Page 32 of Great Pretender
“Well, it’s true. Why not be like him and treat this as a means to an end and take the chance to have great sex?”
“Elodie,” I chide, my cheeks growing hot at the mention of sex. “Besides, how do you know the sex would be great?”
“Well, you’ve seen him, and there must be a reason women flock to him like he’s the best thing since air. I figured too that Tiffany must really want to get in his bed to concoct the story she did inThe Gossip. At least she saw his dick in real life, so she should know, right?”
I laugh harder. “Elodie, you are medicine for the soul.”
“Glad to help, and I guess I’m half-joking. Emphasis on the wordhalf.”
Half…
“Would you do it?” I don’t know why, but I want to check I’m not crazy for walking away from a million dollars.
“I don’t know. I think the only way I’d ever possibly agree to something like that is if it were a massive benefit to me. Then again, I really don’t know. I think only you can answer that one.”
“I think I have. I didn’t say no, but what I did say I meant. I’m gonna get my essentials after work and stay with my father.”
“Oh, Piper, do you really think you should do that? Moving around from one house to the other all in one week. I’m sure he will understand, so stay for the time you need, then leave.”
“I think I’d feel more comfortable if I left.”
“Okay, well, I’m here for you. If push comes to shove, I’m sure you could stay with us for a while.”
“Thanks.” It’s nice of her to offer, but I wouldn’t impose that way.
My phone rings in my back pocket, making me jump.
We both laugh at my jitteriness.
Quickly, I retrieve it and instantly start worrying when I see the call is coming from an unknown number. The first thing I think is that it’s about Dad. His doctors used to call from unknown numbers, and I know from experience that hospitals tend to use them. I answer straight away.
“Hello,” I choke out.
“Hi, there, can I speak to Miss Piper St. Claire, please? This is Dr. Cormack calling from Bridport Hospital.”
I glance at Elodie, who now looks concerned.
“This is Piper. I’m currently at Bridport. I’m a doctor here,” I answer. What could this be about? Dad went to the Portmore Rehab Center.
“I apologize, Dr. St. Claire. This is about your father. He’s been brought into the ER. His neighbor found him unconscious in his living room.”
12
Piper
“Please tell me he’s going to be okay, please,” I beg, rushing over to Dr. Cormack.
I’m shaking so much I don’t know how I’m still standing.Elodie came to the ER waiting room with me.
The uneasy look on Dr. Cormack’s face suggests he can’t tell me Dad’s going to be okay.
“Come over here with me so we can talk in private,” he says, motioning over to the little glass cubicles normally used for triage rooms.
“Can my friend come with me?” I ask.
“Sure.” He looks at Elodie and nods. Then we enter the nearest cubicle.
There’s only one chair in there, so we all remain standing.
