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Scarlet
It’s been nearly an hour since I fainted on the floor of the pharmacy, and they won’t let me leave. Lifting my floppy hat, I continue to fan my face.
“Can I get you another glass of water, Scarlet?”
Smiling politely, I shake my head no at Jack, the pharmacist, praying Elliot arrives soon so I can go home and live out my embarrassment in peace.
I knew it was hot out today, but running on an empty stomach, rushing from Dad’s appointment at the hospital, then dropping him home and hotfooting it down to the pharmacy to get the prescription filled was apparently too much.
I’ve never fainted in my life, and it’s not on my list of things to ever do again. One minute I was bent over looking at makeup remover wipes, and the next, I was lying on my back with three women around me and my head held in Jack’s lap—Jack’s gorgeous, of course. Dark curls, tanned skin, and freckles I chose to count while he checked me over.
Thankfully, they set up a chair for me around the back of the shop. I’m in the shade and have a half-eaten banana in my hand that they practically forced down my throat when I told them I hadn’t eaten yet today—it’s nearly three p.m., so I understand their concern.
After getting home on Thursday morning to the news I was expecting—Dad needs a liver transplant—I managed to shock even myself with the way I reacted. The guilt I felt consumed me. The fact I stayed out all night, that I wasn’t there at the appointment even though I knew it was a huge step to have Mason go with him, the way I laughed all night and didn’t even think to check my phone once I was in my room, it made me feel like the most selfish, horrible person on earth.
I look up when Charlie’s black Jag SUV rolls around the side of the building and breathe a sigh of relief.
I go to stand, but Jack must have been lingering again because he appears out of nowhere, sliding an arm around my back and taking a supportive grasp on my forearm.
I give him a tight smile, thankful and still mortified. When I look up from his hold, I find none other than Lance climbing from Charlie’s car.
And damn it, I stagger.
“Whoa, easy. Sit back down,” Jack tells me.
“No, no, I’m fine… I just want to get home now.”
I blink, and Lance is in front of me, little white dots making my eyes widen at him.
Why is he here?
“I want to check your blood pressure once more before you leave. Please, sit down,” Jack reaffirms.
“I’m fine,” I snap, brushing him off.
I feel terrible.
“Sit down, Scarlet.” My eyes shift to Lance, and I swallow around the dryness in my throat. I lower to the chair and let Jack wrap the Velcro strip around my arm. Lance’s eyes stay glued to Jack’s busy hands.
“Where’s Elliot?” I ask.
“He had a meeting. Your brother too.”
“Why do you have Charlie’s car?”
“I didn’t drive into the office today.”
Jack looks between the two of us and then pops his brows, standing from one knee and folding up the machine. “You need to take it easy for the rest of the day. And eat. You need to make sure you’re not skipping meals, Scarlet.”
I nod, ready to go but knowing I need to get up slower this time.
“We offer a delivery service for prescriptions. You should make the most of it when necessary.”
“Thank you, Jack, and I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m just glad you were in the shop with us and not out on the road.”
He steps into me when I go to stand.
