Page 74 of A Thirst for Franc

“What are you talking about? The person who called me said they were both brought to this hospital.”

“Let me see here. I have a Gio Grasso and a Quinn Fraser.”

Fraser. That’s why Chardonnay was having a hard time finding any information on Quinn. Whatever. It didn’t fucking matter right now. “Where are they?”

“Down the hall. First room on the right.”

I took off, heart battering my chest. I didn’t stop, not even when I almost knocked a nurse on his ass. I turned at the first curtain and exhaled for what felt like the first time since I received the call.

The doctor examined Gio who rapid-fired questions at the poor woman. From what I could see, he looked okay. No visible cuts or bumps.

“Gio,” I said, and Quinn’s head snapped up.

“Dad!”

“Hey, bud.” I went to him, wrapping my arms around him and squeezing too damn tight, but I didn’t care. He was okay. He was awake and alert, and I thanked the heavens for that. “How are you?” I kneeled, holding his face in my hands and scanning his face. “You okay?”

“We got in an accident.”

“I heard.”

“He is a strong young man,” the doctor said.

“That’s because I drink my milk. Grandma says it makes your bones strong.”

Relief spread through me and a laugh slipped out. “She does say that.”.

My gaze swung to Quinn. “Are you all right?”

Tears tracked down her cheeks, and I let Gio go, leaving him in the doctor's hands, and went to her.

“Your truck—”

“Fuck the truck. I don’t give two shits about that.”

Gio gasped. “Daaaad. That wastwobad words.”

“Sorry,” I muttered before turning to Quinn. She cradled her arm, and my eyes drifted up. The skin around her eyes pinched tight, her jaw clenched.

“Doc, is she okay?” I asked.

The doctor sighed, eyes darting to Quinn. “Hard to say. She refused medical attention.”

“What?” I bellowed, my voice echoing through the small, curtained space.

“I’m fine.”

“The hell you are.” I spun toward the doctor. “Doc, I want her evaluated, especially that arm.”

“No,” Quinn snapped.

“You’re clearly in pain.”

“I’m fine,” she gritted out.

I stepped toward her. “Tell me what’s really going on here.” I tucked her hair behind her ear. She blinked up, glassy eyes filled with so much sorrow. It nearly broke me in two. “I don’t have medical insurance, and I totaled my car, and now yours, and I… I…”

She choked on a sob, and I pulled her to me as gently as possible, being all too aware of the way she favored her arm.

---