Page 10 of Riding Mr. Right
My stomach clenches as the woman steps forward and my eyes draw up toward hers. I bet she’s used to giving bad news. I bet she took classes in college on how to give it while also being empathetic and comforting.
Brick nods toward the guys who’ve halted their conversation about the best types of motor oil. The MC stands to hear the news, and I follow their lead, tucking my hand into Brick’s without thought.
The doctor tucks her hand into her white coat and stares toward the group of us. “Arnie is very loved. I like that. Some folks come in alone and leave alone.”
“How is he?” Brick squeezes my hand as he talks.
My stomach knots and twists, blocking air until the lady speaks.
“Good.” The doctor exhales as she scans her audience. “I reckon he had an anxiety attack. No permanent damage, except maybe his ego. He’s pretty embarrassed about the whole thing. I’ve got him on some fluids right now just in case, but if you want to go say hi, feel free.”
My chest relaxes and a breath I didn’t realize I was holding releases. I turn back toward the guys. “Do you mind if I go first?”
“Of course not, bunny. Go. Take your time. We’ll be here.” Brick and the guys settle back into their chairs, and I follow the doctor through the firehouse, past a big red truck, the traditional fire pole, and a bunk house with beds lined one after the other. Tucked into the back corner, are a few beds with heart monitors and oxygen tanks.
“Hey.” I sneak behind the screen and stare at Arnie. His color is good, and I can see in his narrowed gaze that he’s embarrassed. Another layer of relief washes over me. He’s really okay.
I push back a sneaking tear and close my eyes, letting my own anxiety come back down. When my mother passed, we knew for months she was going. Huntington’s does that. It takes a person slow and steady. We had time to prepare. I never realized until today how thankful I am for that. I got to tell her goodbye. I got to hug her and thank her for taking care of me.
“Woo…” I wipe away tears and shake my head. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
He laughs. “I guess if you’re a fan of dramatic old men.”
“You’re hardly dramatic. Anxiety is scary as hell. I’ve got it too. It can get really bad sometimes.” I smile. “Haven’t put myself in the hospital yet, but I’m sure it’s coming.”
He grins. “I guess I owe you an apology for that too then. I think maybe you got it from me. Lord knows you didn’t get it from your mother. She’d have dug her own grave before she panicked.”
“Yup! That’s how I’ll remember her, too.” I laugh. “I didn’t get that gene. She used to tell me I was all the best parts of my father. She said I had his heart and his sense of fantasy.”
He swallows hard and stares down at his hands. “I’m sorry how today went. I’ve thought about this for months. I should’ve talked to you at the funeral. You’re right. I—”
“No. You did what you thought was best. And you’re right, it might have been overwhelming that day.”
“Well, at least you’re getting a tour of the town. You’re up in the Springs, right?”
I nod. “For now, but I kind of like it here.”
“You like it here for the mountains, or for Brick?” He grins. “I see the way he’s looking at you. How long have you two known each other?”
“Oh God, like twelve hours. Maybe less. We’re just friends.”
My father smiles.
My father.I’m talking to my actual father. A living, breathing, moving man, and I’m referring to him as my father. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to make sense of that. I study his face for signs of myself. His eyes, his nose, the way his lip curls a bit when he laughs. I was too angry to see it earlier, but now I do. It’s there. I’m there. I’m there in the expressions of a man I’ve never met.
My chest tightens and I can’t look away, but Arnie hasn’t caught on. He continues to talk about Brick, and I don’t complain. Brick has quickly become my favorite subject.
“I know that guy pretty well. He doesn’t have many friends.”
“Really? He seems friendly. Are you saying he’s not?”
“No. He’s a great guy. I’m only saying it looks like you two are working on more. Do you like him?”
I nod. “I mean I’ve only known him for a day, so…”
“Your mother and I had one conversation, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was special.”
My brows wrinkle because this is where things get confusing for me. “Then why didn’t you go after her when you got back? You could’ve been there, and we could’ve been a family.”