“I’m with a few of the roadies, what’s up?”
“Listen, I’ve just had a call from Cal’s university.”
My stomach drops. “What? What is it?”
“You need to stay calm.”
“Why? Is she alright? Fuck, if anything has happened?—”
“About the staying calm part; you need to do that.”
“For fuck’s sake, Scott. Put me out of my misery.”
“She’s fine, but she passed out last night.”
“Jesus, what happened?”
“I’m not exactly sure of the details. It’s 7am here, and I’ve only just had the call. All I know is the campus doctor checked her over and they’re taking blood tests today. I’m on my way to see her now.”
“Is she in the hospital?”
“No, resting in her dorm.”
“On her own? Shouldn’t she have someone with her?”
He pauses for a second. “She has.”
“Oh, okay. So, Angie got there before you?”
“No, not Angie.” Why does his voice sound cagey?
“Then, who?”
I note his second pause before he says, “A guy called Eddie. She was with him when it happened. He was the one who called out the doc.”
“Eddie?” My mouth dries at the sound of another man’s name. My jaw clenches at the thought of him being alone with her. “Who the fuck is Eddie?”
“Just a guy she knows. Don’t panic fella, nothing is going on there. He said they were out for a quiet drink and she passed out.”
My fist clenches by my side as my breathing increases. Why haven’t I heard about this ‘friend’ before? Who the fuck is this guy? “And he’s still there now? Did he spend the night?”
“I really know nothing about him, but I’m positive it’s all innocent. Don’t sweat it, Ash. You should focus on Calla, not the guy she’s with.”
“Can’t help it, man. I should be there.”
I hear him sigh. “You’ve got to stay focused on your work. Don’t beat yourself up.”
My chest burns when I think of how we got to this point. “When you get there, will you tell her—, fuck, I don’t know.”
“I’ll say you’re thinking of her.”
“That sounds shit.”
“But true. Just sit tight, okay? I’ll call you later when I know more.”
“Don’t leave it too long. I won’t sleep until I hear from you. Just call as soon as you can.”
All I can focus on is Cal spending time with another guy and how my hands are tied. There is nothing I do from over here. I can’t handle it; it sucks.
