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We’d left with the explanation that Grammy needed us. But in her world, which has always been upside down until recently, people leave and don’t come back. With Devin away at school, she’s been very clingy to Noah and me. Fuck, I can’t leave Noah, but Lainey is so frantic, I can hear it through the phone.
“Dave is on his way. He’ll be there in twenty minutes. I’m so sorry.”
“No, don’t be. She needs her dad, and Tia’s injuries are not life threatening.” He can’t ask a lot with Lainey in the room.
Bottom line is our daughter needs one of us, and it can’t be Noah.
“Carl.” I call out to get his attention, explaining the situation to him. “Call me the second you know anything. I’m so sorry...”
“No, son. Lainey is your daughter. And she’s been through so much.” I wait with both my in-laws a little while longer, expecting Dave’s text anytime.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I see my mom exit the double doors. There’s something wrong in the way she carries herself. Fuck. Noah can’t lose his brother. Evelyn rushes toward her, Carl following suit.
“Liam is out of surgery. He’s still in critical condition. The doctor will be out in a minute to explain more, but since the doctor knows I’m Noah’s mother-in-law, he’s given me permission to tell you.”
Evelyn drops into her husband’s arms, as I take Mom aside to tell her about Lainey.
“I’ve got to go. Lainey is upset; she thinks Noah or I are hurt.”
Mom doesn’t react to Lainey’s distress. It’s how I realize something else is wrong. “What else is going on, Mom?”
“Oh, nothing dear. It’s been a hard day. But your sister is awake and asking for you. Can you see her before you leave?”
I want nothing more. “Let me text Dave to have him wait.” Sending him a quick message, I ask the question no one has since we’ve gotten here.
“Why were Liam and Tia together?” I’m following her down a narrow corridor.
“Really, Ashton?”
That’s what I was afraid of. “How long has it been going on?”
“I had my suspicions for a while now, but they hid it with their animosity. I’d say since your wedding.”
Fuck, that’s been a year. “It’s not something we need to talk about right now, got it?” she warns.
She opens the door to Tia, and I’ve never been happier to see my sister.
* * *
“We can stay,just in case you have to get back to the hospital?” Dave offers.
It’s taken me an hour, but I finally was able to get Lainey in bed. She fell asleep, crying in my arms. Collin was right next to me. Both kids have been through so much shit, their past has made them emotionally fragile.
I carried her to bed, but Collin, like many nights when she’s distraught, sleeps on the floor by her bed.
“Nah. Liam’s not out of the woods, but he’s stable. You guys should get home. You both deserve a good night sleep. Someone should, because I sure as fuck won’t.”
Both of them bring me into a bro-like hug then leave. The sectional in the loft will most likely be the place I rest my head tonight, but with everything that has transpired, sleep will evade me. I try Noah one last time. He doesn’t pick up. Where the hell is he?
39
Noah
I’m flippingthrough my phone. I’ve never been a science nerd, but I’m curious how my twin and I don’t share the same blood type. The nurse said she’s seen it a couple times in her career, so it’s not impossible.
“So, which one of my parents are O negative?” I looked up the Red Cross’s website, and had a dummy chart for people like me. For one child to be O negative, another parent has to be.
“Oh, let’s see them. Um, that’s…” She straightens herself, staring at her screen. “Um. I’m sorry Mr. James. This sort of information is protected by HIPPA Laws.”
