I nod. “Yeah?”
“Mercedez is stable for now,” the nurse says, her tone professional but kind. “The psychiatrist is with her, and they’ll likely keep her on a seventy-two-hour hold for observation.”
I let out a breath. “Thanks for letting me know.”
The nurse gives me a small smile before heading back inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I should feel relieved that Mercedez is safe, but all I feel is guilt. Guilt for not seeing the signs sooner. Guilt for letting things get this far. Guilt for dragging Milly into this mess. I settle back in my chair. There’s nothing I can do, but I promised I’d be here for Mercedez. So, for now, this is where I’m staying.
TEN
REPERCUSSIONS
Milly
I walk backinto the ER with my heart heavy and my mind racing. I try to focus on my work, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Twitch. The way his voice cracked when he said, “It’s not the right time.” The way his eyes looked so broken, like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I know he’s trying to protect me. I’ve spent so much of my life putting up walls, keeping people at arm’s length. And just when I thought I’d found someone who could break through those walls, he’s pulling away.
The psychiatrist assessed Mercedez, the doctor is keeping her on a seventy-two-hour hold. Edward said she was medicated to help her calm down. My stomach rolls at what’s happened and the situation Twitch and I put ourselves in. The thought of Mercedez being willing to kill herself over us kissing pains me.
From the glares and her being so full-on with him, I knew she liked him, but I didn’t realize she was so unstable. I can’t imagine it being a pleasant feeling seeing someone you like kissing someone else, but what she was willing to do over it is extreme, and I’m still not feeling okay. She and I aren’t friends, but I’d never wish that on anyone.
I’m swamped. The time passes in a blur of patients, paperwork, and endless cups of coffee. By the end of my shift, I’m exhausted, both physically and emotionally.
I grab my bag and make my way to the ER waiting room where Twitch is. He hasn’t moved. He must sense me because he looks up. When I see his tortured expression, I swallow hard. I hate seeing him so stressed out.
I make my way over to him. “She’s on a seventy-two-hour hold. She won’t have access to her phone, so she won’t be able to see or speak to you. You might as well come home to the clubhouse with me.”
His mouth twists, and he hesitates, so I add. “She won’t know you’re here. I’ll keep in contact with the doctors, and they’ll notify you as soon as she’s ready to go back home.” Home... I flinch. I guess I won’t be staying at the clubhouse anymore upon her return.
His shoulders fall, and he blows out a breath before he stands. We walk to the car, and I struggle to find the right words. Nothing I say will comfort him. I know he won’t believe it’s not his fault. The silence between us is deafening as we hit the dirt road leading to the clubhouse.
“I’m really sorry this happened,” I say softly.
He shakes his head. “Oh, no. This is all onme.”
“No—” I start, but he cuts me off.
“Milly,” he says seriously, his voice firm. “I mean it. Don’t even think about blaming yourself. This isallme.Ishould have seen the signs.Ishould have stopped this thing between me and her a long time ago, but I didn’t. So that’s on me... only me.”
“No, Twitch,” I reply curtly, my tone sharper than intended. “Nothing’s on you.Shepulled out a knife. You could have gotten hurt. You’re not responsible forheractions.”
He lets out a heavy sigh, and I can see the guilt weighing on him. His pain sinks into me.
We pull up outside the clubhouse and head inside in silence. The moment we step through the door, everyone in the living area crowds around us.
“How’s she doing?” asks Dolly, worry coating her tone.
I glance at Twitch, giving him the space to answer.
“She’s on a seventy-two-hour psych hold,” he says, his voice strained. “They’re concerned she might hurt herself again. She was very upset.” He cringes, and I know he’s thinking about her screaming his name. I can only imagine how traumatic all of this has been for him. He clears his throat. “So, they medicated her.”
“She’s in good hands,” I add, trying to reassure everyone.
“I need a drink,” Twitch mutters, sounding utterly exhausted. I watch him walk to the bar, where the men immediately join him, taking seats by his side.
Me and Twitch thought we could get away with it. I should have known better. When it comes to us, nothing is ever that easy. Now we’re on the verge of everyone finding out about us, because when Mercedez comes back to the clubhouse, she’ll want to end us. I glance at my brother. Should we be upfront and honest before Mercedez says something to him?
My heart aches at the thought of fighting with my brother. I can’t lose him and Twitch because of my carelessness.
