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“My sister texted me and let me know. I guess while working, he was assaulted by someone drugged out. But he’s good. Had to take a few days off out of precaution since it was a head injury.”
Eric nodded. Thank god his friend was okay. Eric hadn’t heard the update on how things had turned out and had been meaning to check.
“That’s crazy. Props to Blake. Being a paramedic is a hell of a lot more dangerous than I ever gave the job credit for.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” James nodded, his gaze sliding back to the books.
And the man was already mentally back to studying. Eric rose and grabbed both plates.
“I’ll let you get back to it. Get some sleep tonight, okay?”
“I’ll try.” James slapped Eric’s shoulder lightly and gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks. Seriously. You made me feel half human again. You’re a good friend.”
“You too, man.” Eric’s jaw clenched and he forced a smile, even as his gut twisted.
He didn’t feel much like a good friend, not when he couldn’t stop thinking about the girl James was trying to get back.
*
“You’ll go tochurch Sunday? And then dinner?”
Hannah cringed at her mom’s question and guilt swept through her. She cradled her cell phone between her shoulder and her ear as she pushed the grocery cart through the aisles.
“I promise I’ll be there, Umma. I told you, I was overwhelmed with lesson planning and worksheets to correct.”
“You work too hard, SooJung. You need a vacation.”
Her mom called her by her Korean name with family and friends. Only with non-Korean speakers did she call her Hannah.
“I get most of the same vacation days my students do.” She sighed. “Anyway, I’m calling because I need to know what you need me to bring. I’m at the store.”
“Cucumber salad.”
“I will. And I’ll make some brownies too.”
“I love your brownies.” Her mom paused. “Will you bring a boy?”
“I’m single. And if I wasn’t, I’d be dating a man, not a boy. I’m twenty-seven now.”
Her mom grunted. “You had a man. A lawyer. He would’ve made a good husband.”
The air hissed out from between her clenched teeth. Her mom was trying so hard to get her back with James, she’d almost swear the two were working together.
She closed her eyes. “I’m sure he will be someday, but not for me.”
“I’m sure he will take you back. How about if I make my Korean short ribs for you to bring him—”
“I’ve gotta go, Umma.” There was no point trying to sway her mom on this topic. “I love you. See you Sunday.”
“You okay?”
She knew the voice even before she turned around.
