Page 20 of Drew
Once outside, Drew’s hand runs through his hair as he paces a few feet in one direction, before turning and heading in the other.
“Is there anyone I should call?” I offer, making his pacing end abruptly.
With a hand raised to his chin, he contemplates my question. “Uh… probably just Coach. He’ll contact my professors and explain everything.” Drew hesitates and squeezes his eyes tight.
“Fuck. I don’t think I can do this,” he whispers so I barely hear it. I reach out to take his hand, to calm him. When he squeezes mine like a lifeline, I quickly come to the rescue.
Since I’m still holding his phone, I guide him to a nearby bench and simply ask, “What’s his number?”
“It’s under, Coach B. His name’s Ted Bradford.”
Without a second of hesitation, I quickly pull up the contact and press the button to make the call. Thankfully, he answers on the second ring.
“Jacobs. To what do I owe the pleasure?” His voice is kind and filled with genuine like for Drew, which makes it easier to relay the information I’m about to dump on him.
“Hello, sir. I’m Abby Angelos, a friend of Drew’s.”
Immediately, I can tell Coach B’s on high alert. “Is Drew all right?”
“Yes, sir. He’s fine, but his parents aren’t.” I quickly explain what’s going on and that Drew’s unable to talk at this time. I don’t go into quite as much detail as the nurse explained, but I clearly express Drew’s need to go home as soon as possible. After double checking Drew’s okay, Coach B wholeheartedly agrees.
Before we end the call, Coach offers to look into flights and tells me he’ll call Drew’s phone when he has an update. When he asks if I’ll accompany Drew to his parents, I don’t even blink. “Of course I am, sir.” There’s no way I’ll let Drew go alone. Just looking at his pained face has me confident in my answer. Once Drew’s settled, if he wants me to leave him alone, I will. But until then, he’s stuck with me.
Coach suggests I give him my class information and assures me he’ll take care of things on his end, by letting each of our professors know there’s been an emergency. While we wait for him to call us back with details for our flight, he suggests we pack and get ready to leave on the next flight out. Knowing Drew’s tenacious study habits, he also reminds me to pack his books since we don’t know how long he’ll need to be gone.
When I finish the call, Drew stands and pulls me into him. His gigantic arms envelop me as he hugs me fiercely. I return his bear hug and just stand here breathing with him as he processes this life-changing information. Not knowing what to say or wanting to break the connection between us, I simply hold on for all I’m worth and let him squeeze the crap out of me. His sexy masculine scent invades my senses, causing me to relax into him.
As time goes on, his grip loosens but doesn’t let up. His arms stay around me as he rests his chin on my head. I feel his words rumble out of his chest as he speaks, “Thank you so much, Abby. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Why don’t we walk to my apartment? I’ll pick up some things and drive you to your place while we wait for your coach to return our call. If there’s a flight available soon, we may be able to catch it.”
He presses his head to the top of mine and squeezes once more. “I’m so glad you’re with me,” he mumbles.
He releases his hold, but it’s as if he can’t let go completely. He reaches for my hand, and we walk quickly to my apartment.
Once inside, I suggest Drew take a seat on the couch while I rush to my room to pack. Sydney’s gone, but Chloe’s there when we arrive.
Shocked by our sudden presence, she follows me as I rush to my room like my ass is on fire and quickly pull out a small suitcase that’ll easily pass as a carry-on.
“Can you call the library and tell them I won’t be able to make my shift?”
Chloe’s eyebrows lift to her hairline, knowing something must be seriously wrong. I’d never miss work if I can help it. I’ll go in on my deathbed before calling in. “Uh… what should I say happened?” Clearly, she wants to know the details herself as she eyes me up and down with care.
“Tell them I’ve had a family emergency. I’ll let them know when I have more information. Be sure to talk with Tarrin. She’s my immediate supervisor.” I walk to my dresser and pull out as many pairs of underwear as I have clean and multiple pairs of socks. Thank God for small miracles I did laundry this week.
I quickly open my drawers and pull out the first things I can put my hands on. I pack a few pairs of jeans, yoga pants, and some t-shirts that will go with any of the pants I’ve stuffed into my suitcase.
“I’ll grab your things from your bathroom. Tell me what’s going on?” Chloe says as she disappears into the bathroom off my bedroom. She knows I’m not high maintenance, so I’m sure whatever she packs will be fine.
I give her the CliffsNotes version, and I can hear her gasp from the bathroom. Within a few minutes, she’s brought back my travel bag and puts it in my suitcase.
“I have your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a few samples of shampoo and conditioner. I also packed your brush and tossed in a few hair ties for you.”
I throw open my arms and embrace her in a hug. “You are the best.”
“Just keep me posted. I’m happy to do anything you need,” she says as she releases me, then gasps. “Do you have cash?”
“I… uh… usually just use my debit card,” I admit honestly.
