Page 35 of After Midnight

I nodded, having forgotten where I was for a moment. Before we could leave, Dillon’s father asked him a few questions. I didn’t stop, though. I kept going through the large house until I got to the front door, threw it open, and rushed outside, only to then stand by Dillon’s car and wait.

I needed to get to the hospital and fast. I’d known Ashton nearly as long as Miss Rita, and both remained important peoplein my life. No one could replace my dads, but they’d become the parental fixtures I’d needed. Still needed. So, if Ashton wanted me at his hospital bedside, I’d be there. I had to stop and remember to breathe.

Dillon came running after me, unlocking the car doors with a key fob as he went, and we both climbed in.

We didn’t really chat much on the way to the hospital. My nerves were shot even before this happened, and they were utterly devastated now.

I dashed into the ER and up to the reception desk, only to be told Ashton was still being treated. Since we weren’t family, we’d have to wait in the lobby until someone could speak to us. I hated it. I felt helpless but my hands were tied. All I could do was wait. Dillon was trying his best to keep me calm but I just couldn’t sit still. My feet were tapping on the floor. I kept fiddling with my fingers until Dillon placed his hand over mine and squeezed. I looked up at him and instantly felt more grounded. That’s what this man did for me, I just needed to let him.

Miss Rita arrived a few minutes after us, and when she checked in at the front desk, they let her go back. She waved over at me and said loud enough for me to hear, “I’ll be right back, Dominic, okay?”

I just nodded, the helpless feeling vibrating through my body despite Dillon’s gentle touch.

Dillon and I sat in the waiting room for what felt like hours. The emotions were still too raw, and my resolve to keep it together was on the brink of collapsing. When Miss Rita finally came out, she looked tired. “They’re sending him up to a room for now and telling us to wait until they get him settled.”

“Was it a heart attack?” I asked, and she shook her head.

“They aren’t sure yet, that’s why they want to keep him for more tests.”

“Miss Rita, they don’t usually let people back unless they’re family. Are you related to Ashton? Married?” I asked, needing to know why she had been let in and we weren’t.

She shook her head sadly before looking down at her feet.

“Baby, Ashton is my brother, we have the same mom. I’m quite a bit younger than him, so we didn’t grow up together, but we’ve gotten closer as adults.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.

“I didn’t want Margarette getting all crazy knowing my brother was coming to the house. As long as she thought he was just a friend, if you or the girls said anything, she’d think he was harmless. Besides, she’s shallow. She knew he’d been on TV, and that impressed her somehow.”

“You could’ve told me,” I said, feeling deceived by both of them.

“I meant to. But then he became your mentor, and I knew Margarette would nix that the moment she knew he and I were related. When you went to work at the club, I think he meant to tell you, it just never seemed like the right time. I’m sorry, baby,” she said, genuine sorrow reflected on her face.

I knew Miss Rita was my friend, but in the end, she’d chosen not to trust me. She knew the evil witch Margarette would use any personal information she had against her. Once again, my life and relationships were tainted by that horrible woman. I didn’t know whether I was sad or angry at that.

I sat quietly, unsure how to react to all I’d learned. I decided to keep my thoughts to myself until I saw Ashton and knew he was okay. I wanted Dillon to hold me, to feel safe and protected against the world in his strong arms, but I needed to work through my own emotions. Yeah, I knew I was pushing him away again, but I couldn’t help myself.

When we got to Ashton’s room, he looked pasty and out of sorts. I walked over and gently took his hand. He looked up atme and smiled. “I’m ticked at you and yoursister,” I said, tilting my head toward Miss Rita. “But I love you, and I’m glad you’re okay.” Ashton squeezed my hand and nodded. “Okay, now I know you aren’t going to die, I’m going home. You’re not going to die, are you?”

He grinned weakly and shook his head.

“Good, ’cause I have words I want to say to youandyour sister, but they’ll keep.” My words weren’t angry but they definitely had a bite to them.

He and Miss Rita made eye contact, and I knew they understood me. I squeezed his hand again before I walked toward the door.

I turned to Miss Rita before I left and said, “I love you, too, but I never expected this, not from you.” Her face fell and I walked out of the room, Dillon close behind me. I didn’t know what to say to him, or to anyone else at that point. My well had run dry. I was out of words, out of my depth, and out of emotions other than profound hurt.

Chapter fourteen

Dillon

“You, okay?” I asked as we got into the car. It was a dumb question, but I couldn’t stand the silence. One look at the man told me he was emotionally shredded.

“Sure, why not? One more adult lets me down, what’s not to be okay about, right? If they’re not lying, they’re dying, story of my life.”

I knew he was pulling away from me and I had no idea how to handle it. I wanted to be there for him, but he had to want me there.

“If it counts, I don’t think Ashton or Miss Rita meant to lie to you,” I said, trying to be supportive and gently placing a hand on his knee.

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