“Hang on, Dani wants a word,” he says again as she takes over the call. Dani is not only Bernie’s daughter but head of PR.
“The airline is sending a buggy to the First-Class lounge in a few minutes. They’ll take you straight to a waiting car. You got that?” Dani barks.
“Yeah, I got it.”
She’s brash, but we’re used to it. Dani has worked with us forever and discovered our band. It’s thanks to her that we signed with Election Records in the first place.
Bernie is now back on the line. “Tommy, are you all right?”
“No, Bern. I'm not.” I pace around as my body temperature rises. “I'm worried out of my fucking skull.”
“The best thing we can do is keep a level head and not jump to any conclusions.”
My skin prickles. I’m not the type to pray, but today, I will go down on my knees and beg for Ash to be okay. Then something dawns on me. “What about Calla?”
“She’s on her way to the hospital now.”
“And Mrs C?”
“We're picking her up on the way there. That way, we can support Liz in any way we need to.”
“Is she okay?”
“Not great. She's panicking and worried sick.”
“Yeah, of course.” I continue to pace. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. I’m here for them.”
“See you soon.”
“Yeah. Thanks, Bern.”
Tucking my phone into my back pocket, I take in a deep breath, trying to control my beating heart and churning stomach.
“What's going on?” Chelsea asks.
I run my fingers through my hair. “Ash was involved in an accident.”
“Oh my God. What happened?” Her hand covers her mouth.
Her words fade into the background as I try to process the uncontrollable scenarios in my head. Is it possible that the worst has already happened? Could the police be shielding the family until we get to the hospital? My stomach turns and my throat dries. I try to swallow, holding back the tears in my eyes and shake my head to gain some clarity.
Stop.He will be okay. He has to be.
“Tommy?” Her voice knocks me out of my thoughts.
“Sorry. What did you say?” I have to pull myself together. For Ash’s sake.
“What happened to him, Tommy? Is Ash, alright?” she asks, rubbing my arm.
“No idea until I get to the hospital.” I look around, hoping to find the buggy that’s been sent for me.
Chelsea pulls on my arm and steps in my line of sight. “You’re leaving? Now? What about our flight?”
I take a step back. “Are you for real? My brother needs me.”
“Then I’ll come with you. We can catch a taxi outside. Where the hell is the exit out of this place?” She glances around.
“Don’t worry about it. I have a car on the way here now.”
