Page 35 of Arden and the Girl Downstairs

The parking gods are working in my favour, providing a spot close to the entrance. Ralph has a soft spot for Ella—he’s the one leaking the info to her. It took me a bit to figure it out, but he’s the only one who makes sense. I know everyone has been helping her, but most of it comes from him, and I’m not even angry about it. Well, not anymore.

“Yes, I’m dropping Julia off at Nat’s and will be there as soon as I can.”

I put my car in park, lean back, and let out a shaky breath. I really need to take a moment and compose myself before I head into the building looming in front of me.

“Hey, Arden?” Ralph’s voice snaps me out of my staring contest with the hospital’s front doors.

“Yeah?” I drag my hands down my face.

“Don’t screw this up.”

“Screw what up?”

Ralph probably knows me better than anyone; he’s been there for me since before I could properly speak. What does he know that I don’t?

“Your chance with Ella. Don’t go in there all guns blazing. That’s not what she needs right now.” I let his words sink in. Whatdoesshe need right now? For the first time in years, I doubt myself. Usually, I can tell what someone needs—sometimes even before they do. But with Ella it’s different. She’s different.

Am I what she needs?

“Don’t overthink it. Just be you,” he says, reassuring me.

“But what if I’m not enough?” Doubt creeps into my bones.

“She doesn’t know the real you. Be yourself, Arden, and don’t screw it up. I’ll be there soon.”

Ralph disconnects the call, and I stay sitting in my car in the hospital car park, alone with my thoughts...

Ella is different. It was obvious to me the minute I first saw her. Which is why I also instantly knew we’d never work. She’s day and I’m night. It was a mutual dislike from the very beginning. Well, at least that’s what Ithought, until her little stunt a few weeks ago.

Twenty minutes later, I hang up from Ralph—again—and finally gather the courage to walk into the hospital. He told me not to screw this up, and I’m hoping with his help I won’t. I’ve called in reinforcements, and I’ll do what I do best. I just hope she gives me a chance to talk to her.

I also spoke to Caleb in the car, and he told me they were prepping her for surgery. They think a cyst has ruptured. My plan is already in motion. Being able to throw my name around has its advantages. Let’s just hope it’s the right thing to do.

My hands are shaking, so I force them into my pockets while I wait for the elevator to take me up to pre-op. I’m nervous about how she’s going to react, but it’s not like she can run away from me, and I’ll use whatever advantage I’ve got at this point.

By the time I get to pre-op, she’s already been wheeled into theatre. Caleb comes over to greet me; he’s dressed in scrubs, ready to head into the theatre.

“We couldn’t wait. I’m sorry.” He gives me a hug and pulls away quickly. “How are you doing being back here?” His voice is laced with concern.

I didn’t even stop to think about the months I spent here while Julia was admitted as a patient.

“I’m okay. I got released from the facility this morning. I’ve worked through my stuff. But right now, my focus is on Ella. How is she?” My voice breaks, and I can’t stop the shaking in my hands.

From the outside looking in, Ella and I barely know each other. Everyone thinks she hates me, which is why she tormented me for weeks. However, it’s more than that. She was angry. Rightfully so. But she also came through for me when I needed help the most. Yes, I was tricked, but that doesn’t mean her intentions weren’t good.

“She’s not great. The pain began early this morning, she told me. She rushed into the bathroom to be sick, but then couldn’t get back up. I think your decision is the right one to make, and given the situation and her unconsciousness, we need you to sign the consent form, as you are technically her next of kin.”

“Wait, you know?”

It made the news, but it wasn’t a big article. Not yet anyway. Everyone is waiting for the actual wedding photos, or to see us together before they believe it. I just didn’t pick Caleb as the type to follow that sort of news.

“Yes, I heard. You know I’m dating Mady, right?”

“Who the hell is Mady?” I’m so freaking confused right now.

“Mady is dating Chad...”

“But didn’t you say you were dating Mady?” I need some clarification, but he just stands there and waits for it to click.

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