Page 120 of Curvy Girl Summer

“I’m pretty sure almost everyone here”—he pointed to the far corner—“works at that bank a couple of blocks up. They’re having a happy hour meetup to celebrate something. What can I get you?”

“Oh, nothing, um…” I looked around. “Actually, is Ahmad here?”

“Nah.” He looked down the bar at a man waving. “If you decide to order something, wave me down.”

He left to do his job, and I was left confused.

I almost pulled out my phone to double-check that it was Friday. I looked around and finally caught a glimpse of Afro puffs moving through the crowd.

“Asia!” I called out as she grew closer. “Everything okay?”

“No. We’re swamped, some of those bankers are assholes, andI can’t get ahold of my parents,” she answered as she breezed by me and made her way behind the bar. “Sorry.” She exhaled loudly, concern still etched across her face. “I didn’t mean to dump all that on you. Hot date tonight?” She glanced at my outfit. “I love your dress.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it! But I’m sorry you’re going through it tonight.” I looked around. “It’s crazy how busy it is. I hope either it slows down just a little or you get some more help so you’re not running around.”

“From your lips to God’s ears. Ahmad told me to look out for you.” She gestured around as she forced a smile. “It may be a little harder tonight because of the crowd, but I’m here. What can I get you?”

“Nothing. Thanks, though. I was just looking for Ahmad to give him an update.”

“He’s not here.” A woman waving money at her caught her attention. “He’s at General,” she added distractedly.

“General?” I repeated. My stomach plummeted as I connected the dots of what she’d said. “The hospital? Why? What happened?”

“He went to the ER. Car accident.”

Everything stopped as her words echoed in my ears. “Is—is he okay?”

“I don’t know. I mean, yes. I just got off the phone with him and he said he was. But”—she shook her head, blinking tears away—“he’s fine.” She moved down the bar to get to the woman. I followed her. “I can’t get in touch with Mom and Dad to go check on him, so I told him to call me when he leaves.” She shifted her gaze to the woman. “Sorry for the wait. How can I help you?”

I had so many questions.

I wanted to ask which hospital—General East or General West.

I wanted to ask for his phone number.

I wanted to ask if it involved another car.

The questions kept infiltrating my brain, but Asia was busy.

He’s okay,I assured myself.He’s okay. She said he said he was okay.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about how she started to say something and then stopped.

But what, Asia?

I stared at the woman, who wasn’t as bubbly as she usually was. Her normal chipper demeanor was clouded with concern, and maybe no one else would notice, but I’d spent enough time at Onyx to know her smile was off.

My mind was racing as I waited a couple of minutes for her to give me more information. But as soon as she finished one drink, someone else was ordering another. I had a date, so I couldn’t wait for her much longer, and the way people were flocking to the bar, it was clear she wasn’t going to have time to talk for a while. Wringing my hands, I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, unsure of what to do.

Do I wait around, or do I check back after my date?

Operating on autopilot, I ran out of the bar and crossed the street to my building’s parking garage. I had a date with a man I was really enjoying getting to know, and we were going to a place I’d never been to before. Even still, I knew I’d be worried about Ahmad the whole time.

“I should’ve left my number with Asia,” I muttered under my breath as I started my car.

Pulling out of the deck, I had every intention of heading to Cloverleaf. It didn’t really register where I was going until I pulled up in front of the closest hospital.

Picking up my phone, I called Lennox. I sped into the parking deck and searched for the first open parking spot. The phone ringing only added to my anxiety. As soon as he answered, the words spilled out of me.

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