Page 64 of Trial By Fire
Kace is stone-faced and glowering at me and the EMT who suggested the alternative, but I don't care. He wouldn't want an ambulance ride to Wilmington any more than I do. "This is my choice," I add softly.
"Fine," Kace says after a tense pause. "We'll try that first."
I make myself meet his gaze, pretending to be stronger, feel stronger, than I do. "Thank you. I'm sorry for scaring you. And the girls. I'm sorry."
"Just get better so I don't have to go caveman on you and drag you to see someone."
As if. But I know what he's saying. And given the concern etched on his face, I know he'll actually do it if he has to.
Hours later, we arrive in Southport. I was able to drink fluids at the firehouse and was even given a line of IV fluids for a short time, apparently qualifying for them due to my pregnancy and vitals.
Between the AC and fluids, I felt better. And after monitoring me, I was allowed to leave on my own two feet after promising to rest and get seen by my doc immediately. Despite me begging him not to, Kace alerted Gabe to what had happened.
Bronwyn closed the bookstore thirty minutes early, and she and Gabe meet us in Southport so I'm not behind the wheel driving us home. It isn't that far of a drive from the landing point to Kace's house, but needing the help feels like failure. I'm that errant kid who got into trouble and had to be picked up by upset parents. I assure them I'm fine, just dehydrated, thanks to the heat and morning sickness. But I can tell they're concerned and feeding off Kace's dark, glowery mood.
I'm embarrassed enough after ruining the birthday trip that when we get to the vehicles, I climb into Bronwyn's passenger seat without a word. I sense more than see the group exchanging glances, but I don't care.
Kace has been quieter than normal after my fainting spell. He's never left my side. But his locked jaw and terse tone reveal the upset he's barely holding in check. And it makes me feel worse.
He agreed to our arrangement because I could help him. Now here I am being anything but helpful. I don't want to be something else Kace worries about or has to take care of. I don't want to be a burden, and right now, that's exactly what I am.
Bronwyn and I follow behind and get in line for the ferry from Southport to Ft. Fischer. It's a short distance, and we make it in silence, but once she's stopped, I see her inhale.
"Lindsey, are you sure?—"
"I'm fine," I insist, sounding yet again like a broken record. "It was just the heat. My pride is hurt more than anything."
"Your pride will recover," she says softly. "I just don't want you to ignore an issue and not take care of yourself and the baby."
I hear her warning and the worry behind it. My brother, Bronwyn's first husband, had ignored some health things, and it had cost him his life because by the time he'd gone for help, it was too late. The cancer had spread everywhere. "I'm good now. I promise." I'm tired, achy and more than a little whipped by the day, but at the moment at least, I don't feel sick. "I'll call the doctor tomorrow and move up the appointment."
"Good. Because I have fantastic news for you."
I can definitely use some of that. "Oh?"
"Do you remember meeting Ana Blackwell at the grand opening? Doesn't matter," she adds quickly, putting the running SUV into gear as the vehicle in front of us begins moving forward to board the ferry. "What matters is that today, Ana brought in a friend of hers—well, sister-in-law now. Her name is Quinley, and she has an advertising company here in town. It's small but growing fast, and she's looking for a qualified assistant. I mentioned you, and—she really wants to meet you. I told her all about your job in California and the campaigns you said you worked on. I have all her info for you, and she wants you to contact her the moment you're able to. It sounds really promising."
It did. And as far as jobs go, it sounds perfect for me. "I will. Thanks for mentioning me."
"Of course." Bronwyn parks again and lowers the windows before turning off the engine as instructed. The ferry bumps and moves as the last of the vehicles load and we get under way.
"Do you feel like going up top?"
I shake my head, watching as the girls climb out of Kace's truck a row over. Madi holds Dani's hand as they make their way up the stairs, Gabe following behind while Kace stays in the truck. "I'm going to stay here. The breeze is fantastic, and I'm tired. You go ahead."
"Here, I'll give you Quinley's information first," Bronwyn says, taking out her phone.
I watch as she copies and pastes a text message from one spot to another, and my phone dings. "Thanks."
"I'm going to go up with Gabe and the girls, but if you need me just text me, okay?"
I nod and watch as she carefully gets out of the SUV so she doesn't bang into the car beside her.
Once she gets to the stairs, I shift my attention to Kace's truck, aware that we're both sitting in separate vehicles and making no move to join the other.
Kace will likely be relieved if I get the job with Quinley.
But now that there's the real possibility of being hired elsewhere, the job that should feel like freedom suddenly feels more like losing.
