Page 41 of Embers in Our Souls
“Oh my gosh. Is Noah okay? Is he hurt?” I try to keep the lump in my throat from forming.
“Yes, he’s fine. This isn’t about Noah,” he says immediately. “It’s about Hunter. I mean Tyler.”
Tyler? What? Is he hurt?
“What’s wrong with Tyler? Did he get injured at work?” I feel the air in my lungs escape.
“No, not at work. He was injured on his motorcycle. But he’s fine. Just a few scrapes. He’ll be okay. But I thought you should know. I found your number on his phone. We’re at Boston General.” Malloy says.
“Oh, alright. I’m glad he’s okay. But shouldn’t you let his girlfriend know? I mean, Marissa might prefer to be called.” I feel conflicted if me showing up might cause some friction.
“Marissa? Why would Marissa—ouch, Abby don’t hit me.” Malloy must cover the receiver because it’s muffled.
“Malloy? Should I still come over?” I say into the phone, unsure if he’s still on the other end. I wait a few beats until he comes back on.
Finally, he returns, “Of course, yes, I think it’s best you’re here.”
“If you think that’s best.” I really hope Malloy knows what he’s talking about.
I gather my things, wondering what I’m about to walk into, unsure how injured Tyler is from this accident and hopeful Marissa isn’t mad I’m coming to help my husband, who isn’t going to be my husband for long.
I rush into the emergency room entrance of Boston General. The waiting area is packed. I don’t see anyone that I recognize as I search for a familiar face, so I head straight to the reception area.
I reach the front desk, and wait to be noticed. The woman looks me up and down and I can tell she’s already annoyed before I open my mouth.
“What is bothering you today, ma’am?” the woman asks without even looking me in the eye. She’s got her face pointed at her screen, ready to put my complaint into her computer.
“Oh, I’m here to see someone that’s being treated. He’s already in the back,” I state, hoping that will be a relief to her that I’m not a patient and an added stress to her list.
“Sorry, but you can’t go back. You’ll have to wait until they’re discharged or sent up to a room.” She doesn’t even ask for a name or more information from me.
“I’m sorry, but I was told to come down here to see him,” I say, slightly annoyed she won’t even ask me who I’m here to see.
“Sorry, I can’t help you further, but you’ll need to?—”
“I want to see my husband right now!” I say, impatience taking over.
I don’t know where that came from. Maybe it’s irritation finally spilling over with everything that’s going on. It could be the boiling point after all this time. Whatever it is, this woman is getting the brunt of my bad mood and I know later I’ll have guilt over it.
“Indy, he’s back here,” Malloy pokes his head out of the double doors that lead to the back rooms of the emergency department. I can see the smirk on his lips and I already know without asking that he heard my little outburst.Fuck my life.
I inwardly groan, wishing I could hide somewhere and not come out, but I’ve got to own up to my behavior.
“Sorry about that,” I say to the woman at the front, and she just gives me an annoyed look before she watches me follow Malloy.
Malloy winks over at the woman. “Sara, thanks so much for all your help.”
“Sure thing, Malloy. You better tell Hunter I want a batch of those snickerdoodle cookies when he’s better.” She smiles at him and I’m trying not to let my jaw hit the floor. This woman is putty in Malloy’s hands compared to the ice queen she seemed to be with me prior to my outburst.
Once I move past the doors, Malloy looks over at me and chuckles. “She’s a bit of a Crabby Patty until you give her sweets. She sort of loves us though.” He nudges my shoulder. “So, you got a bit possessive over there, huh?”
I give him a murderous look.
“Your secret’s safe with me. I promise.” He smiles, but something about it looks anything but innocent.
“Why don’t I believe you?” I tell him, giving him a side-eye.
We reach the room, where I find River, Clay, and Abby waiting outside. I can’t help the look of confusion that crosses my face.
