Me:
We’re on our way
Apocalypse (Nico):
In the testing area
Waiting room is on the second floor
As soon as I’m through, I’ll let you know where you can find me
Kenz pulls into a parking space. My fingers hover over the little keyboard. It’d be so easy just to type those words, to reassure him that he’s mine and I’m his, to tell him I love him. But it’s also not the right time.
I can’t just tell Nico and not the others. And some of them aren’t ready to hear it. Even if Nico is.
Me:
I’m here
“You ready?” Kenz asks.
“Yeah.”
We get out of the car and walk into the hospital. It’s been ages since I’ve been in here. I volunteered some and would occasionally come when Mom was on shift. So the place feelsfamiliar. There’s a smell that makes me comfortable and on edge at the same time.
We enter the elevator and ride up to the second floor. The waiting room for the MRI department is right down the hall.
“Harper, I’m so glad you came.” Nico’s mom stands from the chair and comes over to greet us. She draws me in for an awkward hug before releasing me.
“This is my friend MacKenzie.” I step back to Kenz’s side. “How is he?”
“Good.” She turns, and her gaze falls on Mr. Lee leaning against the wall. His dark eyes watch me. He doesn’t smile, but he didn’t when I was a kid either. Honestly, we avoided him as kids. He always frightened me.
He doesn’t really acknowledge me, but I don’t want to talk to him either.
Mrs. Lee draws us over to where she was sitting. “He’s getting an MRI now. They just x-rayed his knee to make sure nothing was broken.”
When we sit, she takes my hand. “I know he was looking forward to taking you to the Homecoming dance.”
I glance at Mr. Lee. He’s paying attention. I don’t know if he knows about Nico and my relationship. Pretty sure Nico didn’t want him to know. And I know Nico didn’t want me around his father. He and Luke’s father are way too interested in me because of my dad.
But Mr. Lee isn’t doing anything right now. Just watching me with those critical eyes like he can dissect me and figure out my secrets without even talking to me. A creepy shiver rolls down my spine.
“Maybe he’ll be well enough to dance by next weekend.” Mrs. Lee’s soft voice draws my attention back to her. “I know he really wants to go with you. We’ve even picked out his suit.”
I smile softly. Nico in a suit will be devastatingly handsome, but I’d rather have him heal properly. “The dance doesn’t matter as long as he’s okay. I know football is important to him.”
Her gaze goes to the door before she lets out a huff of air. “Yes. Our whole family has been proud of what he’s accomplished. Mark played in college, but never made it to the professional league. It’s always been their shared dream that Nico get that chance.”
Resisting the urge to look at Mr. Lee, I just let that statement settle into the silence. So different from Luke’s dad, who wants him to follow his footsteps. Maybe Mr. Lee is trying to break the chain, give Nico a chance at something besides this town.
“I’m going to run and get us some drinks.” Kenz touches my hand. “Do you want anything, Mrs. Lee?”
“A soda would be lovely, dear.” Mrs. Lee glances at Mr. Lee. “Maybe a coffee for my husband.”
Kenz nods and gives my hand a squeeze before heading off. I don’t know what to say or do. We didn’t spend a lot of time at Nico’s house growing up. I don’t think I ever spent the night there. I certainly haven’t spent alone time with his mother.
A door opens next to Mr. Lee, and a doctor steps out. “Mr. and Mrs. Lee.”
