Fat. Fucking. Chance.
Claire meets me in the lounge, handing me my favorite coffee, and I attempt a smile, which turns out more like a grimace.
She leads me to the back of the meeting room and goes about braiding my hair. When she’s done, she slides her hand into mine and tugs me to lean on her.
This is the only way she knows to take care of me. I haven’t spoken much since fleeing Shaw’s place on Friday night. Once I ran out, she was hot on my heels, telling me to hold it together until she got us away. I let her drive us through downtown Miami, screaming at anyone in her way until we arrived at a penthouse complex. Even through the walk to the elevator, the ride, and her quiet whispers to the doorman, nothing hit me. When she led me into a plush condo, I fell onto the sofa.
And didn’t get up…
She laid with me all night, bringing blankets, pillows, and bottles of water while I wailed. She tried to make sense of something both of us knew was horrible. I finally passed out, her hugging me close and promising to make it better.
The next day, I woke, sore and heartbroken, finally taking in the lavishness of the place. It was incredibly fancy. More fancy than the suite Shaw had gotten us in Tampa. I tried to be quiet as tears ran down my face, but she woke and explained it was one of her parents’ properties, and we were off the grid. I was safe to break down.
Shaw wouldn’t find us.
Her apartment, my apartment, Nick’s apartment, they were all places Shaw would search, but here we were fine. Both of us had to be at work that night, so she made some calls, and within a few hours, we had fresh clothes, including scrubs.
When we got to work, I forced myself to pull it together— smiling, laughing, and trying my best to keep my kids’ spirits up.
My tears dried until my shift was over and I saw Mathis, in street clothes, talking to Evie. This was his day off, so he was probably waiting on me. I wasn’t ready to see him, but I also wasn’t ready to go home.
So I snuck downstairs to the regular pediatric unit and offered to help out. No one thought twice until Claire came down, raging, and insisted I come with her. Everyone’s eyes bulged as I fought her, dragging me away.
She laid me on a cot, situating herself beside me, and held me close, doing the only thing she knew to do as my heart was breaking. We laid there until it was time for our shift, her sleeping, me replaying the events over and over in my mind.
Shaw’s anguished expression…
His face drained of color…
The fear in his eyes…
Then the silence, undeniable silence…
Shaw’s going to be a dad…
Claire pushes against my side, bringing me back to the meeting. I sit up and look around, locking eyes with Mathis, who is staring at me intently. His expression is blank, but I see the heat behind the gaze. He’s sending me a message that says, we’re going to talk. I wouldn’t be surprised if Shaw and Nicky are waiting at the nurse’s station when this meeting ends.
Pushing the thought aside, I make myself pay attention.
“So as we help them establish a protocol, we’ve been asked to provide employees willing to do travel assignments. Our employees know how we make things happen with our unit. They want the same. If you are interested, come talk to me. We will go through a process to make sure your shifts are taken care of. This is time sensitive, so let me know soon.”
She takes a few questions, but I lean into Claire’s ear, not understanding. “What just happened?”
“From what I understand, we bought a hospital in Charlotte. They need help everywhere, Pediatric Oncology included. Any nurse willing to travel and help train is being asked to talk to her.”
Evie talks a little more, going over some patient charts and a few special appearances coming up on the wing. When the meeting is over, I remain seated, waiting for Mathis. Claire stays with me, slipping my phone in my hand as he approaches.
“Hey.” He squats down and places his hands on my knees. “Are you doing okay?”
“No,” I answer honestly, willing myself not to cry.
“I know you don’t want to hear this, but he’s worse than you. And Nick’s been climbing the walls.”
“I’ll give Nicky a call. I just got this back.” I tap on my phone screen. “It’s been off since—”
“We know. Claire’s been keeping me updated.”
I swing my head to her, and she shrugs unapologetically. “I had to let them know you weren’t dead in a ditch,” she goes on to explain.