Page 22 of Happily Ever Never

It wasn’t until I looked through the driver’s side windowthat I saw it was May. As soon as I did, I cursed under my breath and wasgrateful that the door was open. She had tried to open it herself, likelybleary and not even realizing she was doing it. I called 911, as had a coupleof other neighbors. They had gone over to check the man who ran the stop sign.I knew he was fine. He ended up only needing a few stitches on his forehead.I’d been able to hear him shouting that he hadn’t seen the stop sign and thenhe had thrown up because he was afraid he’d killed someone.

The man had looked remorseful for hurting May, but thatdidn’t make everything okay in my eyes. I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to lookat him if I saw him again. It was just a little too much for me. I didn’t knowwhy I was having such a strong reaction to this either. It wasn’t as if May wasmy girlfriend. But she was a friend. And I needed to make sure she wasokay.

It shouldn’t matter that she wasn’t my girlfriend.

It only mattered that a friend was hurt.

I pulled up my phone, knowing our Montgomery Ink Legacygroup text was flaring with questions about May, but I didn’t have any answers.I had called Brooke as soon as they loaded May into the ambulance, knowing Iwould follow after giving the police my statement. Ididn’t have any of May’s family’s contact information, but I knew Brooke would.And since Leif was right beside her, I knew everyone at Montgomery Ink Legacywould know what was going on, and I wouldn’t have to be on call at work like Iwas scheduled to be.

Apparently, all I was supposed to do was pace in thishospital waiting room, wondering what the hell I was doing.

I needed May to be okay. She had been so pale, blood on theright side of her face and a small bruise on her chin. I didn’t know if she hada concussion or if she had broken anything. She hadn’t been hit hard, but thecar had struck her at just the right angle that it had spun the vehicle and theairbags had deployed—that was what had knocked her out. At least from what Icould tell. For all I knew, I was completely wrong, she was hurt, and there wasnothing I could do.

A woman with dark hair and May’s eyes walked into thewaiting room and looked around, appearing slightly frantic but still composed.

I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to go over and talk to her,so I stood, waiting as she walked past me to the reception desk.

“I’m looking for my daughter. May Loveless.”

The nurse spoke with Mrs. Loveless, and I stood back,waiting, knowing it was probably unethical for me to be so quiet, trying to hearwhat was going on. But, damn it, I needed to know.

When May’s mother looked as if she was letting out a breathof relief, I nearly staggered back, but I hadn’t heard anything, so I didn’tknow for sure.

The receptionist nodded over her shoulder toward me. WhenMay’s mother turned, her eyes narrowing, I braced myself.

Oh, hell. This wouldn’t go well.

“You. What happened?” she yelled before coming straight atme. She wore heels yet was still far shorter than I was. Her head barely came upto my chin, just like May’s.

Still, with all the energy and attitude in the woman, itfelt like she was eight feet tall. “What is your name? How do you know May? Whyare you here? What happened? Tell me.”

I blinked and looked at her. “I’m Leo. I work with LeifMontgomery. The accident happened a couple of houses over from my house.”

“Why was May on that side of the neighborhood?” she asked,her eyes narrowed.

I held up my hands, trying to act innocent because I was.And I was a little worried. “It was pure circumstance. I live a couple ofstreets over from Brooke’s house, where May works. I don’t know where Maylives. I don’t know if she lives in my neighborhood or if she was just drivingaround to see someone. Maybe going to Brooke’s. I honestly don’t know. I onlysaw the accident.” I explained exactly what’d happened, minute by minute. AsMrs. Loveless’s shoulders relaxed slightly, I still didn’t know if I was introuble.

“You’re the one who called Brooke? The tattoo artist?”

She didn’t sound rude when she said tattoo artistlike some people did, so I had to count that as something. What? I didn’t know.

“Yes, I work for Leif. I’m a tattoo artist.”

And then tears spilled from May’s mother’s eyes, and shewrapped her arms around my waist. I blinked but hugged her back, gently pattingher shoulder. “I’m sorry. There wasn’t much I could do. But I kept her still.And I called 911. Your daughter’s very brave, Mrs. Loveless. She’ll be okay.She’s strong.”

“I know my daughter is strong. She’s an amazing woman, and Ilove her. And you saved her.”

I sputtered. “Oh. I didn’t do that. Anyone would’ve called911.”

Mrs. Loveless stepped back and wiped her tears. “Call meJudy. My last name is always a little ironic, considering I got it from the manI loved.”

“Judy. Mrs. Loveless. I don’t know what to call you. Youscare me.” I hadn’t meant to say that last bit, but Judy only grinned.

“That’s what I like in a man. I’m just kidding with you. I’ma little nervous. I only wanted to say thank you. Brooke explained to me what happened,and then the authorities contacted me as well since I am May’s emergencycontact on her phone. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m going back there assoon as they let me to speak with her. Will you stay?”

I swallowed hard. “Oh. Of course, I will. I want to makesure she’s okay, too. I didn’t want her to be alone.”

May’s mother smiled at me. “You’re a good boy, Leo. Now, I’msorry for yelling. It was a little more drama than planned. My sister should behere soon to make sure everything’s okay. Because we want the family to be herefor her. So, you stay here, and we will update you with May’s condition.”