Page 77 of Big Stick Energy
Putting Me on a Leash
Eric
The drive to the hospital feels like a playoff game—lots of speed, coupled with intense concentration. I’m going to get this man to the hospital in time, even if I have to break a few traffic laws. There will be no fresh tragedies on Maribel’s wedding weekend. Not if I can help it.
When I finally pull up at the ER entrance and turn to look at Darcy’s father, I’m relieved to see that his color is a little
better.
Darcy is taking no chances, though. She pops out of the back seat. “I’ll get a wheelchair.”
“Don’t fuss,” he grumbles. But then he allows Kandi to roll him inside the building, which is scary. I know exactly how tough guys behave in the face of pain, and sitting down in a wheelchair is not a good sign.
Luckily, the emergency department escorts Mr. Randolph right into an exam room. Kandi fills out the paperwork, and Darcy commences pacing the waiting room. As the minutes tickby, she alternately stops to check on Kandi or to text her brother that there’s no news yet.
And all I can do is sit here, wishing I could take all her stress away. Twelve hours ago, we didn’t have a single problem in the world. My only goals were memorizing the taste of her skin and trying to tease another orgasm out of her.
It was intense. And so is this, in its own weird way. I know what it’s like to feel helpless while your family suffers. I’ve had years of training.
The best I can do is massage her shoulders, bring her drinks from the vending machine, and try to distract her.
And Darcy’s father is damn lucky to have a daughter like her. I’m certain he doesn’t appreciate it.
After we’ve been there an hour, my attention is snagged by a text from DeLuca.
DeLuca:Hey, man! Nice beach pic with Darcy. Looks like someone finally scored in the off-season. I need a detailed play-by-play.
Reading it, I flinch. Darcy was right about my teammates and their assumptions.
Tremaine:Dude, it’s just a picture of some marshmallows at a bonfire. But I shouldn’t have posted that pic if it’s going to make people gossip. Darcy doesn’t deserve that.
DeLuca: I just want you to have fun, man. Your life is 90% hockey and 10% helping Larkin when he gets scammed on the internet.
Tremaine:Larkin got scammed???
DeLuca:He clicked on one of those EZPass texts. Dude doesn’t even have a car! Now his bank account is frozen.
Fuck.
Tremaine:I know who to call at the bank. If he’s freaking out, have him text me.
DeLuca:Will do!
Shoving my phone into my pocket, I wave Darcy over and convince her to sit next to me.
“What is taking so long?” she frets.
“Tests take time,” I say, not knowing if that’s even true.
She squeezes my hand.
At long last, a doctor appears before us in green scrubs. “Mrs. Randolph?”
Kandi jumps to her feet. “Yes? How is he?”
“I’m Dr. Abadi. Your husband is doing well. We’ve run some tests, and the good news is this wasn’t a heart attack.”
Darcy moves to stand beside her stepmother. “What was it then?”
