Page 23 of Happily Ever Never

I nodded as she walked back to where the nurses stood,leaving me alone in the waiting room once again.

The doors opened, and Brooke walked in alone.

“I thought Leif would be with you.” I let out a breathbefore holding out my arms. She wrapped hers around me and hugged me tightly.

“He’s home with Luke because we didn’t want to worry orscare him, you know?”

I nodded. “That’s good.”

“Any news?”

I shook my head. “They’re not telling me anything. I’m notfamily.”

“The authorities have me on the paperwork as an emergencycontact, but I don’t have any updates.”

“May’s mother is a fierce storm. I like her. She’s here andwill keep us updated.”

Brooke gave me a look. “You met May’s mother?”

I nodded. “She just showed up. She’s reallycool. Scared me.”

“Judy Loveless has a way about her. She’s soft and sweetsometimes, but could rip your heart up the next minute if you dare hurt herfamily.”

“Good to know.”

I was a little worried that it sounded like a warning, but Ididn’t say anything.

Before I could say more to that, the door opened again, thistime with May and her mother coming out. May had a small Band-Aid on herforehead, but everything else looked normal. She appeared unhurt, other thanthe bruise from before. Or maybe I was just seeing what I needed to see.

She met my gaze, her eyes widening before she smiled softlyand looked at Brooke.

“You guys are here. Thank you.”

“Are you okay?” I asked, my voice coming out far more growlythan I had planned.

“I’m fine. I hadn’t eaten dinner because of…things,” shesaid, her gaze darting to Brooke and back. “And between the adrenaline and theairbag, I passed out. I don’t have a concussion, thankfully. But I just want togo home and rest.”

“You will be resting,” her mom said. “I’m going to take Mayhome now. I’m sure there are a hundred other things you’ll have to do, but fornow, you’re going to let your mother take care of you, young lady.”

“Whatever you say, Mom.”

“Your aunt was on the way here, but now I’m having her meetus at my place. She’ll bring dinner.”

“Thank you, Mom. I love you.”

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Brooke said as she moved forward andhugged May.

I stood back, my hands in my pockets, feeling awkward.

All I had wanted was a cup of coffee, knowing I had anafter-hours tattoo scheduled. I’d eaten an early dinner and planned to head outfor my eight p.m. appointment. And now, here I was.

Because May had been hurt. So I stood with clammy hands,feeling like I was a big brute in a room with a bunch of delicate women whocould break me.

May met my gaze again. “Thank you. For being there. Forcalling everyone. I’m so embarrassed.”

“What do you have to be embarrassed about? It wasn’t yourfault. I gave my statement. You’re not going to get in trouble. I promise.”

“Thank you, Leo,” she whispered.