By this time, the other team had stopped their warmup and their coach skated over to give assistance.
She banged on the plexiglass hoping to get someone’s attention as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. An ache in her chest had her gasping for air as the minutes ticked by. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder, and she turned to see Jules and Carly beside her.
“It’s going to be okay,” Jules said.
“I don’t think so,” Harley said softly. “I feel as if I’m losing apart of myself with every breath I take.”
A few moments later, paramedics came rushing onto the rink pushing a gurney with their medical bag riding on top. This only confirmed Harley’s suspicion that her brother was injured badly, and she could do nothing to help.
She looked back at Scottie who had finally broken free of Brand and Will, but he didn’t make a move toward her brother, instead he turned and was staring at her. He pulled off his helmet and his anguished expression made her heart sink further.
He’d injured her brother.
CHAPTER 2
“Can’t you hurry up?”Harley begged, her breathing coming in ragged gasps as Jules wove her vintage RAV-4 in and out of the traffic. She rarely allowed anyone to drive her baby, but tonight she made an exception.
“The last thing we want is to get pulled over for speeding,” Jules retorted. “Or have a wreck ourselves trying to get to the hospital before the ambulance.”
“You’re right, of course,” Harley replied.
“I’ll drop you off at the ER doors and go park. Hopefully, the EMT’s already have him inside and the nurses station can tell you something.”
“Thanks,” Harley whispered, gripping the door handle. The car had barely stopped before she jumped out and slammed the door behind her, bolting toward the ER’s sliding doors. The waiting room was full, but thankfully, no one was at the front desk. A lone clerk sat behind it, staring at a computer screen.
“I need to see my brother,” Harley gasped at the clerk behind the protective class barrier. “An ambulance just brought him in. His name is Reilly Flynn–”
“Have a seat please, ma’am,” the clerk said, kindly. “Someone will be with you shortly.”
“But I’m his siter!” Harley protested, barely aware that Jules’ strong arm was around her waist.
“Yes, ma’am,” the woman said patiently. “Please, have a seat.”
“Oh, my God,” Harley sobbed, crumpling against Jules. Her friend steadied her and led her past the desk to a row of chairs.
“Sh-h-h,” Jules soothed, rubbing a comforting hand up and down her back. “It won’t do any good for you to fall apart. Reilly needs to see you strong and supportive when you get to see him.” She took a packet of tissues from her coat pocket, pulled one out and handed it to Harley.
Neither one of them spoke for a moment. Harley’s tears made quick work of the tissue and Jules handed her the pack.
“Thanks,” Harley said, taking out several tissues. She covered her nose and blew. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess.”
“Perfectly normal,” Jules said. “The whiny teens I deal with every day at work lose it over things far less than this.”
Harley dried her eyes. “What am I going to do if I lose him?”
Jules wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave a squeeze. “We don’t know anything yet,” she said, and Harley heard the professional but comforting tone in the woman’s voice. “But you’ve got your friends ready to do anything to help. We’ll know the situation soon enough. Until then, we’ve got your back.”
Harley sucked in a jagged breath and nodded. “Thank you. I do appreciate it.”
A commotion at the ER doorway drew their attention and they saw Carly and Simone wheeling in Colleen who was rubbing her tummy in circular motions and panting. Pepper and Margot followed behind.
“Oh my God.” Jules stood up. “It looks like Colleen has gone into labor.”
“Go to her,” Harley said. “I’ll be fine.”
Jules looked down at her. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
