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I give her a call, and she answers right away. “Hey, Lincoln.”
“Hi, Sam. Listen, we’re okay, but Jolene and I were in an accident tonight. We’re at the ER and they won’t let me back to see her.”
“You were in an accident?” she screeches. “Oh my God! I’ll be right there!”
“No, Sam, stop. Like I said, we’re okay. I’ve already been released, but she’s still back there and you need to stay with the boys. But I’m worried. Can you get me in?”
“It’s best if you stay out of the way, Lincoln. Okay? Let the nurses do their jobs.”
I blow out yet another breath in even more frustration. “Fine,” I mutter.
“What happened?”
I’m not really sure how much to get into this over the phone, but I do know one thing. Jolene is going to want to talk to her best friend about the shit that went down tonight, and I don’t think I should be the one who breaks the story first.
Besides, I’m not really up for talking about it. It’s well after midnight now, and I just want to go home and go to bed…with Jolene in my arms.
“I’m sure she’ll tell you. I’ll make sure she gets home safe.” I cut the call.
And then I wait.
And wait.
And wait some more.
It’s after two before she emerges. A nurse pushes her out in a wheelchair, and she looks…different. Like she’s been crying. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’m on the verge of that myself.
“I’ve got it from here,” I say, and I grab the handles of the wheelchair from the nurse as I figure I’ll call a car to get us home.
Jolene shakes her head, and I can’t see her face from here but I can hear it in her voice. She’s mad, but she’s also exhausted. “No, Lincoln. It’s fine. I have a Lyft on its way over to get me. I’ll get home on my own.”
“Like hell you will,” I mutter. “I’m coming with you.”
“Remember what happened the last time you forced your way into a car with me?” she snaps.
I sigh. “Prayers up that our driver isn’t emotionally impaired.”
She doesn’t respond, but even from above her I can tell her jaw is clenched. Maybe it’s too soon for jokes.
“Everything check out okay?” I ask.
She shrugs. “I’ll live.” She holds up her wrist. “It isn’t broken, so that’s a positive.” She freezes for a beat after she says the words. “Just go, Linc,” she begs.
“Not until I’m sure you’re home safe.” I say the words apologetically because honestly, I am sorry. I’m sorry for all of this, and I need to find some way to make her see that.
She huffs without further argument.
We wait outside for the ride she called, and I head home with her.
Sam must’ve been waiting worriedly by the door when we pulled up because the door is open and she’s waiting for her friend with open arms when we walk up.
Jolene practically falls into her.
“I’m home,” Jolene says to me, her tone snippy. “You can go now.”
“What’s going on?” Sam asks, and I just shake my head while Sam holds her up.
“Just go,” Jolene says, and I heave out a deep sigh but I give her what she wants.
