Page 22 of Obsessed with my Guardian

“What is it?” I ask, going around the table.

“Daniel, the personal trainer, just told me one of our members isn’t feeling well. He’s in his seventies. Mr. Albert Cannon.”

“Where is he?”

“Second floor.”

I immediately rush to the second floor. The space is large and airy, so it’s easy to see a small group of people gathered around a customer sitting on the floor. Sweat sheens his pink cheeks, and his eyes are half-closed.

“How is he?” I ask Daniel, who’s sitting next to him with a few first-aid devices scattered around.

“I checked his blood pressure, and it’s one-sixty over one hundred,” Daniel says. “He told me he forgot to take his meds this morning and doesn’t want me to call an ambulance.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. The personal trainer should know better. He should listen to his gut and comply with company policy. We have a handbook for emergencies, but Daniel obviously doesn’t remember. A mistake could cost someone’s life and a hefty lawsuit for us.

Albert looks at Daniel and then me, waving us off. “I don’t want my daughter to worry. I’ll be fine. All I need is to take it easy.” His breathing is labored as he chokes out each word.

Apprehension clogs my throat. My father was also stubborn when he first got sick and always postponed going to the doctor.

I look at Daniel. “Call 911 right now.”

An image of my father pops into my head. If he was still alive and this was him, I’d rather be safe than sorry. This man needs a trained paramedic. Besides, I can’t let anything bad happen to him and tarnish the reputation of Work4Fitness. We’ve always prided ourselves in welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds and offering them a safe place to work out. We'll pay the consequences if Albert dies or gets severely ill from not getting help soon enough.

I can’t let this happen. I can’t fail this man. I won’t fail my dad.

“My daughter—” Albert insists.

I grasp his hand. His skin is clammy. “Mr. Cannon… Albert… Don’t worry. I assure you your daughter will be fine. I’ll call her myself.”

He parts his lips to speak but coughs instead.

“I’m a daughter, too. I wouldn’t forgive myself if we didn’t get you help,” I say softly.

I glance at Daniel. He’s giving the operator our address and the important information they need to get here quicker.

Taylor, my assistant, is next to me. “Check his emergency contact on file for his daughter’s phone number,” I whisper. “And cancel my appointments. I’m going to the hospital too.”

Within ten minutes, Albert is being transferred onto the gurney, and I demand I go with him in the ambulance. I’d hate for him to go by himself, and a part of me is running on adrenaline. It’s a mix of my caretaking days and the determination to see this through.

I hold his hand and whisper words of encouragement. I couldn’t save my dad, but I can’t let anything happen to this man.

I’m in the waiting room an hour later while the urgent care team treats him.

The nurse already came by to say they’re treating him, and he’ll be okay. He missed his angina and blood pressure medications and had the beginning of a heart attack. Thank goodness we got him help before it got worse.

His daughter, Raya, comes in with tears in her eyes. “Where’s my dad?”

“He’s being treated,” I say, flashing her an apologetic smile. We talked on the phone right after I checked him in. She was at a work event across town and must have raced to get here so quickly. “He’ll be okay.”

Relief crosses her face, and she touches her chest. “I need to see him.”

“I’ll let the nurse know. If you need anything, just say the word. You have my phone number.”

“My husband will join me in a few minutes. Y-You work at the gym?” She’s probably forgotten the name of the gym I gave her when I called. I get it. It’s a lot to take in, and she’s frazzled.

“I’m the CEO,” I say, pride bubbling in my veins. I think of the candidates I interviewed. They’re all more qualified than me and experienced. Would any of them care enough to come to the hospital and not leave until the next of kin arrived? Doubtful. Resolve washes through me in waves. Yes, I’m the CEO. That feels right. “But I’m also a daughter. I lost my dad recently, and anyway… If you need to chat or anything, let me know.”

She slowly nods. “Thank you for bringing my dad here and staying with him.”

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