“Why is she in your car?” Jared asked, working the tool in the seam of the door. He was a master at this. I ignored his question, anxious for the door to pop open. “Got it!”
I pushed past him. “Gillian? Can you hear me, baby girl?” I checked for a pulse. It was there but faint. I assessed her body. The airbag had opened like it was supposed to.
A weak moan caught my attention.
“Don’t move, baby. Jesus, Gillian. I’m here.”
“I… hurt…” she mumbled.
“I know, sweetheart. You’re going to be fine.” I turned toward Jared. “Get the EMTs. Her left leg is bleeding a lot.” I lightly touched her hair. “Can you open your eyes for me, baby? Let me see your beautiful green eyes.”
Screeching tires came from somewhere behind me. Travis, no doubt. This situation wasn’t what I’d hoped would be the next time we saw each other after Gillian and I left his place.
“Gillian! Is she… Is…” Travis ran up.
“She’s alive.” I touched her ring finger. It was bare. It shouldn’t be. I should’ve put a ring on it the day we told Travis about us. I wouldn’t wait another day. Not after I could’ve lost her tonight.
“Back up!” the EMT shouted.
Numbly I responded, clearing the way. I watched Sal do his job, with Travis beside me. We didn’t acknowledge each other, both fixated on our girl. I missed my best friend. I’d held out hope we’d be able to move pass the awkwardness of Gillain and me being together, but if Travis couldn’t accept us, then there was nothing I could do about it. I wouldn’t give her up to save my friendship with Travis. Never in a million years would I pick him over her.
Once Sal and Dana had Gillian stabilized on the gurney, they wheeled her to the ambulance. I was on duty, and there was still a mess to clean up. It killed me, ripping my heart clean from my chest to know I couldn’t go with her.
“What’s her condition?” I choked out the words.
“Concussed for sure.” Sal glanced at Travis. “You riding with her, Captain?”
My vision blurred as I approached her. She kept fading in and out of consciousness. It was as if she and I were the only people in the world. I touched the tips of her fingers and rubbed them between mine. “I love you, baby girl. So goddamn much. Don’t leave me.” I thought I’d whispered the words but apparently not. I heard Jared and Sal gasp. Whatever.
Her eyes fluttered open, and tears rolled down her temples. Our eyes locked. She had a large knot on her forehead and a cut over it. Her hand reached upward, but she was strapped in and couldn’t lift her arm. “Kiss me.” Her lip trembled.
I removed my helmet, not caring who saw me kiss my girl.
“Holy shit,” said Sal’s voice. “Sorry to interrupt, but we gotta move.”
Travis approached the other side and placed his hand on Gillian’s arm. “Fox, go with her.”
I lifted my eyes to his. “I… Uh…”
“That’s an order. I’ll follow shortly.” He kissed Gillian’s cheek. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. So damn sorry.”
“I’m sorry too, Daddy.” More tears rolled into her hair. My chest tightened, knowing how much she loved Travis. She’d agonized over not seeing him but wouldn’t budge on her position. “I love you.”
“Love you too. Now go on.” He jerked his chin to the ambulance. He was never a man of many words, but it was in his eyes: acceptance.
Sal and Dana put Gillian inside. Before I hopped in, Travis said, “Don’t make me regret giving you my blessing. You hurt her, and the whole house will come down on you.”
“No chance, Captain. Thank you.” I gripped his bicep and gave it a squeeze.
Travis nodded as he teared up. We’d be okay, all of us.
I jumped into the ambulance with my girl, and the door shut. Her fingers reached for mine and I held them.
“You’re going to be just fine.” I wanted to know why she was out so late, but now wasn’t the time. “You scared the fuck out of me.” I dropped a kiss on her lips.
Gillian grimaced like she knew she’d messed up. “Sorry. I went to the store.”
Dana’s brows were raised as she pretended to not be paying attention. It didn’t bother me. I wouldn’t hide my feelings for Gillian anymore.