“Hm, has he had any nausea or vomiting?
“No vomiting yet, but he did say he felt really nauseous earlier.” I chewed on my lip, hating to see him like this: pale, weak, in pain.
“Alright, Jordan. From what you’re describing—the sharp pain in the lower right side, difficulty walking, sweating, andconfusion—it sounds like this could be appendicitis. It’s important to get him to the ER immediately.”
“Appendicitis?” I repeated, my pulse skipping a beat. “Oh god, what is that? Are you sure?”
“It’s hard to know for sure, but his symptoms are consistent with appendicitis, which can be life-threatening if the appendix ruptures. It’s critical he’s evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.”
Oh my god.I swallowed the ball of nerves, nodding, even though the nurse couldn’t actually see me.Life-threatening.
“Okay. Should I call an ambulance, or can I take him myself?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“If Preston is alert and able to get into the car with your help, it’s okay to drive him. But if his confusion gets worse or he passes out, call 911 immediately.”
“Okay, okay. Yes. I’ll take him now.”
“Good. It’s better to be safe. You’re doing the right thing, Jordan. Make sure to explain his symptoms when you arrive so they can take care of him quickly.”
She hung up, and I gave myself exactly two seconds to freak out. As I inhaled, a flurry of thoughts twisted and tangled.Oh my god. What if it bursts? Is he gonna be okay? I can’t lose him. Appendicitis… fuck.Then, I exhaled, making a plan.Keys. Get him to the car. ER.
After that one breath, I went into go-mode. “Quentin, are you here?” I yelled, yanking off my heels and moving toward our front closet to find my snow boots. “Logan, Q, if you’re here, I need help!”
I grabbed my unsexy winter coat and a hat for Preston just as footsteps thudded near me.
“What’s going on? What happened?” Quentin stood there, eyes alert. “Are you okay?”
“It’s Preston.”
“What do you mean?” Quentin tensed, his jaw flexing.
“I think his appendix might burst. I called the nurse, and she said his symptoms align with it, and we need to get him to the ER as soon as possible.” I was better equipped to take him to the ER now. “I have his keys. Can you help me get him in there? He said walking feels like he’s getting stabbed.”
“Damn, of course.” Quentin scrubbed a hand over his face. “Let me grab shoes.”
I returned to the couch and ran a hand over Preston’s pale face. “Hey, Charming, can you sit up for me?”
“No.”
“We’re going to your car right now. Q is gonna help you. I need to take you to the ER.”
“This is food poisoning or something. Cramps. I promise. Just let me sleep it off.” He never opened his eyes. His breathing picked up, and sweat beaded on his forehead. “I don’t want to go there.”
“I know it’s a pain in the ass, but I’m not taking a chance with you. It could be bad if it bursts, Preston, and I’m terrified.”
Something in my voice had him opening his eyes. Sure, he was disoriented and feverish, but his concern for me was evident there. “You’re worried about me,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.
I nodded, my lip trembling. “Yes, honey. I need you safe and healthy. Can you please come to the ER, for me?”
“I’d do anything for you,” he whispered, his gaze still on me. “You’re so pretty it’s making my chest ache right here.” He pointed to his heart “Jordan. You are…an angel.”
“Only you, Charming, would flirt while having a medical situation.” I smiled and grabbed his hand, hoisting him into sitting position.
“Well, when the woman you’ve secretly crushed on for years is staring at you with those wide eyes, yeah, your brain scramblesthoughts, and all you can think about is you.” He closed his eyes, leaning onto the couch, his words not quite making sense.
Secretly crushed on for years.
My stomach did that swoop thing, but there wasn’t time to think about the comment. I filed it away as Quentin and Logan joined us, their faces concerned. “Let’s get him to the car.”
