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I breathed out. “Thank you.”
“Depending on the results, we’ll have decisions to make based on Ruby’s age and risk level. Especially if it involves surgery. But first things first.” She motioned to the door. “For now, we’ll ask for your patience.”
I kissed Ruby on the head, then followed Marcus to the waiting room, which was more crowded now than when we’d first arrived. One man was anxiously pacing, obviously concerned about what was happening with his furry family member behind closed doors.
We sank down in two empty seats near a gigantic tank with colorful fish.
I pulled out my cell and called my mother-in-law to tell her the news, my stomach unsettled, and I supposed it was good we hadn’t had anything to eat or drink because it might’ve come right up.
“She said Grant was finishing breakfast, and then they’ll be on their way over,” I told Marcus. “Thank you for being here.”
“Of course,” he said absently as he watched the fish swimming around the tank. It felt awkward between us all over again, likely my fault because of what I’d admitted on the car ride over.
I pulled out my cell to check messages and found one from work regarding my schedule on Monday, which had been pushed back due to the contractor’s timetable on a new build in Willoughby.
I didn’t know what I was going to do if this situation with Ruby took a turn for the worse.
Fuck. I stood up, needing some fresh air. I pushed through the door and stepped into the hallway, closer to the clinic’s entrance. I paced in circles, feeling nervous about Ruby. And Grant.
“Lane?” Marcus asked tentatively. “You okay?”
“I just…don’t know how to do this if she doesn’t survive. Grant will be heartbroken, and I don’t know if I’m strong enough to pick up the pieces for him.” My fingers forked through my hair, then gripped the strands in frustration. “I don’t want to cause him any more pain. He’s been through so much.”
“I know.” He stepped closer.
“I thought we had time with Ruby.” I screwed my eyes shut. “She was getting up there but still in good health. And now this. Fuck.”
“Hey, come here.” When he pulled me into an embrace, I welcomed it. It felt safe in his arms. “I know this won’t really register, but believe it or not, you’ve gotten through a hundred percent of your most awful days, and you’re still standing. You’ll make it through this too, no matter what happens.”
“Goddamn it,” I said into his shoulder. “That’s true, but you’re right about it not registering yet. All I can do right now is worry about everything.”
“It was worth a shot,” he said, tightening his hold.
The idea of Ruby suffering was like a hot brand searing my chest. And then there was the matter of Grant.
The door to the clinic opened and shut behind me, but it wasn’t until I heard my mother-in-law’s voice that I stiffened. “Lane, what—is everything okay?”
Her voice was pitched, and I couldn’t imagine what it looked like to her—me being in a guy’s arms, in Marcus’s arms, in the middle of an entryway. Shit.
When Marcus stepped back, I turned to meet her eyes, which were wide and confused. Grant looked much the same, except more panicked and forlorn. “Dad?”
“We’re still waiting on test results to see if there’s any internal bleeding,” I explained, not wanting to mince words. Not for something this serious. “It also looks like Ruby has a fractured leg, but we’ll find out soon enough.”
“Poor girl,” Donna said, looking between Marcus and me. “I thought maybe something had—”
“I was just…feeling emotional.” I winced. Christ, what must they think?
“It looks like you’re in good hands, so I’m gonna head home and leave you to it,” Marcus said, and my stomach dropped. “Call me if you need anything. Anything at all.”
When he patted Grant’s shoulder, I realized Marcus was still wearing the same clothes from last night, and they looked a bit worse for wear. Goddamn it.
I opened my mouth to tell him to stay, but he was already stepping through the door and muttering his goodbyes. I considered going out to his car, but that would seem even more strange. Fuck, I hated this.
Turning from the entryway, I followed them into the waiting room, where we sat down with Grant between us.
“It was nice of Marc to show up. He’s a good friend,” Grant said, and I swallowed, looking away from his grandmother’s searching gaze. “Tell me what happened.”
“I let her out in the backyard and started the coffee.” Then I went upstairs to be with the guy I’d invited to sleep over. My mother-in-law must’ve realized that. How could she not?
Why did the timing always feel off?
“That was when I heard the screeching of tires, and when I looked out the window, I saw Ruby had been hit by a car. The wind must’ve blown open the gate. I guess the latch wasn’t closed.” My shoulders slumped. “I should’ve been more aware.”
