Teller
The grand re-openingof Furious Fitness seems to be a success. Couldn’t be happier for Wrath and Murphy. Unfortunately, I’ve been avoiding Murphy most of the afternoon.
My phone pings, and I pull it out of my pocket.
Z: Hope went into labor. At Empire Med with them.
My new little sister’s on her way.
Me: Everything okay?
Z: Get your ass down here and keep me company.
I snort and shove my phone in my pocket. “Looks like Grace is making an early entrance.”
“I saw them hurry out before.” Charlotte glances toward the back of the gym. “I was wondering where they went. Is Hope okay?”
I pull my phone out and check again. “Don’t know.”
Wrath actually seems rattled when he stops to talk to us.
“What’s wrong with you?” I ask.
He tears his intense stare away from the side door that leads to the parking lot. “I’m worried about Hope.”
“Was she in pain?”
He turns and scowls at me. “She was about to drop a baby. I’m guessing it hurts like fuck.”
“Rock’s probably freaking out. Z just told me to get my ass down there.”
“Trin’s there. I’ll head down when we close up here.” He slaps my shoulder and walks off.
Charlotte’s quiet, staring at the floor. Her bottom lip trembles slightly. I slide my hand over hers. “You all right?”
“Yeah. No. I’m worried about her too. You better get going. Z will need company so he doesn’t drive Rock nuts.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind?”
“I have that case…I…” Her voice trails off.
“Hey, I get it.” She still hasn’t recovered from our loss. “Drop me off at the hospital. I’ll catch a ride home later.”
Relief spreads over her face. “Are you sure? I want to be there and see the baby. I’m just not…”
Over losing our own baby.“I know, Sunshine,” I say in a low voice. “Come here.” She leans in and I kiss her cheek. “It’s okay.”
* * *
The slidingdoors of Empire Med whoosh open and I brace myself. After spending so much time in the hospital after my accident, I’m not exactly a fan. The smell, bright lights, and squeaky tiles all set my nerves on edge. What am I even doing here? Won’t I be in the way? Z’s not a child; he doesn’t need me to entertain him in the waiting room.
The labor and delivery ward takes forever to find. I breathe a sigh of relief when I spot Z sitting in a chair, tapping on his phone.
“What’s up?” I ask, kicking my foot against his outstretched legs.
He tucks his phone away and grins up at me. “Hey. Glad you finally showed up. I’m bored silly.”
“No nurses to romance?”