as much as I hate it, I don’t think we’ll be back for Nonna’s birthday party. We just can’t leave here until we know everything is okay.”
“How’s Dad? He’s texted me a few times but I haven’t really talked to him.”
Mom lets out a quiet chuckle. “He’s climbing the walls. He hates that he can’t fix this.” Her voice drops to a whisper. “Brad’s dad keeps trying to sell him insurance.”
I can’t help but smile when I picture Dad stuffed into one of those uncomfortable hospital chairs while Brad’s dad drones on and on.
“So he’s basically miserable.”
“Pretty much. I’ll let you know about Margot. Don’t worry, okay?”
“Okay.”
When we hang up, Olivia hugs me, then pulls me up. “C’mon, let’s head to Nonna’s. Your date should be there soon.”
Tonight’s date is the absolute last thing on my mind. There’s no way I’m going. I’m heading south to check on Margot and Anna.
I throw my clothes into a bag upstairs. I can hear everyone downstairs, just like last night, laughing it up and chatting. It makes my stomach hurt.
Mom’s name flashes across my screen and I grab my phone.
“Hello,” I say.
“Hey, sweetie.”
“How are they doing?” I ask immediately.
“The doctors say a few units of blood will help Margot bounce back. While I wish she didn’t need a transfusion, I’m glad there’s something they can do for her to make her better.”
“I don’t like this. I feel like everything is falling apart.”
“It’s just another bump in the road. I’ll keep you updated. As scary as it sounds, it won’t take long to do the transfusion. Anna seems to be resting well. They’ll check her oxygen levels in the morning. Tomorrow will be a better day.”
I talk to Mom a few more minutes, then she ends the call.
Yep, not waiting until tomorrow.
I’m digging under the bed when I hear that familiar thump of the basketball next door. I crawl over to the window and there he is, standing in his driveway. Wes is dressed in jeans and a hoodie, and he looks really good. He’s not shooting the ball, just bouncing it while looking out toward the street.
What’s he looking at?
No matter how hard I press my face against my window, I can’t see more than ten feet in front of him. I’m just about to give up and get back to packing when the car pulling into the driveway stops me.
Wes walks up to the driver’s-side window and leans down. I can’t see who he’s talking to and it’s killing me. He stays like that for a few minutes, then straightens and moves to the passenger side. Just before Wes slides into the seat, he glances up at my window. I hit the floor.
I count to ten. Slowly. Then lift up just enough to peek out of the window. I get a glimpse of the driver just before the car moves out of sight.
It’s Laurel.
I slide back down and lean against the wall under the window. He’s leaving with Laurel.
“Sophie!” Olivia says, popping inside the room. “It’s ten to four. Are you going to come down?”
It takes everything in me to heave myself off the floor. “I’m done. I’m driving down to check on Margot and Anna.”
Olivia looks at the bag in my hand. “Want me to go with you?”
“No. I may stay there until the break’s over. I haven’t decided.” I gather up all the clothes off the floor and shove them in the bag.
“Okay. Are you going to tell the family? Or are you just going to leave?” I don’t miss her tone. She thinks I’m being rude or cold or whatever, but I just want to be with my parents and Margot and Anna right now.
“I’ll call Nonna from the road. I don’t want her to stop me.” I pause on the way to the door. “Do me a favor? Put my bag in my car for me so she doesn’t ask questions?”
We look at each other for a long moment, then she finally takes my bag and leaves the room without another word.
I follow her downstairs, still wearing the jeans and T-shirt I had on for work today. My hair is in a messy ponytail, and I have zero makeup on. I just need to send this date away and get on the road.
Uncle Charles takes one look at me and turns to Charlie. “Go change my bet. Pick the four spot.”
Uncle Ronnie laughs from across the room. “Too late. Already took it.”
Right on time, the doorbell rings, and