Page 93 of Filthy Secret
Before either of us says another word, he pushes away from me, calls out that he loves me, and he’s behind the schoolyard gate and then inside the main building. He’s gone in a flash, unknowing how much he’s truly moved me.
How much he’s rocked my world.
My son is amazing. And I know people say that about their kids because they love them, but truly, he is amazing. Once I’m completely sure that he’s safe inside the building, I turn and head toward my car.
I love my car.
Grover gave me an upgrade right after the wedding, so it’s only four months old. It’s a brand-new Audi Q7. I didn’t know that I wanted it, but now I can’t imagine having anything else. I absolutely love everything about it.
Driving toward the bakery, I smile to myself. I don’t have to prep or open this week, but starting next week, Shawn will be on maternity leave, and she’s asked me to keep the bakery going full steam ahead.
I’ve spent the past six months learning how to bake and somewhat decorate her treats in preparation for this. I am so excited. Maybe I should be going back to school for some big career, but this is fun for me.
I am happy baking, spending the days with my friend, and being able to take care of my son when I need to. And now that I’ve got a new baby on the way, I have a feeling this is going to be an amazing schedule.
Plus, it’s nice not having to stress about every single dime that comes in or goes out of my bank account. I’m sure I could be doing a lot more, but Grover assures me that everything is good and I’m doing what I need to do. What he wants me to do. I’m sure some people wouldn’t be happy, but it’s refreshing.
Calm, peace, and happiness are welcome because I don’t think I’ve ever had all three, ever in my life. I am here for it, gladly, grateful for every damn moment with a smile on my face. Pulling into my parking spot downtown, I gather my things, then lock my car before I walk toward the bakery door.
It’s locked.
Frowning, I tug on it again.
Still locked.
It’s well past opening. Shawn usually has it open and ready to serve for the breakfast crowd. She’s started making muffins and breakfast bars. Looking through the window, I see that the lights are on, but other than that, there is no movement.
What the fuck?
Thankfully, I have a key, so I dig it out of my purse and quickly let myself into the bakery. I probably shouldn’t be walking in here blindly, but I’m too scared to think about what I should or could be doing.
I’m too scared to think rationally.
Rushing through the store, I call out Shawn’s name, but she doesn’t answer. I make my way to the back kitchen, where I stop at the sight in front of me. She’s on the floor, lying on her side, but she’s not conscious. Her eyes aren't open.
Sinking to my knees, I wrap my fingers around her shoulder and gently shake her, calling her name again, but she doesn’t respond. Shaking, I extend two fingers and press them against the side of her neck, searching for her heartbeat.
It’s there but light.
Too light.
Then I think about the baby.
Oh my god.
Riffling through my purse, I find my phone. My initial reaction is to call Grover, but I have to call an ambulance first. I’ve got to think about the baby before anyone or anything else. I do everything the dispatcher says, but Shawn is unresponsive.
I’m far too full of adrenaline to be of any use. My entire body is shaking. Tears stream down my face, and somewhere in the middle of that, after the dispatcher hangs up and after the ambulance has taken Shawn away, I call Grover.
“Stay right there,” he grinds out.
I know I’m completely hysterical. I can hear it as I speak too quickly, as I attempt to explain everything that’s happened. As tears continuously stream down my cheeks. I’m sitting in a chair at one of the small pub tables when he arrives.
He marches through the door, his beautiful, concerned face focused on me.
“I’ve already called King. He’s on his way to the hospital. What happened?”
“I don’t know,” I whisper.