Page 82 of Say You Remember Me
My strong, indestructible dad. He couldn’t—no.
“He’s not even fifty,” I choked out, tears welling up in my eyes. “He’s not old enough to die.”
“I know,” she said softly, and I could tell she was holding it together for my sake. “We’re going to be there, Maddie. He’s in good hands. I’ll call you as soon as I know anything, okay?”
“Okay.” My voice wavered. “Please call me as soon as you hear anything.”
“I will,” Lexi promised. “Be safe and let me know if you’re able to come, okay?”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Okay. Bye.”
The call disconnected, and for a moment, I just stood there, staring blankly at my reflection in the mirror. My puffy eyes from the night before were nothing compared to the raw panic now etched across my face.
I burst out of the bathroom and started throwing my things into a suitcase.
I needed to leave. Now.
Ian would understand—I just had to tell him I couldn’t stay.
As if knowing I was thinking about him, there was a knock from the adjoining door to his suite.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t be upset with me for ditching out early.
As I stepped up to the door, I hesitated for half a second before turning the knob.
As soon as the door opened, Ian’s gaze swept over my face. Then, seeing the suitcase on my bed, his brow furrowed as he asked. “What’s wrong? Are you leaving?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice cracking. “I’m sorry. I can’t stay.”
“Is it because of Slade?” He stepped into my room, concern flashing in his dark eyes. “Because I promise I?—”
“No,” I cut him off, shaking my head, tears spilling over. “It’s my dad.”
“Your dad?” His expression became serious instantly. “What happened?”
“He had a heart attack,” I whispered, the words barely making it past the lump in my throat. “He’s in surgery right now, and I—I don’t know if he’s going to be okay.” My voice broke on the last word, and before I could stop myself, I was sobbing.
Ian stepped forward, his hands resting gently on my shoulders before pulling me into his arms. “Hey, hey,” he murmured, his voice low and steady as he held me. “I’m so sorry, Maddie. I’m so sorry.”
I clung to him, my tears soaking into his shirt as the fear and helplessness poured out of me. “I can’t lose him, Ian. I just can’t. He’s my dad.”
He’s supposed to be invincible.
Ian’s arms tightened around me, his hand smoothing over my hair. “You’re not going to lose him,” he said with quiet determination. “He’s strong, Maddie. He’s going to fight.”
I pulled back slightly, looking up at him through blurry eyes. “I need to go see him, though. I need to get to Syracuse so I can be there for him.”
“Then let me take you,” he said without hesitation.
“But—don’t you have meetings today?” I blinked at him, thrown off by his immediate offer. “And the summit?—”
“I can reschedule everything,” Ian said firmly, his gaze unwavering. “They’ll understand. Right now, you need to get to your dad, and I’m going to make sure you get there.”
His words hit me like a lifeline, and I felt my knees weaken. Before I could stop myself, I fell into his chest again, clutching his shirt as the sobs wracked through me. “Thank you,” I whispered. “Thank you so much.”
“Anything for you, Maddie,” he said softly, his lips brushing the top of my head. “Literally anything.”
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