Page 71 of Unbroken Promises

In shock, I freeze, the straw halfway to my open mouth. Shit. With a smile, I turn, lowering the cup.

“Tony! Hi! Oh my gosh, what are you doing here?”

He frowns at me, taking in my leggings and sports bra, covered by a halfway zipped jacket, the fanny pack and my cup of guilt that is clutched tightly in one hand.

“I just came to get a quick coffee on my way back to, well. . . to what’s left of my restaurant. What are you doing here? Darrion and Jayce said you were working today?”

My laugh is awkward, too loud as it escapes my lips. “Oh yeah, well, you know.” I wave my hand airily, dismissing his question. “Been plugging away all day on that computer. Needed a mid-day pick-me-up.” Shifting my gaze, I look behind him, before giving a quick glance around the room. “Speaking of, where are Mus- I mean, Darrion and Jayce?” I barely hold back a wince. I doubt he would take too kindly to my referring to Theo’s minions as Muscles and Dimples. He seems more like a strait-laced, call- ‘em-by-their-names kind of guy.

“Oh, they were helping me clean up the mess at the restaurant. I have been dealing with insurance agents all day and needed some people who were better equipped at handling the hired help.”

I frown at his words.

“Sorry, I meant, the construction team. Ihiredthem to help demolish what was left of the building and then clear everything out so the new construction could start. They were still in the midst of dealing with that, but I had to leave for anin-person meeting with the insurance claims adjuster. Figured the least I could do was buy them some coffee as a thank you for their help, so I stopped by here on my way back. I know it’s just a hole-in-the-wall shop, but the coffee is surprisingly good.”

I bite my tongue, holding back a retort at his demeaning commentary on the store my friend has so diligently worked her ass off to rebrand. It seems that Tony and I have gotten off to a bit of a rocky start, and with him being Theo’s only relative in the area (not to mention his friend and colleague) it seems prudent to try and play nice.

“Ah, yep that definitely makes sense. That’s sweet of you, that you were going to buy them coffee as a thank you. I’m sure they’ll love it. Anyway,” I hold up my large cup of iced coffee, “better get back to it. It was good seeing you.”

Just as I turn on my heel to leave before he can get another word in, my phone rings. Biting back a groan, I reach into my pocket and place it to my ear.

“Danica speaking.”

“Hey kiddo. Listen, where are you?” Roberts’ voice is weary and it instantly has me on edge.

“I was just on my way back to Prism. Why, what’s wrong?”

Having caught the tail end of my conversation, Tony comes over to me, eyebrow raised as he crosses his arms, waiting for details.

“Listen, sweetheart. It’s Jonathan. He- well, there’s been a complication and he’s being re-admitted to the hospital.” Roberts’ voice is resigned, and I can tell by his tone that whatever it is, it can’t be good.

“Oh my god! What happened? Is he alright? I just saw him earlier today and he seemed fine!” My voice comes out rushed, each word higher and more frantic than the last. What the hell happened?

“I don’t know, kiddo. I really don’t know. Just got a call from him a little while ago saying something didn’t feel right and asked if I could come pick him up. When I got there, he was feverish and lying on the floor, totally out of it. I called an ambulance; they’re taking him to the hospital and I am following behind. Where are you? I can come pick you up, and bring you with me. I’m sure he would want you there.”

I can feel my heart racing, slamming into my chest as the anxiety builds, making it difficult to breathe. “No! I mean, yes, of course I will come to the hospital. But don’t come get me, you would have to turn around and go clear in the oppositedirection. I’ll grab an Uber and meet you. Please just text me when you get there, if you find out anything else? I will be there as soon as I can.”

His voice is grim as he responds. “Of course, sweetie. But between you and me, you might want to hurry with that ride share.” He hangs up before I can say anything else.

Pulse racing, my breath starts to come out in labored pants as the pressure in my chest increases. Oh my god. What is happening? Something’s wrong with Jonathan, I have to get to the hospital. Shit. I need to call an Uber. My hands shake as I unlock my phone, and begin swiping for my ride share app.

“Hey, everything okay?”

Tony steps next to me, placing a hand over my screen.

“Yeah. No, I’m sorry. I have a friend who is sick and is being sent to the hospital by ambulance. I have to go. I’m really sorry. Can you do me a favor, when you see Dimples and Muscles can you please let them know where I’m at so they don’t worry?”

“What?” His brows furrow in confusion.

“Shit! Sorry. Darrion and Jayce. Can you please let them know I’m on my way to the hospital?”

“Of course I can let them know for you. But why don’t I just give you a ride?”

I shake my head, trying to get him to move his hand out of my way. “No, that’s okay really.”

“It’s no trouble at all. Seriously, if you wait for a rideshare, it could take at least ten, fifteen minutes at this point of the day with downtown traffic. I’m parked right out front. I’ll just give you a ride, it will be faster.”

I sag in relief, almost dropping my cup of heaven in the process. “Alright, yeah, that would be great. Thanks so much.”

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