Page 54 of See You Next Tuesday

“No.” Gabe shook his head. “No, don’t.”

“I’m not letting you go alone,” Anya told him. “What hospital?”

“Cedars,” the EMT replied, and Anya nodded. She caught Gabe’s eye as the EMT closed the ambulance door. He looked terrified, like a lost little boy.

—

It took Anya nearly half an hour to get to the hospital and park, then another ten minutes to find Gabe in the ER waiting area, sitting with his head in his hands.

“Hey.” She gingerly laid her hand on his shoulder. “Any news?”

He shook his head, still looking down. “I filled out some forms. They told me to wait.”

“What can I do? Do you want some coffee, or something to eat? Or I could call someone, Tallulah maybe? Or Kira? Or your dad?”

He looked up at her. He looked bone-weary, absolutely wrung out. “Will you sit with me?”

“Yeah.” She sank into the chair beside him. “Yeah, of course.”

Their row of seats was facing a TV playing some late-night infomercial for a blender that would solve all your problems.

“You sure you don’t want a smoothie?” Anya nodded toward the screen, where they were making one in under ten seconds. “It’s Beverly Hills, there’s gotta be an all-night juice bar around here somewhere.”

Gabe sniffed, the smallest possible laugh, but the sound of it buoyed Anya. She wanted to hug him, rub his back, reassure him that everything would be okay, but he didn’t seem to want that. So she sat next to him, watching a man with a loud British accent and even louder shirt make what looked like the world’s grossest pasta sauce until a doctor finally came over.

“Mr. Hunt?” the doctor asked. He looked about twenty-five, tall and gawky with big eyes and an anxious manner—not ideal for someone about to give you potentially life-changing news.

“Yeah.” Gabe stood, and so did Anya. She could feel how tense Gabe was beside her. She took his hand and squeezed.

“Your mother’s going to be okay,” the doctor said.

“Oh thank god,” Anya exhaled with relief, but Gabe stayed totally still.

“What happened?” he asked.

“It was like you thought. She took some pills, combined with too much alcohol. If you hadn’t found her when you did, it could have been very serious—but we pumped her stomach, and barring any complications, she can go home tomorrow.”

“Is she awake?” Anya asked.

“We were able to talk with her for a few minutes, but she’s asleep now. She seems lucid, and all brain function looks normal. You can go up and see her if you like.”

Anya was still holding Gabe’s hand. He was squeezing back now, and his whole body was rigid.

“Gabe?” she asked.

“Can we leave?” he said.

“Now?” Anya was confused. “Don’t you want to see your mom?”

“I want to go.” He turned to the doctor. “Can I go?”

“I…” The doctor looked to Anya for guidance, but Anya was baffled too. “Yes? If you want to get some sleep and come back in the morning, that’s fine.”

“Good.” Gabe dropped Anya’s hand. “Let’s go.”

He turned and stormed toward the exit. Anya quickly thanked the doctor and rushed after him.

“Gabe, wait, your legs are too long,” Anya huffed as she caught up to him. He was nearly at the ambulance bay.