Page 74 of Until Now

“Davina, I just wanted what was best for you.”

“You wanted what was best for you.”

“Davina,” Daddy warns.

“After everything you put me through—”

“I was just looking out for you,” Mother half pleads.

“You were looking out for you!”

“That’s enough, Davina. This is not the place.” Daddy looks around at the other club members, apologizing.

“Fine, I was looking out for me and your father and your brother. I didn’t have to look out for you, Davina. You didn’t need me. You never needed me.”

“Yes, I did! I needed you, I needed my mom, but you didn’t even want me.” I reject my mother’s hand when she reaches across the table. I share a look with Daddy, the cracks forming in his rough exterior. But, I’m not sticking around to see how long it takes to finally break. I stand from the chair, “If you’ll excuse me.”

Chapter Forty-Three

I haven’t seenmy parents in over a week, not that I want to after our last confrontation at the club. To be fair, I haven’t seen much of anyone the past week. Keeping to myself, my work…The way I like things. But, when I got the call from Alex about not being able to get in touch with Jimmy, I figured I could use the company. I’d go check on him, maybe spend a few minutes with someone normal.

I’ve knocked on the front door of the Davis residence for what feels like the hundredth time now with no answer. A truck is parked in the driveway, so I’m almost positive someone is home. I glance through one of the windows again, but nothing has changed — still dark and silent on the other side. Looking around, I notice the side garage door propped open, a light on.

I pull my cardigan tight against the October breeze and make the small trek across the driveway. I let myself inside with a small knock to signal my entry, but there’s no answer and from the looks of it no one inside.

“Mr. Davis?”

A light hangs from the hood of a car and tools are scattered around it, signs of his earlier presence — where is he now? Surely, he couldn’t have gone far. I dial Alex’s number, to suggest putting a locator app on his dad’s phone the next time they’re together. Just before I cross the threshold, a small reflection catches my eye.

Holy.

Shit.

“Jimmy!”

On the other side of the garage, Jimmy lays unconscious on the floor. I touch his neck searching for a pulse, but I have no idea what I’m actually supposed to do. They don’t exactly teach CPR in design school and I skipped that day in health class. Kind of starting to regret that now.

“Shit.” Panic grips my chest. I cannot freak out. I cannot panic. Panicking is only going to make this worse. If I panic, who is going to call the police, who is— Shit. I need to call 911. Okay, it’s fine. Everything is fine.

Wait, did his chest just move? That’s a good sign.

Nina focus.

9-1-1.

§

I hate hospitals. Uncomfortable plastic chairs. Nauseatingly sterile air. Loud fluorescent lights. Sickness. Death. I just hate it. I’m trying to stay calm, but it’s becoming harder with each passing minute. It feels like days have passed since they told me to wait, but in reality it has only been about two hours. Michaela has been trying to comfort me, but I shrug her off every time.

Elizabeth stands in the corner on the phone trying not to disturb anyone else in the room. “We don’t know yet, still waiting on the— They’re not here yet. Alex text Mic about an hour and a half ago, they were getting on the plane.”

“Davis?” an older man in a white coat enters the waiting room. His name badge reads Dr. Erin Andress. I stand to meet him. “Are you family?”

“She’s his daughter-in-law,” Elizabeth ends the call. “His son is on the way.”

“We’re his nieces,” Michaela adds.

“Should we wait for your husband, Mrs. Davis?” Dr. Andress asks me.

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