Page 82 of The Summer Arrangement
I manage to get on the last flight leaving LA and although I can’t talk to Lizzy, I’m able to text her.
Me: I made the flight just as they were closing the doors. Any update on Mills?
Lizzy: No. She should be out of surgery soon. I promise I will keep you updated.
Waiting is agony. I’ve only known about Emilia’s condition for less than an hour. I can’t imagine what Elizabeth is going through.
Me: How are you doing?
Lizzy: Not gonna lie—I’ve never been more terrified in my life. But she’s in good hands, and the doctor assured me it’s a routine procedure.
Me: I can’t thank you enough for being here for her when I couldn’t.
Lizzy: Cameron, do not even for one second beat yourself up over this. There is nothing either of us could do. My mom has assured me of this more than once tonight, so I’m passing that message along to you.
Logically, I know she’s right.
But guilt holds no bounds when it comes to your children and their safety.
Lizzy: Cam, what’s going on in that head of yours? Talk to me.
She’s had a shit day and still above everything, she’s worried about me. What did I ever do to deserve her?
Me: I don’t even know what to think. I’m just trying to hold it all together and not lose my shit completely.
Lizzy: Same.
Me: I can’t thank you enough for being here for Emilia.
Lizzy: You never need to thank me.
Lizzy: I think I see the doctor. BRB
The nervous energy ripping through my veins could fuel this entire flight. I want nothing more than to rip the doors off the cockpit and force them to fly to Seaside rather than Portland. No matter what happens, I still have a two-hour drive ahead of me once I land.
I swear, this is the longest fucking day of my life.
Nearly twenty minutes later, I finally get the text I’ve been waiting for.
Lizzy: She’s out of surgery. Everything went as planned. It did not rupture. She’s in recovery. I’ll send you a pic when I see her for myself.
Relief washes through me, and I can finally breathe again.Before I can respond, another text comes through.
Lizzy: If I don’t answer, it’s because I’m with Mills until she wakes up in the recovery room.
This woman thinks of everything.
Here she is—scared shitless—but she still puts my nerves at ease.
Me: Thanks. I’ll let you know when I land.
*****
When I land at PDX, I have one thing in mind. Getting to my daughter. I’m so focused as I enter the main part of the airport, I almost walk right past Jax Cartwright in my haste.
“Wait up, man.” I hear as a man who’s been leaning against the wall approaches.
“Wha… What are you doing here?” I ask in disbelief when I recognize him.
