by Aven Ellis
“Great, how are you?”
“Crazed,” Reese says, dropping her black Chanel bag in the empty seat next to her. “I have a major test in my Brazilian art class on Friday, and I’m not ready for it.”
She reaches for a menu and flips it open. “I need serious carbs to cope. Do you want to split some garlic bread to start?”
My stomach recoils at the thought. Actually, I feel full, even though I haven’t eaten much, and I don’t think lunch is a good idea.
“I think I’m just going to have some water,” I say.
Reese lifts her head up, studying me. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know,” I say, shaking my head. “I haven’t felt great since yesterday. My stomach hurts. Like it feels full even when I don’t eat. And now I’m nauseous.”
“You need to see a doctor,” Reese says. She reaches over to her purse and whips out her cell. “I’m texting you my doctor’s info. Dr. Joe Warren. He’s fantastic.”
My phone buzzes with his info.
“Okay,” I say, nodding. “I keep hoping it will feel better soon.”
“I know, but still, you should check it out,” Reese insists, concern reflected in her bright-green eyes.
“I promise I’ll call tomorrow if I don’t feel better.”
“I’ll check to make sure you do.”
I laugh. I love that Reese cares so much. She has become my best friend.
“When do I get to come over and play with Puck again?” Reese asks. “He’s so cute!”
I smile proudly. “Puck is so fun. You should see how he sleeps on Matt. Right up by his head, without fail, every night he’s home. Matt’s always playing with him, too.”
“Aww,” Reese says. “So cute. I love a man who loves animals.”
“You know who else has asked to come over and see Puck?” I say, pausing to take a sip of my water. “JP. Apparently, he is into cats, too.”
Reese looks up from her menu. “JP? Hockey player JP?”
I raise an eyebrow. “How many hockey players named JP do you know?”
To my surprise, a blush colors her cheekbones.
“Of course,” she says, shifting her attention back to the menu. “So . . . how is JP, anyway?”
Hmmm. I wonder if she would be open to a set up with JP after all.
“He’s good, I guess,” I say. “I wasn’t there when he came over yesterday, but Matt said he asked all kinds of questions about Puck. Like where he got him, how he cares for him, etc. Matt told him he needs to adopt a cat of his own. I told Matt they could start the official Cat Club of the Dallas Demons.”
Reese nods but keeps her eyes down on the menu. “Interesting.” Then she is silent for a moment before clearing her throat. “I think I’m going with spaghetti and meatballs.”
Okay, so much for JP.
The server comes and takes our order, well, takes Reese’s order since the idea of eating anything makes me ill.
“So how’s the novel coming?” Reese asks.
I play with the straw in my glass. “Ugh. I’m at a sticking point. I’m at the black moment between Heath and Calla, and it’s hurting me to write it.”
“Black moment?”
“Sorry. The moment in the book that splits the hero and heroine apart. All seems lost like it will be impossible for them to find their way back together.”
Reese groans. “Oh, I hate those moments in a book! I wish the author would let them be happy.”
I laugh, but it makes my stomach hurt.
“There has to be conflict or it isn’t a very good story,” I explain.
Reese scowls. “I completely disagree. I like happy reading. I don’t like couples broken up. Ever. I know. Don’t write it, Holly! Let your characters ride off into the sunset. You’ll be a bestseller for giving people what they want!”
I smile. I love how passionate Reese is in her belief.
“Hmm, intriguing, but these characters need to face their demons. I keep starting the scene then stopping and rewriting it,” I say, and I can hear the frustration in my own voice. “For some reason, I can’t write it.”
“You’ll figure it out,” Reese assures me. “Whatever mental block you have, I know you’ll fix it.”
“I hope so. But this is what being a writer is. Your job is to punish yourself doing what you love.”
“Sounds fun.”
“Stop, it hurts to laugh,” I groan.
“Why don’t you call Dr. Warren now?” Reese urges. “At least get on his schedule.”
“I’ll give it one more day,” I say. “It’s probably something I ate, that’s all. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Tomorrow I’ll feel better. I’m sure of it.
I’m not better.
I bite my lip in complete agony. It’s been more than twenty-four hours since I’ve seen Reese. I have horrible pain in my abdomen. It hurts to walk. I can’t even stand up. I’m nauseous and feverish.
I know this is more than a virus.
Panic fills me.
Something is very wrong.
I’ve never been in so much pain in my life. I’m on Matt’s couch downstairs, and he’s upstairs napping before his game tonight. I tried to push back the pain as long as I could, but I can’t anymore. I just can’t.
“Matt!” I call.
Within seconds, Matt appears on the balcony. “Baby? Holly?”
He takes one look at me and runs down the stairs.
I’m crying. “It hurts so bad,” I say, drawing my knees into a fetal position. “I don’t know what’s wrong.”
Matt’s right by my side. He puts his hand against my forehead.
“Christ, you’re burning up. Where does it hurt?”
“On my right,” I say.
“It could be your appendix. We need to go to the hospital. Now.”
Panic builds as I see the worry in his eyes. Anxiety is taking hold, and I’m too sick to try and fight it.
“Listen to me,” Matt says, gripping my hand. “I’ll take you to the hospital, and we’ll figure out what’s wrong. You’re going to be okay. I promise you that. Please don’t panic. Just breathe, baby.”
“I’m scared,” I admit, tears welling in my eyes.
“I know,” Matt says, squeezing my hand in his. “But I’m right here. I’m not going to leave your side.”
“The game,” I say. “You need to have Reese or Kenley take me.”
“I don’t give a shit about the hockey game,” he insists, his eyes flashing. “I’m going to get dressed, then we’ll go.”
I bite my lip as the pain takes over, but my head manages to fight back. Matt can’t take me. He can’t. This is his last chance with the team and what if they don’t excuse his absence? They don’t even know I’m his girlfriend.
Before I know it, I hear Matt running back down the stairs. Within seconds, he’s back at my side, holding my hand protectively.
“Sweetheart, can you stand?”
I try to move, but I cry out in agony.
“Oh God, it hurts!” I scream.
“Okay. I’ll carry you.”
“You can’t take me,” I wail. “The team—”
“I don’t care!” Matt yells. “I’m taking care of you, and if they cut my ass for it, then so be it.”
He picks me up as gently as he can, and my whole body is wracked with pain so bad I can’t help but wail.
“I know it hurts,” Matt says softly as he carries me toward the garage. “We’re going to fix it.”
“What if . . . it’s ruptured?” I ask, fear gripping me.
“They’ll treat it. Don’t go there yet, sweetheart. Let’s get you diagnosed. I’ll call your parents and Nate as soon as we’re in
the car.”
He sets me down next to the car, and I immediately double over in pain again.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Matt says. “I’m going to open the door and put you inside.”
“Okay,” I say, tears streaming down my face.
Matt opens the passenger door and gently slips me inside. I reach for the seat belt and buckle it, then curl myself up into a ball again.
He shuts the door and runs around to the other side of the car, sliding behind the wheel. I stare at him as he turns on his phone and begins giving verbal orders as he drives. First, he calls my mom, who freaks out and says she is getting on the next flight to Dallas. Then he moves to the next call.
“Call Nate,” he says.
“Calling Nate,” the phone says aloud.
“Matt, just drop me off,” I beg as the phone begins ringing.
“No,” Matt says, his tone telling me this is non-negotiable.
“Rhines, what’s up?” Nate asks groggily. I know Matt woke him up from his nap.
“Nate, I’m taking Holly to the hospital right now. I—”
“What? What’s going on?” Nate asks, fully awake now.
“I think it’s appendicitis. I’ve got her in the car, and I’ll stay with her.”
“No. I’ll meet you there and take over. It makes no sense for you to miss the game tonight.”
“No, I’m not leaving Holly,” Matt says as he drives.
“Matt, you’re being great taking her to the hospital, but I’m her brother. You can leave as soon as I get there.”
“No, I will not,” Matt says, agitation creeping into his voice.
“Rhinelander, you’re a good friend to her and I appreciate—”
“Nate, listen to me,” Matt snaps, cutting him off, “I love her, I’m staying with her, and that’s it.”
Oh my God. I gasp aloud in shock. Not only does Matt love me, but he just told Nate.
Nate is dead silent on the other end of the line, no doubt stunned by what he heard.
“What?” Nate gasps. “What did you say?”
“I’m in love with your sister, and I’m pretty damn sure she’s in love with me, so I’m staying with her, period. We’re going to Preston General. We’ll see you there.”
Then Matt hangs up.
“Matt,” I gasp. “You love me?”
“Yes,” he says, gripping the steering wheel. “Not the way I wanted to tell you, but yes. I love you, Holly.”
“I love you, too,” I whisper.
“I won’t let anything happen to you. I don’t care who the hell tells me to play hockey tonight, I’m not leaving you.”
Matt’s phone begins ringing.
I have no doubt it’s Nate.
“I’m calling the coach next,” Matt says, ignoring his phone. “Then Peter’s office.”
“Call CiCi and Reese,” I manage to get out, the pain so intense I can’t even move.
“I will. I promise,” he assures me. “Try to breathe, okay?”
I nod, but nothing is helping. And now I’m terrified that my appendix has ruptured. What if it’s septic?
I bite down hard on my lip. I need to stay calm. Matt is here. He loves me. He’s not leaving me.
And he never will.
After checking into the ER, they schedule for me to go for a CT scan. The ER doctor is pretty sure it’s appendicitis and I’ll be having surgery today, but he needs to confirm the diagnosis.
Matt sits next to my bed, holding my hand. He’s taken care of everything. Reese and CiCi are both on their way. The coach was completely pissed off because both Matt and Nate aren’t playing tonight against Los Angeles, a division rival. Matt’s absence didn’t make sense to the coach, either.
But Matt doesn’t care.
He strokes my hair with his free hand while the other grips mine.
“You’re risking everything for me,” I say tearfully.
Matt shakes his head. “No, I’m not. I’m with you. I’m always going to be here when you need me. You’re what matters. I don’t give a shit about anything else.”
Suddenly, the curtain is ripped back, and Nate stands in the entry with a look of shock on his face.
“So, it is true,” Nate says, staring at me and Matt.
“This is not the time,” Matt warns. “We’re waiting for a CT scan, and once appendicitis is confirmed, she’ll have surgery.”
“Don’t,” Nate says, his voice sharp, “talk to me like you’re in charge of my sister.”
Matt’s grip on my hand intensifies.
“Nate, I’m not, but as her boy—”
“This wasn’t supposed to happen,” Nate blurts out. “Holly was supposed to help you. That is what we paid her to do. Not this!”
Oh God. Oh God. Oh God.
“You didn’t pay me anything!” I manage to get out.
“What?” Matt asks, furrowing his brow. “What are you talking about?”
Nate whips his head toward me. “You were supposed to keep him out of trouble, Holly. Not get involved with him!”
I can barely think. I’m in so much pain, and now everything is falling apart, and I can’t cope.
“I love Matt,” I say, forcing my voice to be firm. “Just stop it, Nate!”
Matt releases my hand and stands up.
“Don’t,” Matt says, his voice low with anger, “upset her now. She’s in enough pain without you making bullshit accusations.”
“Bullshit? I’ll tell you what’s bullshit. You and my sister! This was not the game plan. Harrison and I asked her to keep you occupied after your last scrape with the team, and she agreed, that’s what. But we sure as hell didn’t pay her to play girlfriend, I can assure you that!”
I’m losing everything, and I can’t even move to stop it.
“You aren’t paying me!” I repeat.
“Oh, really?” Nate says, turning to me. “How do you think you’re living in Highland Park? Harrison took the home off the market for you. We’re splitting utilities. That is how we are paying you in exchange for taking care of Matt.”
I gasp. Oh no. No.
They were paying me.
And I stupidly fell for it.
Nate abruptly turns to Matt. “But if I would have known this would be the result, I never would have allowed her to save you in the first place. What kind of teammate are you, going after my sister? I trusted you like a brother, and you go and screw around with her behind my back?”
Matt’s face begins to pale. He’s putting all the accusations together, and I know it’s devastating him.
And I’m the one who did this to him.
“You . . . you were hired to be with me?” he whispers, his blue eyes showing nothing but total shock.
“Okay, I can hear y’all down the hall. This is ridiculous,” Reese says, marching into the room. “Both of you get out until you can grow up. Security was about to come take you out, but I said I would handle it. Now go.”
“Matt,” I cry out, my heart breaking. “Don’t go. Don’t leave me. Please.”
“Is it true?”
“I . . . I told them I wouldn’t take money,” I manage to say. “But it’s not like that. I swear it’s not.”
Matt stumbles backward and sinks down into the guest chair, all of the color drained out of his face.
“It’s true?” he asks, his voice barely audible.
“Change of plans,” Reese says. “Nate, you’re coming with me. Now. Or security will help me.”
Nate moves toward me, but I glare at him.
“Get out!” I yell. “Just get out!”
Nate is visibly shocked by my tone but allows Reese to walk him out. I turn to Matt.
“
Don’t listen to him,” I beg. “I love you. That’s what matters.”
Matt doesn’t say a word. For the longest time, he stares at the floor, his eyes avoiding mine.
“Matt, please,” I say.
“Ms. Johansson,” a hospital worker says, entering my room, “we’re going to take you for a CT scan now.”
No. No. I know I need this test, but I need to talk to Matt now.
“Please don’t leave me,” I beg Matt as they begin to move me out of the room. “You don’t understand. I have to talk to you. Please.”
But Matt doesn’t say a word.
Or even lift his head to look at me as I’m wheeled away.
I’ve lost him.
And all I can do is burst into tears.
Chapter 30
I lay in my hospital bed, staring at the wall. I was moved to a new room after surgery, and while I feel so much better now that my appendix is out, my heart is shattered beyond repair.
Tears fall down my face. I’m desperate to see Matt. To explain everything to him. Yes, I messed up—badly—but everything we had was real. He has to know that. He has to.
There’s a light rap on the door. I expect to see another nurse walk in, so I don’t say anything while I turn my head.
Matt walks into the room.
I grip the scratchy hospital blanket with both hands, my stomach dropping at the devastated look etched on his face.
Matt comes over and stands next to my bed, his hands at his side. I realize he’s not going to touch me, and a powerful wave of complete despair crashes over me.
He stares at me for a moment, his eyes filled with anguish.
A sob escapes my lips.
I did this to him.
I’ve destroyed him.
Matt clears his throat.
“I wanted to make sure you were okay,” he says, his voice thick.
“I’m not,” I say, shaking my head. “Matt, please, I need to explain.”
Matt’s eyes are flat. There’s no light in them, none at all.
“No. No, you don’t. You were paid to pick up the trash, right Holly?”