He tugs on my arm. For another moment, I hesitate. I was excited to go see Leo, after all. Still, I realize it’s no use for me to go see him and then pass out right in front of him before I can say a word. I’ve already caused him enough trouble. Besides, after Connor’s questioning, I have to admit I am a little worried about my health.
“Alright, Doctor,” I give in. “Time for you to show me what you can do.”
~
I could have done a lot of other things by now, I think as I glance at the time on my phone.
After Connor checked my temperature and blood pressure, extracted my blood and had me pee in a cup – I didn’t want to, but he insisted – here I am back in the waiting room staring at my phone, waiting for results.
Oh well. At least I’m not waiting for someone to come out of surgery, like I’m guessing some of these people are.
I put my phone away.
I might as well eat something first. That is, after I go on another trip to the restroom, which is probably due to my nerves. Maybe I’m more nervous about those test results than I’m admitting to myself.
After visiting the restroom, I head to the cafeteria. I’m on my way back to the waiting room with a fruit cup when I suddenly catch a glimpse of a tall man with dark honey hair and blue eyes climbing up the stairs.
Leo? He’s here?
My heart races. I ditch my fruit cup in the nearest trash bin so I can follow him up the stairs. By the time I reach the top, he’s gone. My shoulders sink.
I’m pretty sure that was him. Where the hell did he go?
“Jodie,” Connor calls my name as he approaches me. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “I just… thought I saw someone.”
Maybe I was mistaken? But it really looked like him.
“Don’t tell me you’re having hallucinations,” Connor says. “Or I’ll have to run more tests.”
I frown. “Not funny.”
He chuckles just the same.
“And enough tests. Tell me what’s wrong with me. You know, don’t you?”
“Actually, I just found out.”
His expression turns serious, which in turn makes me nervous.
“Am I dying?” I ask.
“No,” he answers with a grin. “It’s serious, but not that serious.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Just tell me.”
Connor nods. “Sure. Why don’t you come with me to my office so I can explain it in detail?”
Chapter Eighteen
Leo
I tuck my hands in the pockets of my jacket as I climb the hospital stairs, my eyes peeled for a woman with long raven hair and narrow hips.
Where are you, Jodie?
I headed over as soon as Rick told me she was here. Well, not immediately. I hesitated for a few minutes, thinking maybe Jodie wouldn’t want to see me after how we parted ways, after all those things I said to her. What if I’d just make her feel worse? In the end, I decided it was more important to be here for her. Even if she tells me to leave, at least she knows that I showed up. That’s the least I can do, considering I’m pretty sure it’s my fault she’s hurt or sick.
I left her, after all. I didn’t even check to make sure she was okay before I left. For all I know, she could have hurt her hand when she fell. Or her back. Or her leg, which would explain why she didn’t get up at once, in which case I’d feel really awful for making her drive. But it could be something else. Maybe she was so upset while she was driving that she had a fender bender. Or maybe she drank too much and has a terrible hangover. Or maybe she just got dizzy. I’ve noticed she’s been touching her forehead a lot lately. Maybe she passed out?
All of those scenarios go through my head as I walk down the corridors. Jodie isn’t in the emergency room and the nurse at the reception desk said she hasn’t been admitted, but she must be around here somewhere. I’m not leaving until I make sure she’s alright.
Please be alright.
Eventually, I realize I’m running in circles. I’m starting to draw suspicious glances, too, so I stop at a balcony and survey my surroundings as I lean on the railing.
Where can she be?
After a few minutes of seeing mostly men and women in white coats and uniforms, no sign of Jodie, I feel like giving up. The sight of someone from security headed in my direction tells me I have to leave, too. But then, all of a sudden, I see her emerging from a door.
Jodie!
She’s in the opposite wing of the building, so I start running, trying to keep up with my racing heart. I stop on the stairs, when I notice she’s not alone. There’s a man with her.