Page 83 of All Along

There. I don’t sound like a complete worry wort. I press send and wait.

And wait.

Two minutes pass before he messages back.

No.

I jump to my feet and run out of the restaurant. I can feel people’s eyes on me but I ignore them. My discomfort at being the center of attention is not what’s important now.

When I reach the lobby, I scan the area. Where are the stupid restrooms? I know they’re here. This isn’t my first visit to the resort. Chloe got married here.

I finally spot the men’s room and hurry to it. I rush inside.

“Caleb? Are you in here?”

“Here.”

I lock the door behind me before searching the room. Shit. Caleb’s lying on the floor. I help him to sit up.

“Can you stand?”

He scowls. “Let me try.”

I lace my arm through his and help him to his feet. He’s nearly standing when his left leg collapses. I try to take his weight but he’s too heavy for me. He crumples to the floor and I barely manage not to fall with him.

I make sure he’s settled against the wall. “Let me go get help.”

“Hudson,” he grits out. “No one else.”

“No one else,” I promise. I dial Hudson’s number.

“Maya?” He answers. “I’ll get Nova for you.”

“No!” I clear my throat. “I need you. Men’s restroom in the main resort building. As fast as possible.”

“On my way.”

“He’ll be here in a few minutes,” I tell Caleb although I don’t know where Hudson is. “Meanwhile, I bet our appetizers are stone cold.”

“I don’t give a shit about our food.”

“Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I was trying to be funny. Note to self. Don’t be funny when you’re locked in the men’s restroom with Caleb. He doesn’t find it amusing.”

I check the time on my phone. Thirty seconds have passed.

“Where is Hudson? No wonder he’s no longer in the NFL. He’s slow,” I mutter.

Someone knocks on the door and I hurry to unlock it. Hudson pushes inside.

“Fuck,” he swears under his breath when he notices Caleb leaning against the wall. “It’s your left leg?” he asks and Caleb nods while I wring my hands.

“How can I help?”

Hudson hauls Caleb to his feet. “Get the door.”

I rush to open it for them.

Hudson helps Caleb to the door. “Don’t want anyone to see me.”

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