Page 42 of Damien
Fuck. What the hell is going on?
When there’s a moment of silence, I mouth the words, “You okay?”
She shrugs as if she’s not sure herself. After a few more moments, she pleads again, “Just keep me informed.”
When she hangs up, her expression remains unsettled, which in turn rubs off on me. She just stares in my direction but doesn’t see me. It’s as if she’s weighing a heavy decision, and I’m not even here.
When I can no longer hold in my concern, I ask, “What’s going on?”
Closing her eyes for a moment, she takes a long breath as she shifts her head from side to side. “Vince says she’s fine…” she trails off.
“But…” I nudge, hoping she’ll continue her thought.
At first, I’m certain she’ll keep her worries to herself, but then words she’d been holding in release as if the flood gates have been opened. “I guess he asked her to re-shut her door… because his hands were filled with groceries. When she went to slam Sydney’s car door shut, her fingers were caught in the crack. Apparently… she was using one hand to steady herself against the car, and her fingers got in the way when it closed.”
Taking a moment to process what she just rambled, I ask, “She… as in Sydney?”
Vanessa looks to her toes as she shakes her head and whispers, “Jules.”
Damn. I was afraid of that.
“Is she okay?”
Vanessa pulls her lower lip in. “I think so…” comes out on a wince. “But she may have broken her finger.”
“Do you wanna go?” I ask, pointing in the direction of my truck.
Surprisingly, Vanessa says, “No.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then pulls in a deep breath and releases her explanation. “Vince says Ishouldstay here and keep watching the game. He says she’s not crying, and there’s nothing we can do but wait to see what the x-rays say. He’s heading to urgent care now.”
“You sure? I’m totally okay with leaving.”
At first, she hesitates, and I swear she’ll change her mind, but then her shoulders square as her chin lifts, and the confident woman I’m beginning to fall for makes her presence. Then she reaches for my hand and says, “No. Vince is right. He’s got things handled, and there’s nothing I can do. Besides, there’s only a couple of innings left, and we’ll be on our way soon enough. Let’s go see how this game ends.”
Reluctantly, I follow her back to our seat, not sure we’re doing the right thing.
From the corner of my eye, I watch as she settles into her chair and props her elbows on her knees. Clearly, she’s going through the motions and attempting to get back into the game, but every so often, she pulls on that bottom lip of hers, which I’m quickly learning is her tell, and I’d bet my last paycheck it’s killing her to sit here.
I don’t have kids—but I’m not buying herlet’s pretend to relaxexpression. Clearly, she’s upset about her daughter, and she should be there with her. God, I hope she’s not staying for my account. I could give two fucks about this game if something’s bothering her.
When her leg starts bobbing up and down, and she wraps her arms around her waist, I can’t take it anymore. “Vanessa?”
Of course, something happens out on the field at the exact moment I try to call her name, and the crowd screams in adoration, so she doesn’t hear me. Reaching out, I tap her on the leg to get her attention. When her hazel eyes reach mine, they’re filled with confusion. “What?”
“Are you sure you want to keep watching this game? You didn’t even cheer when they just made a major play.”
“I… uh…” She stops and pulls on her lower lip.
That’s it. We’re outta here.
Standing, I reach for her hand. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Relief washes over her as she nods. “Thanks.”
With the crowd inside the stadium, it’s effortless to reach the freeway. Vanessa hasn’t said much, but I can tell she’s glad we’re closing the gap between her daughter and us. Thankfully, traffic is light, and I’m able to make good time.
Eventually, I break the silence in the cab. “Hey, Vanessa?”
