“They took her back a few minutes ago,” the bloody bandage lady says. I hand her the coffee and thank her.
I contemplate my next move. I got her here. She’s being seen by a doctor. Maybe I should leave. I don’t know her. She didn’t seem confused.
I turn for the door then remember the latte in my hands. I go to the desk, using the coffee as an excuse to stay. The truth is there’s something about Ella that makes me want to stay and see if she’s all right.
“Remember me?” I ask the nurse. “Liam Campbell. Ella was just taken back. I was getting coffee. Do you think I could join her?”
“Of course. I’ll buzz you through.” She turns and calls to a young woman in a red vest. “Stephanie, please take Mr. Campbell to bay seventeen.”
“Right this way, Mr. Campbell,” Stephanie says.
“It’s Liam.”
Her steps slow and she gives me a second look. “As in Liam Campbell from Reckless Alibi?”
I smile. There’s no better feeling in the world than when someone recognizes me by name. It’s been happening more and more these past few months. “Guilty.”
Her jaw goes slack. “Oh my God, I love your songs. I listen to them all the time. I play guitar too, and hope to be in a band when I graduate high school in May.”
“Well, thanks for listening to our music, and good luck with yours.”
“I can’t believe I’m walking with you. My friends will freak when I tell them. They’ll never believe me.” She looks around. “Hey, I’m not supposed to have my phone out, but no way can I miss this opportunity. Can I snap a quick picture with you? Please? It would mean everything.”
“Do it.”
Faster than lightning, the phone is in her hands and our heads are close for her selfie. She squeals. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! Oh gosh, you probably want to check on your wife. She’s right behind the curtain. It was so nice to meet you.” She walks away.
Wife?
I peek around the curtain. There’s a doctor with Ella. He sees me. “Mr. Campbell?”
How does he know my name? “Uh, yeah.”
He offers his hand. “I’m Dr. Stone.”
After we shake, I notice Ella has changed into a hospital gown and the blood on her face is gone. There’s a bandage on the left side of her head. I can’t help but stare, glitter hair and all. She’s fucking gorgeous. Onstage I couldn’t figure out why I was drawn to her. A melody plays in my head, and I pat my pockets, wishing I had blank sheet music.
“Ella most likely has a concussion. Due to the late hour, I’d prefer she stay the night for observation. Her blood pressure is higher than I’d like. She’ll be taken up for a CT scan. Assuming there’s no further damage, which I don’t expect, she’ll need to rest for a few days, then ease back into normal activity. I suspect with a little TLC, your wife will be back to normal in no time.”
I cock my head, confused. The doctor leaves.
I step over to the bed. “You told them we’re married?” I say a little harshly.
“Of course not.”
A nurse comes in before I can get out another question. “Ms. Campbell?” She checks Ella’s wristband and then hands her a small cup with pills in it and a glass of water. “The doctor prescribed this for the pain.”
As soon as she leaves, I resume my position at Ella’s side. “Then why is everyone calling you Mrs. Campbell?”
“The nurse didn’t call me Mrs. Campbell, she called me Ms. Campbell. Big difference.”
“Who gives a shit about that? Why do they think we’re married if you didn’t tell them?”
“Listen, if you think this is all a big ploy to get you in my bed, you’re sorely mistaken. I don’t know who you think you are, but you obviously think highly of yourself if you assume women will fall at your feet and pretend to be your wife.”
“But … what the hell?” I think back to when we first entered the ER. “Oh, shit. It’s my fault. I didn’t know your last name. They probably assumed it was the same as mine.”
She laughs, then cups her head in pain. “I almost forgot; Krista told me we have the same last name.”
My face slackens in surprise. “Your name is Ella Campbell?”
She nods.
I chuckle, wondering what the odds are. Then I stiffen. “You’re not related to Dirk Campbell or” —I