Page 90 of Fight for Me
“That you left.”
Fuck. I close my eyes and slam my hand on the hood of the car. “Do you know where she is now?”
“No, is everything okay?”
“I don’t know. If you hear from her let me know.”
There’s no way she should still be at her appointment, but maybe …
I rush into the car and make the twenty-minute drive, all the while waiting and hoping she’ll call me back. This is such a nightmare. I’ve screwed up at every turn and I’m going to grovel for her forgiveness. I could’ve had Milo push the closing back. I could’ve stopped at some store on the way and bought a damn charger. All these things just seemed to have slowed me down. Now, I see what a fool I am.
Nothing should’ve been less important than letting her know I was going to her.
I grip the wheel and then pull into the parking lot.
Thankfully, her car is in the parking lot. Relief fills me as I enter the office. There’s a nurse standing at the desk.
“Hi, I’m here for Sydney Hastings. I’m late, but I see her car here. I’m Declan Arrowood,” I say quickly, not taking a breath. “I’m the ... the father.”
The nurse gives me a soft smile and then tucks her hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry, Mr. Arrowood, I see you listed here as to be allowed access into her appointment, but unfortunately, she’s not in the office.”
That doesn’t make any sense.
“But? Her car”—I look out of the big windows and point—“it’s right there. Did she have the appointment? Did someone else come?”
Sydney wouldn’t just leave her car.
“I can’t give you any other information than to tell you she’s not here.”
“Then where is she?”
“Again, I can’t give you any other information.”
“Can I talk to the doctor?”
The nurse looks away and then dials a number. “Dr. Madison, there’s a Mr. Declan Arrowood here inquiring about Ms. Hastings. Would you be able to speak with him?” A pause. “Yes. Okay.” She gives me a look that borders on irritated and disappointed but then points to the door. “I’ll bring you back to see the doctor.”
“Thank you.” And I truly mean it. Maybe the doctor can tell me something that she can’t.
When the door opens, I see a familiar face and thank God for miracles. “Natasha.”
She walks forward, a slightly older version of the girl I’ve known for a very long time. She’s still short, long brown hair, and a smile that tells you she’s still mischievous, even in her very serious profession.
“Declan, it’s good to see you.” She pulls me into a hug.
“Where is Syd? Her car is here, and I’ve been calling her nonstop.”
She puts her hand up. “She gave us the approval to allow you into her appointments, but I can’t disclose her medical information. I just reread the letter she granted, and I can’t tell you anything about the appointment without her present.”
“I’m not asking for that, I’m just asking if you know where she is.”
She lets out a noise that’s a sigh and a grumble. “I know that, and as yourfriend, I would love to be able to give you that answer, but since she’s also mypatient, I really can’t.”
I shake my head, irritated that she’s talking in circles. What the hell does one have to do with the other? “I’ve had a horrible day and all I want to do is to try to plead my case and get her to forgive me. I wanted to be here. I was doing everything I could, but the highway was shut down and then my phone died, and then I didn’t want to stop to buy a charger because it would have just wasted more time. I just ... please, I’m begging you as a friend, where is our other friend?”
My heart is pounding in my chest. I have never hated myself as much as I do now. I should’ve been here. I never should’ve left any of this to chance.
She looks up with her teeth between her lips. “All I can say is that you might want to call Sierra.”
