Page 65 of Moonshot

“I don’t know. She was still out when I came out here to let them do their thing.” She grabs my arm, trying to comfort me. “This is my fault. If I’d gotten my temper under control, she wouldn’t be in this state.”

“Michael, this isn’t on you. That’s why I called you. She hasn’t looked well for days. I’m worried something’s wrong.”

Unable to help it, I pull Joanie in for a hug. Both of us trying to find comfort wherever we can. “I’m probably going to have to deal with Stark after this. He doesn’t strike me as someone who’ll let something like this go easily. I just snapped, Joanie. The thought of that guy making her upset was bad enough. But he put his fucking hands on her.”

“I know, Michael. We can’t worry about that right now. You’ll have the full support of Dr. Lee, Allison, and myself. Don’t you worry. If it comes to that, we’ll be sure to set the record straight.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name before,” nurse Meghan interrupts. “You can come on back now.”

“It’s Michael. Thank you.” Looking to Joanie, she pats me on the arm.

“Go, go. Just update me when you can. I’ll be here praying for her.”

Giving Joanie’s hand a squeeze, I turn back to the nurse. I can’t hide my panic any longer.

“Is she any better?”

“I’m afraid she’s still not responding. We’re going to give her some pain medicine and see if that helps. But the sedating effect may keep her groggy for a whole different reason if she receives some relief.”

“I understand. I’m just worried. She was completely lucid when I was with her, but her coworker said she’d really been suffering from this last migraine for a week. She usually gets sick with them and probably hasn’t eaten much. Then add stress…”The stress I brought when I wouldn’t listen to her and practically murdered her boss.“If she doesn’t come around soon, you might want to talk to Joanie, her coworker. She said this had seemed different than her usual migraines. I don’t know if she could shed any more light on it.”

“Thanks. I’ll let Dr. Grant know. He’ll be taking care of her.”

“Thank you.” She ushers me into the emergency department, walking me to Ava’s room. Coming to her bedside, I sit and hold her hand, taking in her pained face. I remember the first time I saw that asshole touching her, and the light had been off. Jumping up, I quickly flick the switch, keeping the door cracked to allow minimal light to enter the space.

Rubbing her soft hand in mine, I lift it to my lips. “Please wake up for me, baby. This is killing me. I’ll always be here when you need me. I promise. I just hate seeing you like this.”

The only response is the constant chirping of the monitors. Her breathing appears normal, a light rise and fall of her chest under the unattractive, oversized hospital gown. God, I hope that pain medicine kicks in quickly.

Bending down by her temple, her soft blonde hair tickling my nose, I place a soft kiss on the shell of her ear. “We’re going to get you better, Ava. I love you.” As I lean back up, it dawns on me her mother would want to know she’s here. I have no idea how to reach her, but maybe Joanie can help figure it out.

Springing from the edge of the bed, I open the door and notice someone familiar. Walking over to the counter, I see a nametag hanging from her lab coat. “Hi, are you Ava’s friend, Eve?”

“Yes. Oh, I didn’t recognize you at first. Are you her Michael?”

God, why does that feel so fucking good?HerMichael. “Yes. She passed out in her office, and I brought her here. I don’t know if it’s her migraines or something else. But I wanted to try and get in touch with her mother.”

Eve’s hand flies to her mouth in shock. “Oh my gosh. I had no idea she was here. I’ve been running all over the ER today. We’ve been so busy. Is she in there?” She points behind me to room seven.

“Yes.”

Eve flies around me, gently opening the door and immediately sitting down on the bed beside my princess.

“Ava, honey. I’m so sorry. I’m right here. And Michael’s right here. We’ve got you.” Eve gently strokes her cheek, and I feel a lump in my throat. My whole life is lying on that stretcher. I’m going to marry that girl.

“Eve. Do you know how we can get in touch with Ava’s mother?”

“Oh, yes. I’ve got her number. I’ll call her. Can you tell me what happened?” I repeat the story, again, and tell her about what Joanie had shared about her headache seeming different. She reassured me she’d talk to Joanie and pass anything along to Dr. Grant that could be helpful.”

Knock. Knock.

Twisting to see who’s arrived, a young male in light blue scrubs enters the room.

“Come on in, Corey. She’s all set.” I look at Eve inquisitively. “He’s here to take her to CT. They’ll get some pictures of her head to make sure there’s nothing concerning going on. It’s standard practice with someone who passes out.”

“Oh,” I say as my shoulders relax a tad. “I’m going to update her friend in the waiting room. Can I come back once she returns?”

“Of course. I’ll come and find you.” Eve tries to give me a reassuring look, but I know we’re equally scared.

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