Page 6 of From the Moment We Met

Chapter Two

Jacob

Astring of cars snarled along the London highway, bringing traffic to a standstill; Jacob wanted to forgo the limousine and run the rest of the way. The driver noted Jacob's agitated movements in the rearview and stated, “Traffic should be moving fine now, sir. No problem.”

Jacob's eyes smoldered, his tone sharp. “No problem? You’re taking me to a hospital. That’s a problem.”

“I’m sorry sir, I meant no disrespect. I thought the traffic was agitating you.”

Jacob sighed, his heated demeanor turning to defeat. “No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t prepared for this and…I’m not sure what to think.”

The driver nodded. “I’ll send prayers for your family, Mr. Edmonton. We’ve arrived.”

Jacob leapt from the vehicle as it neared the hospital entrance and darted into St. Luke’s lobby. His head was spinning. He leaned against the wall to steady himself and catch his breath.

His voicemail was full when he landed at Heathrow. There were numerous calls from Audrey and his Mum, barely intelligible over their sobbing. All he gleaned was Janie was rushed to the hospital and needed emergency surgery. He didn’t know the gravity of the situation or what to expect, and the drive from the airport took forever and a day.

He’d been calling everyone since he heard the messages, but their phones went straight to voicemail. It was all Jacob could do to keep from pitching his mobile across the room.

He hurried to the information desk, drumming his fingers on the countertop while a robust clerk assisted another patron. She turned to him and her jaw dropped in recognition. “Mr. Edmonton, my goodness, how may I help you? What an honor, sir.”

He was usually charming with his fans, but today was not a typical day. “My sister, Janie Edmonton, was admitted through Accident and Emergency a few hours ago.”

The clerk typed the name into the database, her eyes shifting between his face and the screen. “Yes, she was admitted at two-thirty this afternoon. Go to the third floor and ask for the surgical waiting room within the critical care unit.”

His eyes widened. “Critical care unit? How sick is she?”

“I’m sorry sir, I can’t provide any additional information but if you go to the third floor and ask for the—”

“The surgical waiting area for the critical care unit—got it.” He smacked the counter and started to walk off when the female patron grabbed his arm.

“Sir, I know this may not be the best time, but my daughter would never forgive me if I didn’t ask for an autograph.”

Jacob shook his head in disbelief as he snatched his arm from her grasp, bolting for the lift. He followed the signs to the surgical waiting area, and found his family huddled in a corner. His mother dabbed her eyes with a tissue, his father paced in circles, and Audrey sat with her head buried in her hands.

His mother, Caroline, noted his arrival and attempted a smile, failing miserably. “Jacob, you’re here. Thank God.” She lifted her cheek for a kiss and Jacob obliged, but her embrace was like a limp dishrag.

“What’s happening? I tried calling, but no one answered their phones. Where’s Janie?”

Audrey lifted her head, her eyes red-rimmed. “She’s in surgery. Her heart failed, they don’t know…” She broke off, sobs overwhelming her body.

Jacob placed his arm around Audrey; she stiffened but eventually relaxed into his embrace. “She has to be okay, Jacob. She has to get through this—it’s Janie.”

Her words sprung a leak in his damned-up emotions, and tears rolled down his cheeks.

When Audrey realized he was crying, she jerked away, anger clouding her distraught face. “No, don’t you do that Jacob! You don’t get to stay away for months on end and never call and then when she might…you don’t get to be the big brother now, you gave up that role for your acting career.”

Jacob jolted back, shocked by the venom pouring from his sister-in-law. They might not see eye-to-eye, but how could Audrey question his love for Janie?

“Audrey, please stop. Jacob has every right to be upset,” implored Caroline, always the peacemaker.

Audrey jumped to her feet, shaking her head. “No, he doesn’t. Love isn’t conditional, and it isn’t just on his timeline. Screw this, I’m going to smoke a fag.” She grabbed her purse, storming towards the exit.

“Where’s Elizabeth?” Jacob asked, searching the room for his niece.

“With my Mum,” Audrey muttered as she stormed out.

Jacob glared at her retreating form before shifting his focus to his mother. “How are you holding up, Mum?”

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