“Where are you going?” I ask him.
“Where you go, I go, buddy. Let’s get us a ride.”
He jogs up to a group of guys. They talk a moment before he waves me forward.
“They are headed back and will drop us at the hospital,” Kellan tells me.
I nod once to them before I follow them to their truck. I pile into the back, looking out the window. I check my phone every few seconds, needing to see her name on the screen, but it never appears.
I can hear Kellan chatting with the fans about the game, but I can’t be bothered. All I can do is worry about Lyla and her dad.
When the hospital comes into view, I start to feel anxious. I have no idea what I am going to find behind these doors, but I hope to God that it is a false alarm. That Lyla will be smiling with her father on the other side.
“Thank you,” I grunt out as I leave the vehicle.
I don’t wait around as I rush into the emergency room.
“I’m here for Jerry Wayne.”
“Are you family?” she asks.
No. I’m not, but I know what will happen if I say that. I’ll be told to wait out here. No way am I doing that when my girl is back there dealing with something unknown to me. No way.
“I’m his son-in-law. My wife is already back there,” I lie without a second thought.
She gives me a sad look. “I’ll take you back then.”
She leads me back through some halls until we come to a stop outside of a door.
“This is where the family is. Take your time, and I’m sorry for your loss.”
She pats my arm before she leaves.
I’m sorry for your loss.
My hands start to shake as the words set in. He’s gone. Lyla has to be an absolute wreck. Hell, I barely got to know the guy, and I feel like someone punched me in the gut. Jerry Wayne was one hell of a man. The world is a darker place without him in it.
Taking a deep breath to get my emotions in check, I open the door. Lyla needs me to be strong right now. She needs me to be her rock.
Stepping in the room, I freeze. Lyla is in here, but she’s in Kyle’s arms. She is sobbing as he holds her. Will sits in a chair, silent, as he hangs his head.
Part of me wants to step back outside. I don’t want to cause a scene. She needs peace right now.
Then she looks up, eyes locked on me.
As soon as she sees me, she pushes out of Kyle’s arms and rushes to mine. I damn near fall at how hard she crashes into me. I hold her head to my chest, feeling her shaking against me. I run my hands through her hair as I whisper to her.
“I’m here now. I’m so sorry. He was a great man. He loved you so much. He is so proud of you. I’ll be here for you. Whatever you need.”
I repeat the words over and over.
Kyle clears his throat. “Lyla…”
I look up at him with a glare. “It’s not the time.”
He swallows hard, looking down at Lyla. Then he nods. “I’ll be around if she needs me.”
I want to tell him to fuck off. She won’t need him, but like I told him, now isn’t the time for that. So I nod instead, waiting for him to leave. As soon as he does, Lyla pulls back, her tears starting to wane.
