“When I woke in the hospital, our baby was gone like it was never even there.”
I turn in my seat and look at her. She’s staring out the front windscreen, remembering.
“I’m sorry,” I say. The words feel trite, but they need to be said regardless. “I’m sorry you went through it alone. I would have been there in a heartbeat had I known.”
Mac nods. “I know. I should have known all along, but I was young enough to still have faith in my brothers. I trusted them.”
“I would have held you through every minute and never let go.”
But she never got to have that. She was robbed of that comfort and her emotional wounds never healed as a consequence.
“I appreciate hearing that, Jake, but like I said, it’s in the past and we should leave it there, ok?”
I nod. It’s a touchy subject. That I got this far at all is an achievement.
Mac fumbles with the door handle. When it opens she snatches up her bag. “I’ll see you inside,” she says and takes off, clearly needing space.
I huff and tip my head back against the seat. “Shit,” I say with a heavy heart, letting the stillness settle over me as I contemplate my next move.
My mind is perplexed. On one hand it would be easier for all of us if I walked away. I’m a daily reminder of what she lost and a contributing factor in how she lost it, which is likely making me a hindrance to the healing process. On the other hand, I love her. Not being around her feels entirely impossible. Does that make me selfish?
A rap comes at the driver’s side window of my car, startling me from my internal contemplation. I tuck away my thoughts for another day and turn my head. My eyes widen in shock. It’s Luke Fox. He’s wearing a paramedic’s uniform. His blond hair is longer and tied in a stubby ponytail at the base of his neck. He gives me a brief wave and steps back, allowing me room to open the car door.
“Jesus Christ!” I exclaim as I get out, shutting it behind me.
Luke grabs me in a bear hug. We slap each other’s back before stepping away, both of us grinning. “Romero.” He shakes his head as if he can’t believe I’m standing here.
I do the same. “Little Fox.”
We both speak. “What are you—”
“How are—”
Then we both stop and my face sobers. “My friend was in a car accident,” I explain, waving to the hospital entrance. “Walk in with me?”
“Shit, mate,” he says, falling in to step beside me. “He okay?”
“I just got here so I don’t know.” I pocket my car keys and shrug. “Last I heard he was brought in by ambulance.”
“Oh geez. The Corvette Stingray guy?”
“That’s the one.”
“I’m the one who brought him in.”
I stop Luke with my hand and search his face. “And?”
“And he and the girl are both going to be fine, but …”
Luke trails off and his heart looks ready to bleed out. My stomach drops. “But what?”
“His car, man. It’s gone. Never seen anything break my heart so bad as seeing that beautiful piece of machinery crumpled across the road.”
I feel sick. Not Marjorie. Casey will never recover from the loss. Luke pats my shoulder in sympathy. “You need a barf bag?”
I take a few deep breaths. “No. Your shoes will work just fine.”
“Ha. Get stuffed, Romero.”
I chuckle, suddenly realising how much I’ve missed my old friend.
“What?” he asks, putting hands on his hips. Luke is so grown up now. Still his old self, yet appearing capable in a way he never was before. And confident.
“You’re a paramedic now? And in Sydney? Seems a profession that’s too respectable for your sorry ass. How did this come about?”
His eyes harden. “Well, I’d tell you, but one day a few years back I woke to find my best friend had left in the middle of the night without a word, so it seems like what I’ve done since then is none of his business.”
I nod slowly. Luke has every right to be angry. “That’s fair. You don’t owe me anything. Leaving the way I did wasn’t right. You deserve an explanation and maybe one day you’ll be ready to hear it. When that day comes, look me up, ok?”
There’s nothing more I can say, so I turn and walk toward the emergency entrance. The automatic doors whoosh open and cool air escapes.
“Ah hell,” I hear Luke mutter. “Romero?” he calls out.
I turn. Luke is jogging toward me, his heavy black boots slapping against the pavement.
“You know I can’t hold a grudge,” he complains as if he really wants to be mad at me but finds it impossible. “And I know why you did it. I was proud of you for getting out. For a second I was just pissed because…” he clears his throat “…I didn’t realise until now how much I missed you, ok?”
I nod, my eyes looking everywhere but at him because showing emotion with your mates is painfully awkward. “I missed you too.”
Luke brandishes his phone. “Give me your number. We’ll do beers this Sunday arvo, yeah?”
MAC
After hearing the news last night that both our friends were going to be okay, we vacated the waiting room and went home to get some sleep. I’ve come back this morning alone, wanting to check on Grace myself. I know what she’s just been through, and I know how important it is to have those you love surrounding you. So when I step inside Grace’s hospital room it gives me satisfaction to see Casey by her bedside.
Grace’s head is tipped back at an odd angle on her pillow and her mouth is open, emitting a light snore. Her arm is wrapped up and she’s covered in bruises.
“How is she?” I ask softly.
“Her arm is broken,” he replies, watching for my reaction. Frog is out of action as our bass guitarist because he broke his arm. Now our replacement bass guitarist is out of action because she broke her arm.
My right eye begins to twitch. “Step aside, Hotdog,” I command. “I’m going to break her other arm.”
I expect Casey to chuckle at my threat. I don’t mean it. Clearly. Yet Casey’s body goes tense and his eyes harden. “Not in this lifetime. Or any other for that matter.”
My lips curve. “You’re in love with her.”
“That’s for Grace and I to discuss.”
“I agree.”
My expression turns grave. “Make sure you don’t leave her side, Casey.”
After a group discussion last night in the hospital, we discovered there were witness reports stating the car that hit them sped up rather than slowed down. There were no skid marks on the road and the offender fled the scene. That’s all that’s known so far, but it’s enough cause for concern. Especially after the words Casey had with Morgan last night. She may be a detective, but it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s a good person. I have every reason to believe she’s involved.
“That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?” he asks.
“I’m here to check on my friend.”