“Michelle is in the hospital. I have to go.” I jumped to my feet trying to gather my things.
I almost headed out the door without my shirt until Azmir called out, “Hold up. You can’t drive like this. I’ll take you.”
After throwing on our clothes, we headed out the door. I checked my phone and saw it was two fifty-three a.m. when we got down into Azmir’s condominium’s parking lot. We walked to his parked CLS Mercedes that was to the right of his black Range Rover, which was parked right next to his silver S-class 550 Mercedes. I knew this because of the posts in front of all of the vehicles displaying the name A.D.J. There was also a fancy sports car that I, of course, had no clue of the type. A few days later, it hit me that Azmir was no meager community enthusiast or a struggling low-level entrepreneur. He was a big baller!
I stifled my tears the entire drive to the hospital, whimpering suppressed cries. I didn’t want to totally lose it in front him. Azmir grabbed my hand and squeezed it tight letting me know he sympathized with me. That was the only way I remembered he was there because my mind was on the possibility of losing Michelle. About thirty minutes later, we arrived at the hospital.
When we exited the elevator, I noticed an army of people waiting on news about Michelle; worst of all was Amber. When she saw me, she rolled her eyes. I couldn’t focus on that, my best friend was in there in trouble. Michelle’s girlfriend, April, who was with her when she was pulled into the emergency room rushed to me and said, “Rayna! I’m glad you’re here.” She glanced over at Azmir, I knew what she was thinking and was glad she decided on discretion. Azmir was a very attractive man, his tall and erect poise alone commanded your attention. She anxiously informed me, “Michelle tried to wait until the absolute last minute to have us call you. She said you were extremely busy.”
“What happened, April?” I asked trying to deflect the conversation knowing so many were in ear shot. My private life was just that. Private. And it would stay that way. Even Michelle understood that, which is why she likely never mentioned what I was busy doing. But it was clear that April was able to construe the truth given Azmir’s lush presence as he towered over me, his hand insulating around my waist gripping my body into his chest. It was odd. Possessive. But strangely sheltering. I felt protected.
Azmir’s phone went off. He checked it and asked if I’d be okay while he took the call. I agreed feeling it was best to keep Michelle’s condition private.
Once he was away, I urged April for an explanation with my eyes. She caught on right away and gave me the run down.
“Two things. The first is that her doctor who ordered her follow up mammogram found a mass in her other breast. So he called early yesterday morning and asked her to come in immediately for a biopsy because the cancer could have possibly advanced. I don’t know why Michelle didn’t go like she was asked to.”
My heart stopped. Michelle didn’t go because she didn’t want to kill my spirits before my date with Azmir. She foolishly put her health at risk by trying to get me alone with Azmir.
April continued, “A few hours ago, while we were hanging out, Michelle said she didn’t feel well. She didn’t look so hot either. She panicked and asked that we bring her to the ER. When we got here the doctor noticed Michelle had been drinking. Well, it’s not like she was drunk or anything…just had a few drinks while laughing and eating. Well, the doctor said the alcohol may have interacted with her medication so he needed to run a few tests and possibly pump her stomach.”
“You let her drink?!” I shouted in agitation. At that moment everyone’s attention turned to me. April lowered her head in shame.