Page 68 of 7 Miles High
“Your dad has some good moves,” Natalie says chuckling.
“Where do you think I got it?”
I’ve kept an eye on Nia since she made her visit to our table. She’s downed at least three shots of who knows what since she left. Damn. That’s going to be her downfall if she isn’t careful. Professionally and personally.
“Hey babe, I’ve got to piss. Save my place,” I say, rising and kissing the top of her head.
“Okay. I’ll be here fighting off the legion of women that want to “dance” with you.”
She’s smiling when she does the air quotes, but I know just how serious she is.Women.
“Know where the bathrooms are?”
“There’s one in the corner there,” she says pointing to the far left, behind one of the bar stations.
* * *
I dry my hands and toss the towel. As I walk out tucking my shirt in the back, I see a disturbing sight. Sprinting toward the exit into the lobby is a hysterical Nia. Phone and purse in hand she focuses on getting out. I think whatever happened has sobered her up as much as possible. I don’t detect balance issues and the goofy inebriated smile on her face has vanished.
I try to find Natalie, but she’s left the table. I’ve got to see if Nia is alright and make sure she’s not going to drive herself somewhere. I think I’m the only person who saw her state-of-mind and her escape. I follow her out the room and when I get to the lobby I see her running through the front doors.
Outside she is fumbling through her bag and I can hear the sobs from here.
“What’s wrong?” I say, taking her by the shoulders.
She falls against me as if her legs aren’t supporting her body anymore.
“My mother! She’s been in a car accident and there’re saying it doesn’t look like she’s going to make it!”
The last few words rise in volume and horror. The reality of the situation has crushed Nia’s soul. I can see it. She looks at me like I might be able to fix it or think of something that would makes things better. I can’t do either.
“Parker! My mother. I’m going to the hospital.”
She starts for her car.
“You can’t drive! What are you thinking? Give me those keys. I’m taking you.”
I grab the keys and we hurriedly make for the car. I’ll call Natalie when I get there and explain the situation. She’ll understand. So many thoughts are running through my head at once. I don’t have my phone. Wait. I’ll use Nia’s. What’s Natalie’s number? I don’t know it by heart.
I see a lighting guy walking through the lot coming toward where we are. That’s my only chance.
“Hey! Would you tell my girlfriend I’ll call and explain what happened to me? We have an emergency here and I need to take…never mind the details. Just tell her I’ll call and explain everything.”
“Who’s your girlfriend?”
That’s when the heavy scent of weed permeates the air around me. Shit. I’m fucked.
I’ve got to concentrate on what’s happening right now. Nia is crying and she’s not even aware of the snot that’s running from her nose. Or she knows but doesn’t give a shit. I get it. I start the car and pull out of the tight space.
“What hospital is she at?”
There’s no response.
“Nia! What hospital?”
“City Memorial. On Seventh Street.”
* * *
