Page 116 of Last First Date

The world seemed to stop spinning for a moment as her words sank in. Richard, my dear, sweet boss that had taken me under his wing. I felt my heart plunge into my stomach. I barely heard Marcy’s next words, something about wanting to be the one to tell me, about how it had happened a few days ago. I vaguely registered her arm around me, a comforting presence in the fog of shock that threatened to consume me.

My mind wandered to Knox. If I felt this way, how was he handling it? After all, Richard was his grandfather. He must be devastated.

“Waverly?” Marcy’s voice pulled me back into the present, her eyes filled with concern.

“I’m fine,” I said immediately. It was my go-to response whenever I felt overwhelmed. The office seemed much too loud all of sudden, everyone’s whispers grating on my nerves. “I have to go.”

Without a second thought, I left everything behind and rushed over to the hospital.

“Where are you going?”

I stopped, realizing I had no clue where I was going. “I don’t know. Is he here?”

She smiled. “Yes, that’s what one of the girls said. Knox flew him in last night.”

“Flew him in?”

She shrugged. “I guess he was in Vegas or something. I’m not really sure.”

“Richard was on a cruise,” I said. “The last postcard I got said they were going to be heading to Switzerland before traveling around France for a few days.”

“I didn’t know.” She shook her head.

I took a second to think. “I’m going to the hospital.”

“Call me if you hear anything. Someone said they wanted to send flowers. Let me know and I’ll organize an arrangement.”

“I will,” I said as I rushed toward the elevator.

I was torn between worrying about Richard and feeling horrible for not reaching out to Knox sooner. I knew he didn’t really have friends. Who was he leaning on? Who was helping him through this?

I knew the answer to that. He was doing it on his own. He was the one staying strong for his grandmother and mother.

The ride to the hospital was a blur, my mind so consumed by worry that I barely registered the familiar town whizzing by outside. The moment I stepped into the hospital, a sterile smell hit me. It was a scent I associated with death and illness. Hospitals had always made my gut churn. It was as if they stripped away all delusions of invincibility and reminded us how fragile we humans really were.

Finding Richard’s room was an ordeal. I understood they were protecting his privacy, and knowing Knox, he made damn sure no one was getting in to see him. Fortunately, I happened to see his grandmother in the hall.

She looked exhausted.

I asked the question I had been afraid to ask. “How is he?”

She took a deep breath, her eyes filled with a weariness that matched her disheveled appearance. “He’s stable, dear. He’s weak, but from what the doctors can tell, he didn’t suffer any cognitive setbacks.”

My heart squeezed tighter in my chest. “Thank God,” I breathed.

“He was very lucky to get immediate care,” she said.

I hesitated. “And Knox? How is he?”

A sad, knowing smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “He’s trying to be strong. You know how he is. But I see the worry in his eyes. He was our hero. He swept in and took care of things. We’re all so proud of him.”

I nodded, feeling an overwhelming wave of empathy for Knox. It was one thing to be strong when the world was watching and entirely another to admit your fear and vulnerability when you thought no one could see. The image of a distressed Knox filled my mind, and I couldn’t help but feel a sharp pang in my chest. “Can I see him?” I asked. “I understand if he can’t have visitors. I just heard the news and wanted to see him.”

“Of course, dear. He needs all the support he can get right now.” She patted my arm gently with a weak smile. “I know he’ll be very happy to see you. He’s always thought of you as family anyway.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll be back in a while. I’m going to get something to eat and make a few phone calls.”