“I need to take this.” I grab my phone and push past Atlas, heading toward the back of the shop. “Hey, Matt, what’s up?”
“Hey, Cora, I hate to bother you because I know you’re working, but Noah is sick. I can’t end practice yet because some of the otherparents aren’t here. I hate to do this, but can you come get him? He’s currently vomiting into a garbage can.”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. This always happens. As soon as I find a groove, the universe throws a curveball at me.
“It’s fine. I’ll be there. Can I talk to Noah?” He told me this morning he didn’t feel good, but it’s hard to know with Noah sometimes. Occasionally he’s sick, but more often than not, it’s just because he wants a day off.
“Yeah, hold on. Dane said there’s a stomach bug wreaking havoc on their class. I hope it’s not that.”
God, I hope not. The last time he got a stomach bug, he was out for three days. I’ll explain it to Rhett or one of them as soon as I get off the phone. I hope urgent care is still open.
I hear shuffling and then Noah’s voice. “Hey, Cora. I don’t feel good.”
Poor kid sounds miserable.
“I know, bud; Matt told me. What happened?”
“I don’t know. My stomach hurts. I ran around a bit, then thought I had to puke, and then I did puke.”
“It’s okay. I’ll be there soon.”
“Sorry you have to leave work.”
“Hey, none of that. What do I tell you?”
He groans, but still replies, “I’m more important than anything.”
“Exactly.” I pull my coat over my shoulders while cradling the phone between my chin and neck. “I’ll be there in like ten, fifteen minutes max. Okay? I love you. Don’t forget that. Hand the phone back to Matt for me.”
I pat my pocket for my keys and look around to make sure I’m not forgetting anything. Glancing at the clock, I realize I only have about an hour left of my shift anyway. I’m sure the guys can manage.
“Where are you going? Who the hell is Matt?”
I turn to see Atlas standing in the breakroom.
“Jesus, you scared me. I don’t have time for you or your ego. I have somewhere I have to be. Emergency.”
“I asked you a question. Who. Is. Matt?”
What the hell is his problem?
“None of your business. I need to go,” I bite out.
“Hey.” The concern in Matt’s voice draws me back to him. “Everything good? You won’t get in trouble, will you?”
“No.” I eye Atlas. “I’m fine. Tell Noah I’ll be there soon. Bye.” I push past Atlas and find Seth in the lobby. He’s nodding along to whoever he’s talking to on the phone.Shit.I’m off to a great start as a new employee.
“No problem. We’ll see you next week. Yeah. You too, bye.” He ends the call and takes in my appearance and Atlas behind me. “What happened?”
“I have to go. I have an emergency. I’m really sorry.”
Seth looks from Atlas to me, then nods. “No biggie. We aren’t super busy. Anything I can do?”
Finally, someone around here has a normal response to the word emergency.
“No, I’m good, but thanks. I’ll see you guys tomorrow night.” I wave and push out into the cold.
Rushing to my car, I should be thinking about Noah, how he’s sick and hopefully doesn’t have a stomach bug, but the only thing I can think of is how ridiculous Atlas behaved.
