Page 39 of The Double Play

“Take a deep breath, Raven. I need you to breathe for me.”

I hear her suck in a shaky breath. I wait for her to get in three more before asking any questions, even though my heart and mind are racing.

“Did you call 9-1-1?”

“Y-yes,” she says and sniffles. “They took us to the hospital and Mom is in a room. I don’t know what’s going on.”

“What hospital are you at?”

“Tenessee General.”

I place a hand over my chest to still my racing heart. I need to stay calm. Raven needs someone to lean on.

“Okay. I’ll be there in just a few minutes. If a doctor comes in, tell them I’m on my way. If they tell you any news, text it to me. Can you do that?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Just breathe. I’ll be there soon to handle everything. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We hang up and I immediately call Emmett. My hands shake so much that I press the wrong contact three times in a row. I let out a frustrated growl before finally hitting his name and pressing the call button. He’s in a meeting with one of his sponsors, so I pray that he sees and answers.

The phone rings once. “What’s wrong?”

There’s a tinge of worry in his gruff voice that makes tears burn the backs of my eyes. I dig my nails into my palm to stifle them.

“June is okay. There’s been a family emergency. I need to go as soon as possible.” I keep my tone measured, but my throat gets tighter with each word.

“I’m leaving the meeting now. Do you need anything?”

My nails bite into my palms.Do not cry.You don’t have time for tears.

“No, just to get to my sister.”

“Okay, it should take me less than ten minutes. I’ll see you soon.”

“Thank you,” I whisper and then hang up before I do something foolish like ask him to go with me.

Once I’m off the phone, I put it back in my pocket and shake out my hands. June bounces on the trampoline, ignorant to my panic.

“How about we go inside and have a popsicle?” I ask, and her jumping halts.

“I want a red one!” she declares.

She steps down the stairs leading to plush grass, then runs to the back door. I follow after her feeling like a newborn deer on my shaking legs. I get her red popsicle out of the freezer, then help her wrap the stick in a napkin to lessen the sticky mess. She kicks her feet happily in a stool at the kitchen island while I watch the garage door for Emmett.

After what feels like an eternity, it opens. I sling my purse over my shoulder and rush to the door as Emmett walks through. The tie that was expertly knotted this morning is now loose around his neck, and his hair looks like he’s run his hand through it over and over.

“I’m sorry,” I say in a low voice. “My mom’s in the hospital and–”

He cuts me off by placing his hands on my upper arms. “Don’t worry about anything, just go take care of your family.”

I nod, biting the inside of my cheek. He lets go and I miss the warmth and stability his touch gave in that short moment. Cold fear sets in to replace it. He steps out of the way and I run out to my car without another word.

The drive to the hospital is nothing but blurred buildings and the occasional slamming on brakes when a light turns red before I expect it to. I pull into the hospital parking lot and jog inside, my purse hitting my ribs with each frantic movement.

The scent of stale antiseptic greets me when I enter the lobby. I rush toward what looks to be the front desk.

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