I silently thank her for the much-needed distraction as my brain runs through one horrible scenario after the other.The thought of my nana suffering stabs a dagger through my heart.
“I practiced driving all sorts of vehicles including limousines, RVs, buses, semis and heavy machinery like forklifts, cranes, and excavators.”She starts the engine and checks out the windows before shifting into reverse.Using the mirrors and back-up camera with mouthwatering ease, she reverses out of the parking spot and shifts into drive.“Not that it matters, but I even got certified in transporting hazardous materials.Oh, and I can hook up, drive, and detach double and triple trailers on semi-trucks.”I sit in silence as my cock throbs and heart hurts as she exits the parking garage with sexy confidence and maneuvers through the busy streets with impressive skill.“I always felt like a missile cruising down the road with all that weight behind me, but I suppose that’s kind of how you feel whenever you walk into a room, isn’t it?The biggest, most powerful thing around.Now with all the momentum of success behind you, you’re basically unstoppable.It’s impressive, Sebastian.”
When I don’t respond, she reaches across the center console and squeezes my hand.
“We’ll be there in a few minutes.Don’t get too far in your head; your mom needs you,” she says.
Her words snap me out of my panic and fill me with purpose.
She’s right.My mother needs me.Wallowing in my despair will help no one.I clear my throat and return her squeeze with a gentle one of my own.
“Thank you, Penelope,” I rasp.
“Of course,” she says.
When she doesn’t pull her hand away to put it on the wheel, I uncurl my fingers, but she tightens her grip and continues navigating through traffic with one hand like a pro.
If I wasn’t in love before—which I was—I am now.Totally.Wholeheartedly.Completely.
She backs into a parking spot only four rows from the hospital, choosing a spot near the strip of decorative plants to accommodate the long ass end of my SUV, and engages the parking brake before turning off the engine.At my quizzical glance, she shrugs as she unbuckles.
“I know the parking brake isn’t necessary, but it’s a force of habit with the big boys.This newer model will alert you if you try to drive with it on, so no harm no foul, right?Do you want me to come with you or stay here?”
“With me,” I reply without hesitation.
She may not be able to help my nana, but I need her by my side, and even though she puts on a brave front, the misery lurking in her eyes tells me she has experience with what’s ahead.
I don’t know how or why she may have gone through such hardships, but there’s no denying the strain of memories bracketing her eyes.
“Okay.Lead the way.I’ll catch up,” she says.
I entrust my vehicle to her and dart across the parking lot and into the emergency room entrance.My mother paces along the back wall.I call her name and rush to her.She turns and dives into my arms.I hug her tight enough to assure myself she’s okay.After a few heart-wrenching sobs, she pulls herself together and pats my back.
“I’m okay, I just needed a moment,” she says as she pushes me to arm’s length.“You give the best hugs.Thank you, son.”
“Of course, Ma.How is Nana?”
“I haven’t heard anything since they took her back,” she says.
Her gaze drifts behind me, and I turn to see Penelope standing a few feet away.With the angle of her body and the cold sweep of her gaze across the waiting room, she stands like a tiny but fierce guard dog.
“Who is this?”my mom asks.
“Ma, meet Penelope Miles.Penelope, this is my mother, Angela Sterling.”
Penelope shifts her weight and rubs her arm, clearly uncertain of her reception.
“Nice to meet you, Penelope, although I wish it were under better circumstances.I’m not quite okay right now,” my mom says.
“I understand, Ms.Sterling.Don’t worry about me.I can leave if you—”
“Don’t you dare.If Sebastian brought you, you’re welcome.I’ll always—”
A doctor in green scrubs shuffles out from the tempered double glass doors.
Although sympathetic, the man talks in code, and half of what he says goes in one ear and out the other.When he pauses as though awaiting a response, I grind my teeth and pull in a deep breath through my nose but still don’t understand what he’s asking.I turn helplessly to my mother, but her half-panicked eyes relay the same confusion as mine.
Penelope’s dainty hand settles on my forearm, creating the only bit of warmth in my entire body.
