Page 37 of Too Many One Nights

“What happened?” I didn’t know why I was here. I remember being out with Mel and the next minute, I was dizzy, and now I’m here.

“The doctor said your blood pressure spiked, and you were dehydrated.” I couldn’t respond because I heard the door open, and I saw Buck walk in with Stacks and his parents on his heels. His expression was unreadable, and that had me wondering if he really cared or not.

“Hey. You must be Nicari’s mother?” Mrs. Shaunie said as she walked closer and extended her hand out to greet my mama. “I’m Lincoln’s mother, Shaunie, and this is my husband, Grant, and one of my sons, Jackson.” She introduced everyone, and Buck still had said nothing.

“I’m Keena. Sorry we had to meet under these circumstances,” my mama responded.

“You okay, sweetheart?” his mama asked.

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you’re okay, Nicari,” his father spoke. “Let’s step out and give these two some privacy.” I looked on as his father gathered everyone and stepped outside, while Buck still stood stoic. We stared at each other for what felt like forever until I finally spoke up.

“How did you know I was here?”

He finally moved from the spot he was in and came to sit in the chair by my bed. “Your sister called my brother since she didn’t have my number,” he stated. “You straight?” I nodded. “And the baby?” When he asked about the baby, I whipped my head in his direction because he has never asked about this baby before. Never.

“Uhm, I haven’t talked to a doctor yet. I just woke up right before y’all got here, but from the sounds of this machine, I’m going to assume that everything is okay.” When I mentioned the machine, it was like he was just realizing that I was hooked up to one.

“What happened?” He looked at me intensely, and it made me a little nervous. I didn’t know if he was going to blame me for what happened, and I didn’t have the energy to argue with him. I told him what happened, including the run-in I had with Armani. When I mentioned her name, I saw the darkness take over his eyes.

“So, your blood pressure elevated after you saw that bitch?” he quizzed.

Shrugging, I responded. “I guess so.” He nodded, sitting back in the chair.

“They say how long you have to be here?” The doctor came in along with Mel before I could tell him I didn’t know.

“I’m glad you’re up, Ms. Sanders. How are you feeling?” The doctor asked.

“I’m fine. I have a slight headache, but that’s it.” I notice Buck frown.

“You don’t have a concussion, so it’s more than likely because of the fall,” he explained. “Are you having any other pains?”

“No.”

“Is my baby straight?” Buck asked the doctor. I looked at him and was surprised at his choice of words or that he even cared.

“The baby is fine. They weren’t impacted by the fall at all,” he informed. “Ms. Sanders, I’m going to keep you overnight just to be on the safe side. If everything is fine in the morning, you’ll be free to go home.” I nodded and thanked him and watched his back as he left.

“Bitch, if you ever pull some shit like that with me again, I’m gone beat your ass then your baby daddy’s,” Mel fussed.

“You ain’t gone do shit. I had every right to ask you what the fuck happened when she was left in your care.” The two engaged in a stare-off before Mel smirked.

“Well, okay then. I see you in daddy mode. I ain’t mad at you, but watch that shit.” She looked at me. “I’ll be back in a minute, Nic.” When she left, there was an awkward silence between the two of us.

“You sure you’re good?” I gave him my attention because this behavior he was showing was new, and if I’m being honest, kind of weird.

“Uhm, yeah,” I responded.

He sat back in his seat and closed his eyes.

“Buck,” I called out.

He peered at me through half opened lids before sitting up and giving me his attention. “Wassup?”

“Why are you so concerned now? I mean, you have shown no interest in this baby since I told you. Outside of making sure I eat and occasionally comforting me when I’m sick, you never mention the baby. Why now?” I know I should’ve been okay with him finally showing concern, but I had to know why.

“Because I know it’s mine now,” was his response.

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