hands to mine.

“I’m okay. Where’s Eli?”

“We’re working on getting him released right now,” David says.

More tears fall. “I can’t believe he was arrested while trying to protect me.”

“Believe me, neither can I,” David says in a stern manor. “Guy at the station said the bartender wanted to press charges. Said they do so to make a point to the people of this town that they don’t tolerate fights. They should be pressing charges against the guys who did this. I wouldn’t be surprised if they know exactly who they are too. They’ll have my lawyers to answer to, for sure.”

I chuckle to myself. This little town has no clue who they are messing with. I can only assume the lawyers Eli’s family has are top-notch, and any person or business around here won’t stand a chance against them.

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