Chapter 10 Demanding Answers
Demanding Answers
Wyatt
“Ijust don’t know if I can make it another night,” Odette sobbed. “And your friend probably thinks I hate his food, which isn’t true. He seemed so lovely and—”
I knew this wasn’t like Odette. She was crying in public and carrying on in a way I’d never seen before. I didn’t know how to fix it, but I wanted to help her in any way I could.
“Shh,” I said. “It’s going to be okay. I have an idea.”
“But how? If I go another day without my medications, they will make me restart them. I will be a wreck for weeks.”
I decided to call the only person I knew who might be able to help.
“Gimme just a second, okay,” I stepped away.
Odette nodded nervously.
I stepped to the area by the elevators and waited to see if my contact would pick up.
“Hey, Wyatt, what’s up?”
“Anthony, hi. I’ve got an issue. My girlfriend and I just came to St. Louis and her meds got put in a bag that I made her reorganize so we would make our connection. And… she needs them but they’re in Columbia. It’s late. I’m not sure how late baggage claim is open and it’s a lot to ask.”
He chuckled. “Ah, that’s a five-minute drive. Why don’t you meet me halfway?”
“You are a fucking lifesaver, man. I’m going to call ahead to the airline and let them know.”
“It’s fine. I’m home alone since Jenny is at some party with her girlfriends. The kids are with her parents.”
“Oh, thank you, I’m so relieved.”
“Just call ‘em and I’ll meet you in about an hour. Let’s do… the park and ride in Warrenton?”
“You got it, man.”
I hung up, dialled the airline, and watched as Odette chatted with Bobby. He was saintly. He still probably thought I was going to propose tonight. Unfortunately, Odette’s health took precedence. The VIP hotline with the airline indicated the counter was open for another hour.
Thank God!
Returning to the table, I tapped Bobby’s shoulder.
“Welp, we actually have to run here in a minute. Can we get everything to go?”
Bobby cocked his head. “You sure?”
“Yeah, I gotta meet my cousin in Warrenton. Long story.”
“Wy, we don’t have to—”
I turned back to Odette. “We do, baby. We do. I’ll explain on the way.”
“Sure thing. Give me ten minutes,” Bobby said. “We’ll rush you.”
We sat in the back of my care while the driver hopped onto I-70.
“It’s weird eating like this,” Odette said.
“Ah, it’s a nostalgia hit. My grandmother was the only one who would let us eat in her car,” I said. “Mom never would.”
“This mushroom risotto is bomb as hell,” Odette laughed.
“You have got to stay off American social media, Odie,” I teased.
“Okay, so spill. Where are we going? What is a Warrington?”
“Warrenton. It’s about halfway between here and Columbia—”
“Columbia?”
“Where your bag is.”
“Oh, right. So, what is this about your cousin?”
“My cousin Anthony lives just south of Columbia—ironically by the airport. He teaches at the university there. Anyhow, he said he’d grab our bags and bring them to us.”
“Oh my God, Wy, you’re amazing—as is Anthony!”
“It’s the only thing I could think of. Let’s get you back on your medication and feeling better, okay?”
“I love you so much,” Odette said. “Thank you for listening to me.”
“Anytime, my love. Anytime.”