Page 93 of Control Us (Next Generation 1)

Please be okay. Please be okay.

It was at the back of my mind that I had to call the office. That I had to call someone. Anyone.

Luna.

Once I parked the car, I quickly dialed her number and ran to the doors of the emergency room while I was waiting for her to answer.

“Zach,” she greeted after a couple rings. “Sorry I was a—”

“I need you,” I blurted.

“What’s wrong?”

“Come to the hospital.” I barged through the doors and ran to reception.

“Oh God. Are you okay?”

“It’s not me.” I blew out a slow breath. “It’s my dad.”

“I’m on my way.” She hung up, the sound vibrating through every inch of me.

When I reached the receptionist, I went to demand where my father was when a gentle hand touched my arm.

“Zach.” My mom stared up at me, her chin quivering.

“Oh, Mama.” I threw my arms around her and crushed her to me.

She sniffed, hugging me tight. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Of course I’m here.” I released her and cupped her face. “What happened?”

She shook her head. “I…” A shuddered breath left her. “I’m not even sure. We had gone to a club just as a night out. Sometimes you need to get out of the house, you know? We rented a room and were laying on the bed watching a lame romance movie. Your dad…he…”

“Hey.” I grabbed her hand, leading her to a nearby room for visitors. Sitting her down, I kept her hands in mine. “Take a breath.”

She inhaled, blowing it out slowly.

“Again,” I demanded gently.

She did it again, a small smile creeping across her lips. “God, you may not be our blood, but you are so much like your father, it’s uncanny.”

“He’s the best man I know.” My throat became thick. “So, thank you.”

Her breath hitched. “I can’t lose him.”

“You won’t.” I squeezed her hands. “Tell me what happened after you started watching that lame movie.”

“He sat up, complaining that he wasn’t feeling well. He’s been working hard this week, helping the guys get the center expanded. I wish I could help too but I only design. I don’t build.” Mom shook her head. “Anyway. I offered to get him a glass of water. When I came back from the bathroom, he was on the floor.” Her eyes welled. “I’ve done some things. Bad things. Scary things. But none of that compared to what happened tonight. If I lose him…Zach, I’m not strong enough to live without him.”

“Don’t say that.” But it was easier said than done. I knew it too. My parents had a love that you didn’t see in a lot of people anymore. I envied them and strived to have that of my own one day.

Luna.

I cleared my throat. “Listen to me.” I kissed my mom’s knuckles. “Dad’s strong. He’s the strongest man I know, in fact. And so are you.”

When she went to pull away, I only held on tighter.

“I’m serious. How many times have I heard you put dad in his place because he was being a grumpy ass or how many times have I seen you put the guys in check when they weren’t building what you designed.” I remembered one of the times my mother called Asher out because he wasn’t following her instructions.

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