"What's wrong?What happened?"I moved closer, the session with Heather evaporating from my mind.
"My mom's in the ER.Something happened with her heart."His hands were shaking as he shoved his phone in his pocket."I have to get to Cleveland."
"Oh no.Is she okay?"
"I don't know yet.She can’t talk."His face was creased with worry."I have to go.I'm so sorry."
"Nash, go."I grabbed his hands, steadying them."Your mom needs you.Don't even think about anything else."
"Naff leaving?"Mia appeared at his side, tugging on his pant leg.She'd been building a block tower on the floor, oblivious to the crisis unfolding.
Nash crouched down to her level, and I watched his expression shift—forcing a calm smile for her."Yeah, little dragon.I have to go see my mommy for a few days.She's not feeling good."
"She sick?"
"Yeah, sweetheart.But the doctors are going to help her feel better."
Mia's face crumpled."I want you to stay."
"I know.I want to stay too."He pulled her into a hug, pressing his face into her hair."But I'll be back soon.And you're going to have fun with your mommy, okay?Maybe you can draw me a picture while I'm gone."
"A dragon picture?"
"The best dragon picture you've ever made."He kissed the top of her head, then stood, his eyes glistening.
Trojan handed him his jacket and bag."Ready when you are."
"Thanks."Nash turned to me, pulling me into a quick, desperate embrace."I'll call you as soon as I know anything.”
I nodded, my throat too tight to speak.Because I had news that would destroy him, and I couldn't tell him.Not now.Not when his mother might be dying.
"I love you," I whispered into his shoulder, unsure if he’d even heard me.
"I love you too.”His voice was soft in my ear.He grabbed his bag and headed for the door, Trojan following.
"Bye, Naff!"Mia called, waving frantically.
"Bye, little dragon!"Nash blew her a kiss from the doorway, then he was gone.
The penthouse felt impossibly quiet.I stood there, still holding my purse, carrying the weight of what I'd done at Heather's office.And Nash had no idea.
Mia tugged on my hand."Mommy?Is Naff's mommy real sick?"
The way she said it sounded more likethick."I hope not, baby."I picked her up, needing to hold her."But the doctors are going to take good care of her."
"And Naff will help her feel better?"
"Yeah.Naff will help her feel better."
I carried her back to the living room, settling on the couch with her in my lap.She curled against me, content, and I stroked her hair.I stayed there for a while, long enough for Mia to wander off and get lost in her toys again.I lost track of time.Finally, my phone buzzed.
NASH:Boarding now.I'll call when I land.Thank you for understanding.I love you both.
I stared at the message, tears blurring my vision.
CLARA: I love you too.
But there was so much more I wanted to say.I submitted our contract to the court.Everything we've been working toward is in jeopardy.They knew.
