I nodded, but the movement caused my head to spin. I wasn’t sure, but it looked like he winced when he stared at my face.
“Sit. You need to sit down.”
“No, I need to take photos.” My mouth was so dry and gross, and my lips were so chapped. Where was my water? “Becky needs me too.”
“Everyone has a phone. She can create a contest or something for people to submit their photos.”
“Oh, that’s a jolly idea, Matt.” I giggled as he put an arm around me. “You’re so warm.”
“When was the last time you ate?”
“Probably yesterday morning?”
He walked us toward the nearest bench, setting me down and gently placing his hands on my forearms.
“Laney, you need to eat. What about water?”
“Can’t keep it down.”
“You’re so pale right now, it’s freaking me out. Where’s your mom? Your husband?”
“Busy.” My eyes prickled.
“Do you have a drink?”
“We should take you to the emergency room, just to be safe.” He ran a hand over my forehead, his lips turning down in a frown. Matt never frowned.
“Where’s your phone?” he asked, his tone urgent. I handed it to him. He was a teacher and knew how to take charge.
“Connor, yeah?”
I nodded.
He dialed, but no answer. Shocking. He tried again, the concern and worry in his eyes growing.
“He won’t answer.”
“Then I’m leaving a message.” This wasn’t the Matt I knew from high school. This one was different. “Hey, Connor, this is Matt. I’m with your wife, and she can’t even stand up straight. She’s swaying, said she hasn’t eaten or drank in a day. I’m going to try to find her mom to take her to the ER here, but I’ll take her if I have to. Get your ass back here.”
“Whoa. That was very un-Matt-like.”
“Well, your husband should be here with you.”
I winced and rubbed my forehead. “He has a busy board meeting tonight. It’s a big deal.”
“Sure, but if he knew how you were feeling, he shouldn’t have gone.”
“He doesn’t know,” I whispered. “I was gonna tell him about the baby tomorrow.” My stomach tightened at sharing the news with him.
Matt reared back, his eyes wide with something. “Okay, we’re going right now.”
“What?” I blinked, but my world spun too fast. I gripped his arm as I swayed left and then right. Then everything faded to black.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CONNOR
You’re a fool.”
