“She was crying. I think they’re close.”
A wave of worry crashes over me. Even though things between us have been tense, Ineedto see her. “I’ll give her a call. Thanks, Kat, and thanks for sorting the cover.”
She nods before stepping out and closing the door behind her. I immediately grab my phone and find Ashlyn’s number. Pressing the call button, I stand and pace the room, but the call goes straight to voicemail. If she’s at the hospital, her battery could be dead, or she might not have used her phone to call Kat. I try once more, but it goes straight to voicemail again.
Screw waiting. I need to know she’s okay.
Grabbing my jacket, I pull my keys from my pocket and hurry out. On my way through reception, I stop by Kat’s desk. “Can you clear my schedule for the day?”
She gives me a knowing look but simply nods. “Of course.”
I head straight to Ashlyn’s apartment first, figuring she might be home if she spent all day yesterday at the hospital. But when I buzz her number, there’s no response. After a few minutes, I give up and drive to Hope Creek Hospital.
Pushing through the double doors of the emergency department, I scan the waiting area, searching for Ashlyn or anyone I recognize. When I don’t see her, I make my way to the reception desk and wait in line.
“Can I help you?” the receptionist asks once I reach the front.
“I’m looking for the family of a woman who was brought in Saturday night after being hit by a car.”
She gives me a questioning look. “Do you know the woman’s name?”
I hesitate. “Erm… Taylor.”
Her brows knit together. “Surname?” I shake my head. “So, you’renota relative?”
“No. I don’t need any information on the woman herself. I’m just trying to find her family. The ones waiting for updates on her condition.”
“Sir, this is a large hospital. Without a patient’s full name, I have no way of knowing where they might be.”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “Right. Thanks anyway.”
Stepping away from the desk, I drop heavily into one of the hard, plastic chairs in the waiting area. I can’t exactly wander from floor to floor searching for Ash. Security would be on me in no time. Instead, I pull out my phone, ready to try calling her again.
“Ben?”
I look up at the sound of my name, my gaze landing on a woman who looks vaguely familiar.
“It is Ben, right?” she asks.
Recognition clicks into place, and I stand. “You’re Ivy?”
She nods.
“Is Ash here? Is she okay?”
“That’s why you’re here?”
“I need to see her.”
She exhales, clearly conflicted. I respect that she’s looking out for Ash. Part of me even appreciates it, but right now, I need her to trust me.
“I don’t think this is the right time, Ben.”
“Please, Ivy. I just need to know she’s okay.”
She hesitates before finally sighing. “She’s in the waiting area on the third floor.”
Relief washes over me. “Thank you.” Then I pause. “How’s Taylor?”
