Page 108 of Home Town Advantage
His fingers are intertwined with mine. His pained face turns to me. “I don’t know what’s going to happen or what’s going to be said. I just want to warn you. Things are…bad between Maddie and me. And if something happens to Francesca…” His voice trails off as emotions overcome him.
“She’s going to be fine,” I try to reassure him. After a few long beats, I can’t help but ask, “How bad?”
His tear-filled eyes meet mine. “We both know the kind of woman Maddie is. She hasn’t changed since we were kids. She was self-centered then, and she’s self-centered now. She’ll make this about her when the only thing that matters is Francesca.”
“That’s her daughter in surgery. She must be reeling.”
He briefly closes his eyes. “Whatever is said today, just know I love you.”
“What’s going to be said?”
He exhales a long breath and leans his head back on the chair. “Who knows what will come out of her mouth?”
Four hours later,we land in Helena. I see my parents there waiting at the landing strip.
Vance blows out a breath, almost in relief. “I’m so glad they’re here. I didn’t even think about how we were getting to the hospital.”
We approach their car, where he opens the door for me and pokes his head inside. “Thank you for coming, Frank. I really appreciate it.”
Dad nods. “Your parents didn’t want to leave the hospital. We offered. She’s still in surgery. We don’t know anything yet.”
We ride the short distance to the hospital in relative silence. I don’t think my parents have been around Vance in over six years. It’s awkward, but I sense no tension from them. Even though my mother said she had forgiven him, I thought they would still carry anger toward him, but they seem moreconcerned about Francesca than being in the car with the man who betrayed my brother.
I don’t know if my mother said anything to my father about Vance being in my bed this morning. I doubt it, but I can’t look her in the eyes just yet.
Less than fifteen minutes later, the four of us run into the hospital. Vance goes directly to the front desk and spits out, “Francesa McCaffrey. Where can I find her?”
The woman looks at her computer, types away, and then glances back up at him. “There’s no one here by that name.”
His jaw tightens. “Huddle. Francesca Huddle.”
She types again and looks up. “Yes, I see her. And you are?”
“Her father.”
The woman pinches her eyebrows together. “Are you Curtis Huddle?”
“No, I’m Vance McCaffrey.”
She smiles innocently. “Oh, like the quarterback.” Her eyes suddenly widen in realization. “Oh. Well…I’m sorry, but Curtis Huddle is listed as her father. We can’t give out any information unless you’re a family member.”
“Check her fucking birth certificate,” Vance yells.
She shakes her head. “I don’t have access to that. I’m afraid I can’t give you any information. I’m sorry, sir.”
Vance is about to explode in anger. I grab his arm and smile at the unhelpful woman. “Where’s the surgical waiting room? Surely you can tell us that.”
She nods. “Third floor.”
“Thank you.”
The four of us make our way to the third floor. As soon as we exit the elevator, I see Maddie and Curtis sitting at one end of the waiting area. She’s in tears. I have a flood of emotions upon seeing her. It’s been a long time since I’ve laid eyes on Maddie Wells. Her parents are also with her. I haven’t seen them since Finn’s funeral. This feels like a time warp. An unwelcome one.
On the complete opposite side of the waiting room are theMcCaffreys. They stand as we approach. Vance’s mother runs to hug him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
He nods before pulling back and asking, “Do we know anything yet?”
She shakes her head. “No. The nurse just came out and said the doctor was finishing the surgery and would be out in a few minutes to update us. Your timing is perfect.”
