The flashing lights reflect off the wet street, and the sight is so familiar, I freeze. Chills come over me that have nothing to do with the rain.
My throat tightens.
My vision goes dark for a flash.
Bile pushes up the back of my throat.
Because for just a second, instead of a freaked-out Abby getting lifted into an ambulance, it’s my dead girlfriend Gemma.
I stumble to the side of the house and vomit.
17
ABIGAIL
I should be focused on Paige, who’s frantically waving her hand while she argues with our landlord on the phone, but my eyes keep straying to Nick. He’s holding Hazel and standing next to the window, staring out at the street.
Remembering how he climbed through my window last night, lifted a dang tree off me, and put on my shoes has me freaking out. And let’s not forget how he picked me up and helped me through the window.
He smelled like that sandalwood and leather scent I love. His arms felt so safe. I hated letting go of him so the firefighter could evacuate me. I almost cried when the ambulance left without him.
For a split second, I thought he’d come with me, but that’s stupid. He couldn’t leave Hazel at home. After a night out with friends, he probably had a babysitter who needed to leave.
After I got to the ER, Nick texted several times late into the night. He wanted updates to make sure I didn’t have any serious injuries. I thought based on all of those texts that the next time I saw him he’d lift me in another hug, but he’s been reserved and quiet since he got here a little while ago.
“But my roommate just got out of the hospital.” Paige looks at me and makes a face. “We don’t have anywhere to go.”
Marcus is sprawled on the opposite side of the couch from me, flipping through channels on the TV. “Paige, you can crash with me.”
She covers the phone. “We’ve been dating since this summer. Do you really want me to move in? I’ve been known to be impulsive, but that seems crazy, even for me.”
I chuckle, and then wish I hadn’t because my ribs hurt. I must make a pained sound because Nick turns.
“You okay?”
“Nothing a few ibuprofen can’t help.”
Hazel kicks her legs, and he puts her down. She runs over to me, and before I can brace myself, she throws herself in my arms. My eyes squeeze shut as pain radiates down my rib cage. I didn’t break anything, thankfully, but I definitely look like someone’s punching bag.
“Shit,” Nick mutters. “Hazel, be careful. Abby’s hurt. You have to be gentle.”
Her little head pops up and she frowns. “I huwt you?”
I swallow and attempt to smile. “I’m okay, Hazelnut. Really.” I pat the seat next to me. “Want to play a new reading app on my phone?” I turn to Nick. “Is that okay? It has spelling games.”
“Sure.” He scoops up Hazel and seats her on the couch between me and Marcus. “Don’t climb on Abby, okay?”
She nods. “I love apps.”
“I know, kiddo.”
I pull up the app and hand her my phone. “This has some of the words we were learning last week.”
Marcus motions to Nick. “Just curious, bro, but do you think you’ll make it to the playoffs? I wanna know where to put my money. I think y’all have a shot.”
“Thanks, man. Gonna give it our best.”
“Tough loss last year.”
