Page 101 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

Frankie sounded happy, but something in her voice had changed the moment she heard mine.

“I have to operate.”

The noise behind her continued while silence settled between us.

“Is it an emergency?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

“I don’t know how long I’ll be.”

“You don’t have to explain. Go take care of your patient.”

“I wanted to be there.”

“I know.”

The disappointment she tried to hide made leaving the hospital and keeping my promise feel possible for one reckless second. Then I looked at the scan again.

“I’ll call when I’m finished.”

“Even if it’s late?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

A quieter sound came through the phone before she spoke again.

“Malik wants to talk to you.”

I heard movement, then the faint electronic voice of his communication board.

Elijah.

“I’m here, Malik.”

He made a sound near the phone.

“I’m sorry I’m missing dinner. I have to help someone at the hospital.”

Another pause.

Doctor.

“That’s right.”

Frankie’s voice returned. “He’s wearing the shirt you bought him.”

I pictured the navy Spider-Man shirt I had found after our trip to the aquarium.

“Take a picture for me.”

“I will.”

“And save me some food.”