Page 80 of The Only Time

“I have to go,” I say as I start to take heavy steps towards the elevator.

“What? Where?” he asks as he trails behind me.

“Cleveland.”

I press the button several times, willing the elevator to appear. I don’t have any time to waste.

“Cleveland? What the hell do you need to go to Cleveland for? You can’t just leave. You’re already on thin ice with the boss.”

A bitter chuckle escapes me. The elevator door opens, and I walk in. I turn around slowly. “Tell him to kiss my ass. I quit,” I reply just before they shut completely.

I wait for the panic to set in when I realize I just quit my job, but it never comes. It’s clouded by the fear of losing something much more precious and important to me. I was just too fucking stubborn and scared to admit it.

Now she’s lying in a hospital bed, and it’s all my fault.

I should stay away from her after how I treated her, but I’m not a big enough man to do that. As soon as the elevator reaches the bottom floor, I sprint outside to the parking lot. I don’t have time to stop at home and change. I need to get straight to the airport.

On my way, I book the fastest flight that will have me in Cleveland in four hours. Not as fast as I would like but it beats the twelve-hour drive.

I park my car at the airport, race through security with no luggage which seems to make me a target for suspicion. I get pulled aside, searched, and questioned. I want to explode with fury at the TSA agent, but I know that will only land me in jail. Right now, getting to Mia is my top priority.

Once I’m through, I check my watch. Shit, I’ve got three minutes to make it to the gate. I knew it was going to be a close call, but I’m determined to catch this flight.

By some miracle, I make it to the gate just as the gate agent is closing the door.

“I’m here,” I scream as I approach while I wave my phone in my hand with my electronic ticket.

She turns around looking completely unimpressed.

“Scan your ticket,” she informs me as she meets me by the machine.

I’m flooded with relief as I walk onto the plane. The only ticket left has me in the last row by the bathroom, but I couldn’t care less where I sit.

The entire plane ride, my knees bounce up and down as I try to work out the nervous energy that is overflowing inside of me. I realize I don’t even know what hospital she is at.

As soon as I’m off the plane, I turn my phone on and call my sister.

“I need you to tell me what hospital she’s at,” I demand as I run through the airport.

“Eric. What the hell,” she screams. “I tried to call you back, but your phone was off. Why did you hang up on me?”

“Just get me the name of the hospital.”

She ignores my demand. “Where are you? Why are you breathing so heavy?”

“I’m in the Cleveland airport. I need to know where to go. Now get me the hospital while I find a ride.”

I hang up knowing she’s going to ream my ass, but also knowing she’ll come through for me.

By the time I get my ride, Layla has already text me which hospital she is at. It’s a thirty-minute drive that feels like an eternity. As soon as I’m dropped off, I race inside to the front desk.

“I need the room number and floor for Mia Giannelli,” I breathe heavily, not concerned in the slightest with how crazy I might look.

“Are you family?” she asks as she types on her keyboard.

“Yes, I’m her…brother,” I state, knowing it’s kind of gross but likely the easiest lie I can manage without being suspicious. If I say husband and her file is marked single, that won’t go over well.

“Okay, sir. She is in room 425. Fourth floor on those elevators to your right.”

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