Page 27 of Halloween with a Daddy
“Want me to go up with you?” I ask as I pull up in front of the apartment building.
“No, I won’t be long.” She steps out of the car and practically sprints towards the front door.
I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, sip my coffee, and flip on the radio to distract myself. I’m not really sleepy, but I can feel the fuzziness around my eyes that stays for a while when the day starts quicker when you planned. Especially after an exhausting night. I’m not complaining at all. I’d re-live last night every single night for the rest of my life. It may always be mySomewhere in Time, but I hope it’s just the first of many wonderful nights with Bethany.
When Bethany emerges from Amelia’s apartment building, she has changed clothes as well. I don’t blame her. The scandalous schoolgirl outfit may have looked amazing, but it’s not exactly suited for a hospital visit. I lean over to open the door for her as she approaches.
“I guess that’s the last we’ll see of the scandalous schoolgirl?” I chuckle as she gets into the car.
“She’s in permanent detention.” Bethany shakes her head and laughs. “I hope that doesn’t mean you’re done with me now.”
“Far from it.” I lean over and plant a kiss on her lips that lasts longer than it should, considering the urgency of the situation.
I put the car in drive as soon as our lips part and barely get my eyes back on the road before we exit the parking lot. The hospital isn’t far. It’s Willow Grove. You can get across the entire town in no time at all if the traffic lights are in your favor. I do like small towns, but there’s something about the city I prefer. It always feels alive, no matter what time of the day or night you drive down the streets.
“I know you’re worried.” I reach over and squeeze Bethany’s hand as we turn into the hospital parking lot. “If she could call and they’re going to release her, I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
“I keep telling myself that.” Bethany looks down and sighs. “I’ve just never gotten a call like this before.”
I hold her hand until I find a parking spot. Bethany stays a step ahead of me as we walk towards the exit and is first up to the nurse’s station when we get inside. Amelia is on the third floor, and there are no restrictions on seeing her since she’s waiting to be dismissed, but I let Bethany go up on her own. I’m going to meet Amelia eventually if she’s getting released, since I’m giving them a ride back to Amelia’s apartment. It’s just better to let Bethany break that news to her best friend without me looming over her shoulder while she does.
I find a spot in the waiting room and sit across from a giant of a man wearing a cowboy hat, belt buckle, and faded jeans. I assume it’s a Halloween costume until he lifts his head and tips his hat just a smidge.
“Howdy.” He says with a crisp Texas accent. “You stuck here waiting on somebody, too?”
“Yeah.” I nod, give his outfit a once over, and remember something I heard in a Western movie. “You’re a long way from home, cowboy.”
“Ain’t that the truth?” He chuckles. “I’m here on business and my damn driver hit some poor girl last night. I’m gonna offer to pay her medical bills and hopefully that’ll be enough to keep me from getting my ass sued.”
“Hit someone?” I perk a brow. “She wasn’t wearing a devil costume, was she?”
“The little devil? Yeah, that’s her.” A worried expression crosses his face. “You know her?”
“Not yet, but I drove her best friend here.” I narrow my eyes. “What happened exactly?”
“I’m not even sure, to be honest. I was in the back of the car and on the phone when it happened. Next thing I know, my cigar’s in my lap and my driver is cussing up a storm.” He sighs and shakes his head. “She’s okay, as far as I know, but they kept her overnight for observation. She had a pretty nasty looking cut on the side of her head.”
“Glad it wasn’t worse.” I glance towards the elevators when they open, but it isn’t Bethany, so my attention goes back to the gentleman in front of me. “I’m Edgar Grim, by the way. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Austin Bohannon.” He leans over and offers a hand. “Most people call me Tex or Big Tex, depending on how well they know me.”
“Tex, huh?” I give him a firm handshake. “I’m guessing you’re from Texas?”
“That’s right.” He grins. “Born and raised. My business takes me all over the country and the outfit gets people’s attention. Makes them remember me.”
“I can’t argue with that.” I chuckle and lean back in my chair.
Tex and I make small talk while we wait. He seems like a nice enough guy and is certainly remorseful about hitting Amelia, even if he wasn’t the one driving. We talk a little business, but our lines of work don’t really have any reason to cross paths, so that part of the conversation is brief.
When the conversation dies down, my thoughts are back on the beautiful girl that has burrowed into my soul.
I already miss her.
Leaving on Sunday is going to be more difficult than I realized.
Bethany
Worst-casescenariosaregoingthrough my head as I wait on the elevator to take me to Amelia’s floor.
