Page 42 of One Sultry Summer

“Where are you?”

“I’m at urgent care on Wilshire Boulevard.”

“Do you want some company?”

“I’d like that. Can you bring my phone charger?”

“Anything else?”

“Nope. Just you.” I hung up and checked my phone for any other missed calls and texts. But there were none from workor anyone else.

Within an hour, the line had moved a bit, and Devin showed up with a bag of food and bottles of water. “There you are. Here, have a drink of water.” I took it and removed the cap. It was a struggle at first, but I was determined not to rely on anyone.

Devin moved up and down the row of people and offered them the items he had brought. He was met with open arms by the residents for his kindness. When he came back, his eyebrows furrowed.

“Are you going to tell me what happened to you?”

“You mean the part where my life flashed before my eyes? Or the part where I think I fell in love with a grumpy doctor?” I whispered that last part to Devin.

“Hmm. Both are very intriguing. Of course, since I know you survived a twister. Tell me about this doctor, and don’t leave out a single sexy minute.”

I ran my hand over my face. “Maybe later; this is not a good place to discuss that.”

“Oh, girl, so it’s not safe for work?” His eyes ran over the medical staff, and I realized the man I was referring to was among the physician staff. His voice got low, “Is he here?” Slowly, I nodded my head. “Please let it be the hottie with the coffee-colored eyes and the smokin’ hot body that treated me.”

“Calm down, Devin, you’re taken. Plus, he’s very straight.”

“I’m just cheering you on. So, did you hit it and quit it, or were you a repeat customer?”

“Repeat customer? It sounds like you’re implying money was exchanged.”

“I have a feeling something was exchanged.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

I grimaced. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Nope. I miss Samuel, and I have to live vicariously through you,” he smirked.

“Were you just distracting me until it was myturn to be seen?” He nodded. He didn’t ask me how much pain I was in. I’m sure he could tell by the way I winced when I moved. By the time it was my turn, the cold pack I had on my wrist had turned to room temperature.

They took my information, and I was looked after by Felix Patterson, M.D. The first thing he confirmed was that my wrist wasn’t broken, just sprained. He advised me to ice it for twenty minutes every couple of hours. I was given a wrist splint to immobilize it and instructed to take it easy for four to six weeks. He also recommended taking over the counter pain relief medications, if needed, and as directed on the label.

A few hours later, we were standing in the lobby of the inn, talking to Abby. I was thankful the hotel was out of the path of the tornado. Abby had her own reasons for being thankful, as most of the guests had gone home the day before the twister, eliminating more out-of-townersfrom being in harm’s way.

Abby was working with her staff when the storm notification came in. I suppose living in this area, it becomes second nature to get others to safety. I know I ran out in that storm like a fool, but all I could think about was sweet little Emily out there, alone and afraid.

The front door to the inn opened, and in walked my best friend, whom I’ve known all my life, Rae McCarthy, actress, singer, and movie star. Her strawberry blonde hair hangs below her shoulders. Her green eyes are hidden beneath her sunglasses. This is a surprise, since she is usually in disguise when she’s out in public.

Behind her is Toni Knight; her dark hair was up in a loose bun. As I see her, I wonder who’s watching our animals and how she escaped from her job. Rae and Toni greeted me with warm hugs. I was looking forward to catching up on old times. Rae’s presence without a disguise was unusual, but I was grateful for the chance tosee her true self. Toni, always the caretaker, reassured me that our animals were safe and well looked after by her brothers, of all people. She apologized on behalf of them for not coming, but they could not escape work since they were in the middle of baseball season.

Next up is Ronda Scott. She was on the phone with her tech agency and didn’t look happy. “Just get it done!” The determined look was erased from her face, and she smiled sweetly when she saw me. She quickly wrapped up her call and joined us, her frustration forgotten.

Following close behind was Layla Matthews, a woman from a wealthy and influential family but is so down-to-earth. Her stomach now shows a small baby bump. She looks radiant as her skin is glowing. The group continued to chat animatedly, sharing stories and laughter. As they reminisced, a sense of camaraderie filled the air. The unexpected gathering felt like a brief escape from their busy lives, a moment to cherish thebonds they had formed over the years.

Last but not least was my mother. Seeing each of them made me emotional. However, when I saw my mom, I broke down in tears. That’s when it struck me, I might had never seen them again. I realized how much they all meant to me and how deeply I cherished these moments together. The weight of the uncertainty overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of loss.

My mother threw down her bag and enveloped me in her arms. Then, I was surrounded by all of my dear friends in a group hug. They all came to me when I needed them most. When we separated, I introduced them to Abby.

“Welcome to the Skybrook Inn,” she said. It hadn’t occurred to me that Rae had booked the entire inn. According to her, the extra rooms she booked would be available to any residents displaced by the tornado.

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